waterless urinals is, "How much maintenance do they require?"
The answer often surprises them.
Waterless urinals from Waterless Co., Inc are designed to be simple, dependable, and inexpensive to maintain. In fact, routine maintenance typically takes only a few minutes per fixture and requires far less attention than many people expect.
With a straightforward maintenance routine, facilities can enjoy years of odor-free operation while saving money along with thousands of gallons of water annually.
The Secret to Consistent Performance
Our waterless urinals rely on two key maintenance tasks:
Refilling the BlueSeal® sealing liquid
Replacing the EcoTrap® cartridge when necessary
When performed at the recommended intervals, these simple procedures help maintain proper drainage, prevent odors, and maximize the life of the plumbing system.
BlueSeal® Refills: A 20-Second Maintenance Task
BlueSeal® creates the protective liquid barrier that allows urine to pass into the drain while preventing sewer gases from traveling back into the restroom.
Adding the sealing liquid couldn't be easier.
Simply measure approximately three ounces of BlueSeal® using the PortionAid®, then pour it directly into the EcoTrap® near the back of the urinal. The entire process takes about 20 seconds.
Contrary to a common misconception, BlueSeal® does not need to be added every day. Instead, every few weeks to months, depending on restroom traffic.
Typical refill intervals include:
1–75 users per day: About once per month
76–150 users: Twice per month
151–225 users: Three times per month
226–300 users: Approximately once per week
Following these guidelines helps maintain an effective seal while minimizing maintenance costs.
Proper Cleaning Is Equally Important
Cleaning waterless urinals is much like cleaning conventional urinals—with one crucial difference.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh scrubbing compounds.
Instead:
Remove any debris from the bowl.
Use a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft sponge or cloth.
Wipe all interior and exterior surfaces clean, paying special attention to the lower front of the fixture.
Dry the surfaces with a soft cloth, primarily to remove chemical residue.
Facilities using our Nviro-Clean™ can simplify the process even further by spraying the cleaner on the urinal surface and allowing it to work without scrubbing. The cleaner should be applied once or twice daily, depending on restroom traffic.
When Should the EcoTrap® Be Replaced?
The EcoTrap® cartridge does not require frequent replacement.
Instead, replace it only when needed—typically if urine begins draining slowly or pooling in the fixture.
Replacement frequency depends on usage:
1–30 users per day: About once per year
31–60 users: Twice per year
61–90 users: Three times per year
91–120 users: Four times per year
Even cartridge replacement is straightforward, typically taking only three to four minutes.
The process includes removing the existing cartridge with the included X-Traptor® tool, flushing the drain with approximately five gallons of hot water to remove accumulated sediment, installing a new EcoTrap®, and adding three ounces of BlueSeal®.
Why Maintenance Matters
Routine maintenance provides benefits far beyond odor control.
Properly maintained waterless urinals can help:
Prevent sewer gas odors
Maintain fast drainage
Extend plumbing system performance
Reduce service calls
Lower operating costs
Maximize long-term water savings
Most importantly, consistent maintenance helps ensure occupants experience a clean, fresh restroom, something every facility manager values.
A Small Investment That Delivers Big Returns
Many organizations initially assume waterless urinals require specialized or time-consuming maintenance.
The reality is quite the opposite.
With BlueSeal® refills taking about 20 seconds and EcoTrap® replacement requiring only a few minutes a few times per year, maintenance is remarkably simple. When combined with significant water savings, reduced utility costs, and dependable odor control, waterless urinals continue to be one of the easiest sustainability upgrades a facility can make.
By following a consistent maintenance schedule, facility managers can keep their waterless urinals operating efficiently for years while enjoying the environmental and financial benefits that made them an attractive investment in the first place.
