This topic is about finding a Japanese-style ostomy sink or toilet in the United States. These specialized basins are designed to make life easier for ostomy users by providing a convenient, waist-high sink that flushes waste immediately and includes a hot/cold hand-sprayer. The goal is to reduce mess, smell, and toilet paper use while minimizing reliance on disposable plastics. The originator is looking for ways to buy, import, or replicate such a fixture in the U.S. Here are some helpful insights and advice:
1. Start by visiting local plumbing-supply stores, custom-bath remodelers, or vendors that specialize in hospital or clinical fixtures. They might carry or be able to special-order similar basins.
2. Consult with a professional plumber for advice on sourcing and installation. They can provide details on how to connect the basin to standard plumbing lines.
3. Consider U.S. product options like the American Standard Wall-Mount Clinic/Service Sink, model 9512999.020, which is a flushing-rim lab/clinic sink. Searching for terms like "flushing rim sink," "clinical sink," and "lab service sink" online can yield multiple vendor options.
4. Reach out to Japanese manufacturers directly, such as M’s Japan Inc., TOTO, and possibly Lixil, for more information on their products.
5. Contact international organizations like the Japan Ostomy Association (JOA) and Ostomy International for help with sourcing. Members in Japan might assist with purchasing and shipping.
6. When considering importation, calculate the total cost, including freight. Group purchases can help split shipping costs. Creative bartering, like offering U.S. goods, might also be an option.
7. For a lower-cost interim solution, consider handheld bidet sprayer kits that can be attached to a toilet or sink. Another option is installing a wall-mount toilet at a higher height with a separate sprayer.
8. Explore DIY possibilities by assembling a flushing basin using readily available plumbing parts. Some have successfully built similar fixtures in their homes.
9. Plan for accessibility by ensuring the height of the unit can be adjusted during installation. Wall-mount units offer flexible mounting options.
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