Security Considerations for Bathroom Locks | Dixie Safe & Lock Service Inc.

If you’re considering replacing a bathroom door soon, you may have some questions about what kind of bathroom locks you should use in your home or business. After all, with so many options like deadbolts, button locks and keypad locks, there’s a wide variety of restroom locks out there to choose from. The following are some security considerations and general bathroom door lock information to help get you started.

Privacy Locks - These are the most common bathroom locks available. They don’t require a key. Instead, the lock is engaged using a button on the handle inside the bathroom. The lock is released when the knob inside the bathroom is turned. Other privacy locks use a thumb turn locking mechanism.

The thing about bathroom door locks is: They aren’t as much there for security as much as privacy. So, a bigger, stronger lock isn’t always necessary. In fact, it’s more important your lock fits your needs and is reliable than it is impenetrable. Depending on your situation, a simple push-button or thumb turn privacy lock, or even no lock at all, may be best. What you choose may ultimately come down to where your bathroom is located and who will be using it most often.

This is an important consideration for homes with small children, seniors or those with physical disabilities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bathrooms are one of the most dangerous areas in the home.1 You should consider whether you might need emergency access to the bathroom due to a slip and fall, a child locking themselves inside or a similar urgent situation. Most privacy locks provide keyless entry from the outside, usually in the form of a small hole that can be accessed with a paper clip or needle.

Another important security consideration is the condition of your bathroom lock’s internal hardware. Outdated or damaged hardware, for example, could malfunction and result in a child being locked inside or the door being unable to lock entirely. Be sure to monitor the condition of your lock’s hardware and make sure nothing is sticking or inoperable. You may want to have someone help you check to make sure the lock is still working properly, especially if the parts are old or in poor condition.

If you need residential or commercial door lock installation, don’t leave your safety and privacy up to chance. Be sure to work with trusted professionals so you can rest easy knowing your home or business will be sealed up safely and tightly. Dixie Safe & Lock Service Inc. has been keeping the Houston area secure since 1974 by selling and installing only the best door locks and hardware. For more information, call (713) 643-5767 or visit us online today!