Commercial and institutional restrooms are the nexus for water performance, accessibility, operations, and occupant health. In the pursuit of LEED, WELL, and Fitwel certifications, the selection of fixtures must successfully meet a number of sometimes conflicting layers of requirements: building code, certification documentation, long-term durability, and operational performance. This checklist is designed for architects, engineers, and specification professionals that require defensible criteria and verifiable outcomes instead of product marketing claims.
Establish the regulatory and certification baseline
Confirm accessibility scoping and technical requirements early
Enforceable accessibility standards focus on the minimum scoping and technical requirements for restroom fixtures. Clear floor space, reach ranges, operable parts, mounting heights, knee and toe clearance are defined under the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Fixture selections should be coordinated with architectural layouts and wall assemblies early to avoid conflicts during construction.
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
Where state or local accessibility codes exceed federal ADA requirements, the more restrictive provisions should govern.
Align plumbing code compliance and green code overlays
Plumbing fixture flow rates and volumes of flush must be according to the adopted plumbing code. For jurisdictions like California, CALGreen brings in both mandatory and voluntary requirements beyond base code provisions, particularly for water efficiency. Confirm which locally adopted edition of CALGreen is in place and determine whether nonresidential voluntary measures are being pursued as part of the project scope.
CALGreen 2022 Appendix A5 Section A5.303.2.3.1
Even outside of California, the CALGreen thresholds are commonly used by owners as performance benchmarks and should be evaluated during early design.
Map fixture selection to LEED documentation requirements
Fixture schedule shall be developed based on LEED Indoor Water Use Reduction
Indoor Water Use Reduction credits rely on defined baseline calculations and verified fixture performance. Fixtures schedules should clearly document the rated flow rates and flush volumes at the applicable test pressures, sensor operation modes, and applicable standards. Each line item should directly support calculator LEED inputs in an effort to reduce gaps in documentation when reviewed.
Source: USGBC node 2751480
Most of the credit review delays are due to incomplete or ambiguous submittals, even when the fixtures exceed the efficiency thresholds.
Plan sub-metering and verification where applicable
Where owners require ongoing water performance monitoring, fixtures and flush controls should be compatible with submetering strategies and commissioning protocols. Selection shall consider stable set points, accessible isolation valves, and the ability to verify performance without invasive wall removal. These considerations support both LEED documentation and longterm operational verification.
Specify WaterSense and performance standards together
Use WaterSense as a qualification baseline, not a standalone requirement
EPA WaterSense certification would provide independent efficiency and performance verification for applicable fixture categories. Specifications should reference the relevant WaterSense product category and require certification documentation for submitted products.
EPA WaterSense Product Specifications
The WaterSense program does not address structural integrity, material durability, or long-term reliability on its own.
Reference applicable ASME and CSA performance standards
Performance and safety standards shall be specifically referenced in Division 22 specifications. Faucets and fittings: ASME A112.18.1 and CSA B125.1 provide requirements for materials, pressure resistance, and operational performance. Vitreous china plumbing fixtures: ASME A112.19.2 and CSA B45.1 outline structural and dimensional criteria.
ASME Ceramic Plumbing Fixtures
Require the manufacturer to specify which standards are met and provide third-party listings or test declarations when those options are offered, rather than general statements of compliance.
WELL and Fitwel criteria through fixture design and operations
Support requirements of WELL water access and quality
WELL places a premium on potable water quality and the access of occupants to drinking water. The selection of restroom fixtures impacts water quality through the selection of materials, the potential for stagnation, and their compatibility with flushing and commissioning procedures. Coordinate fixture materials and plumbing design with water quality testing and commissioning plans to support WELL verification.
WELL v2 Water: Fundamental Water Quality
Promotion of Drinking Water
Enable Fitwel water management and maintenance protocols
Fitwel supports structured water management and water quality testing programs. Fixtures should be selected to keep in mind maintainability: accessible shutoff valves, serviceable components, and clear maintenance documentation. Designs that reduce dead legs and support routine flushing help mitigate water quality risks in low-use restrooms.
