The appeal of installing waterless urinals can often be boiled down to two main categories. Those two categories are water conservation (traditional urinals can use up to 26,000 gallons per year) and lower water costs. These are excellent reasons to explore the feasibility of waterless urinals. Just be aware there may be some hidden costs you’ll need to research before making a move.
A huge factor in whether waterless urinals are suitable for you is the existing plumbing in your building. Aged plumbing not designed for a waterless application creates extra costs in service repairs. In addition, moving to a waterless system could highlight existing pipe problems and create new issues if the pipes are on an upward slope. Manufacturers recommend that drain lines slope down at least ¼ inch per foot to ensure proper drainage.
Waterless Urinal Maintenance
While these urinals are water-free, they are not maintenance-free fixtures. Part of the waterless urinal system involves urine passing through a cartridge. The cartridge prevents odors and sewer gasses from entering up through the pipe and into the restroom. A layer of liquid sealant forms a seal inside the cartridge.
Changing the cartridges in waterless urinals needs to happen regularly. In addition to the cartridges needing to be changed, the pipes will need to be flushed out with a small amount of water from time to time. These costs need to be accounted for and weighed against the current costs of your building’s traditional urinals.
Looking for an Expert Opinion?
Being conscious of our environmental footprint and looking for ways to lower water usage are excellent reasons to consider waterless urinals. ColonialWebb has experience working with customers who want to switch to a waterless system and customers who have switched back to traditional fixtures. If you’re looking for a consultation or more information about waterless urinal systems, contact us here, and we’ll be happy to guide you in making the best choice for your building.
