10 Must-Know Facts Before Installing Waterless Urinals

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When evaluating waterless urinal installation, most facility managers and building owners focus on one benefit — water savings. While reducing water use is a major advantage, several other critical factors should be reviewed before installing waterless urinals in your facility.

1. Understand How Waterless Urinal Technology Works

  • Waterless urinals use no water to flush.

  • They rely on gravity to direct urine into a cartridge filled with a sealant liquid.

  • This sealant moves urine into the drain and blocks restroom odors from escaping.

  • The result: odor-free, low-maintenance restroom performance with zero water waste.

2. Determine If Your Facility Is a Good Fit

  • Best suited for high-traffic commercial buildings such as:

    • Schools and universities

    • Airports and transportation hubs

    • Stadiums and arenas

    • Office buildings and government facilities

  • Delivers the greatest value where water savings, lower operating costs, and simplified maintenance make the biggest impact.

3. Verify Installation Requirements

  • Compatible with most existing plumbing systems.

  • Can be installed directly in place of traditional urinals.

  • Inspect older or corroded drain lines before installation to ensure optimal performance.

  • Newer or modernized facilities typically present no compatibility issues.

  • Proper installation and ventilation are key to long-term success.

4. Recognize the Full Range of Benefits

Beyond water conservation, the benefits of waterless urinals include:

  • Lower water and sewer bills

  • Reduced maintenance and plumbing costs

  • No flush handles — fewer vandalism and repair issues

  • Faster, easier cleaning and sanitation

  • Potentially lower installation costs than traditional flush urinals

  • Contributes to a cleaner, greener restroom environment

5. Understand and Reduce Urinal Splatter (Splash Back)

  • Urinal splatter occurs when droplets rebound from the urinal surface.

  • Can affect hygiene and cleanliness in public restrooms.

  • Waterless urinals minimize splatter because there’s no flush water creating turbulence.

  • Urine drains directly to the bottom, reducing mess and improving restroom hygiene.

6. Learn How to Clean Waterless Urinals Properly

  • Never flush with water — it can damage the cartridge or trap.

  • Use a neutral cleaner or disinfectant and a soft cloth to wipe surfaces.

  • Regular cleaning keeps urinals odor-free and performing efficiently.

  • Proper maintenance can extend cartridge life and reduce long-term costs.

7. Explore Product and Cartridge Options

  • Not all waterless urinal systems are created equal.

  • Cartridge lifespans differ by manufacturer — from a few months to longer intervals.

  • Choosing a long-life cartridge system reduces maintenance frequency and costs.

  • Review brand warranties, replacement costs, and environmental certifications before purchasing.

8. Consider LEED and Green Building Certification

  • LEED v5 and other green building standards award points for installing water-saving restroom fixtures.

  • Waterless urinals contribute to LEED certification, helping facilities meet sustainability benchmarks.

  • Can also help contribute to WELL certification.

9. Align with Your Sustainability Strategy

  • Perfect for organizations pursuing water reduction, net-zero, or sustainable operations.

  • Reinforces your corporate sustainability commitment.

  • Demonstrates environmental leadership in response to growing water scarcity across North America.

  • Publicly showcasing these efforts can strengthen your brand reputation.

10. Know the Expected Lifespan and ROI

  • A high-quality waterless urinal can last as long or longer than flush urinals.

  • With no moving parts, there’s less risk of breakage or downtime.

  • Choose a timeless design to maintain aesthetic appeal over time.

  • Long-term ROI comes from reduced water use, lower maintenance, and fewer repairs.

Key Takeaway

By reviewing these ten factors, facility managers and building owners can make an informed decision about installing waterless urinals. In most cases, the conclusion is clear — waterless technology is the smarter, more sustainable, and more cost-effective choice.

👉 Contact Waterless Co. Inc. today to learn how our waterless urinals can:

  • Save water and reduce utility costs

  • Lower maintenance demands

  • Help your facility meet sustainability and LEED goals

Visit www.waterless.com to get started.