Water Quality
Operations & Maintenance: Water Management Program Fitwel Help Center: 11 operations & maintenance water management program
Retrieved from: Fitwel v2.1 Water Management Program Standard
Consider long-lasting finishes for commercial and institutional settings.
Match materials and finishes with cleaning protocols
Fixtures in schools, healthcare, transportation and other high-use settings are subjected to constant cleaning with harsh disinfectants. Verify compatibility of finishes with the owner’s cleaning agents and procedures. Designs that reduce seams, exposed fasteners, and hidden leak paths can minimize maintenance and hygiene risks.
Standardize components to reduce lifecycle costs
Operational consistency is paramount. Standardizing cartridges, sensor modules, solenoids, and power supplies throughout the restrooms minimizes spare parts inventory and maintenance training required. Specifications shall require the listing of recommended spare parts lists and preventive maintenance intervals as a part of project closeout.
Assess system integration and risk management
Define Power and failure behavior for Electrical Fixtures
Document the power strategy and modes of failure for sensor-operated fixtures. Specifications should address either battery versus hardwired power, behavior during power loss, provisions for manual override, and protection against nuisance activations. This information is critical for ensuring that usability is maintained and service interruptions are not caused.
Harmonize data and monitoring requirements
In buildings with building management systems or water analytics platforms, clearly define the integration requirements. Define what points need to be measured and trends saved, communication protocols, commissioning responsibilities, and cybersecurity constraints. Even without complete BMS integration, strategies for leak detection and isolation at the restroom group level should be considered as a way to limit potential damage and water loss.
Assemble a certification-ready submittal and closeout package
A strong closeout package supports both certification review and long-term operations. Include at a minimum:
• Fixture schedules with rated performance data
• WaterSense certification documentation where applicable
Following specifications have been established for the following products: EPA WaterSense Product Specifications
• ADA drawing & cut sheet compliance 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
• Declarations of compliance with ASME and CSA standards ROM procedures
• Commissioning and flushing procedures
• Operations and maintenance manuals with guidance on cleaning compatibility
• Water management and quality testing alignment between WELL and Fitwel The WELL document states that the following are required for Fundamental Water Quality: WELL v2 Water: Fundamental Water Quality See Fitwel Help Center: Water Quality
Conclusion
Specifying restroom fixtures with LEED, WELL, and Fitwel certification in mind is a systems-based process. In addition to providing water efficiency, these fixtures should enable access, ensure durability and maintainability, as well as verifiable performance. Specifications, based upon recognized standards and aligned with operational expectations, can help provide restroom environments that meet the certification objectives while achieving their long-term functional value and reliability.
Restroom Fixture Checklist for LEED, WELL & Fitwel
| Category | Standards / Programs | Spec Checklist |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | ADA 2010 | Confirm clearances, reach ranges, mounting heights, operable parts. |
| Water Efficiency | LEED, WaterSense, CALGreen | List rated flow and flush values with test conditions and documentation. |
| Performance Standards | ASME A112.18.1, ASME A112.19.2, CSA equivalents | Require compliance declarations and verified performance standards. |
| Water Quality | WELL v2, Fitwel | Specify materials and commissioning or flushing approach to reduce stagnation risk. |
| Durability | Owner O&M requirements | Confirm finish and component resistance to disinfectants and frequent use. |
| Maintainability | Facility standards | Standardize parts, require spare parts lists, ensure service access. |
| Controls and Power | Project electrical criteria | Define battery or hardwired power, failure behavior, override capability. |
| Integration and Monitoring | Owner BMS / FM systems | Define required data points, commissioning scope, leak risk mitigation. |
| Closeout | LEED, WELL, Fitwel documentation | Require schedules, cut sheets, O&M manuals, and testing or flushing plans. |
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