If you're looking for ways to make your building eco-friendlier while saving money, here’s one way to do it: install waterless urinals.
But maybe you're curious about how they work or wondering if they're right for your facility. Let's dive into this innovative technology that's helping facilities around the world reduce their environmental footprint and cut costs all at the same time.
How Do Waterless Urinals Actually Work?
The beauty of this technology lies in its elegant simplicity. Think of it as key components working together seamlessly.
The Basin Does Its Job. Just like a conventional urinal, the waterless version has a sloped basin that guides urine down to the base of the urinal. Gravity does all the work.
Where the Magic Happens. Here's where things get interesting. At the bottom sits a special cylinder (the trap) that acts like a one-way valve. It lets urine flow down to your building's sewer line while keeping unpleasant odors from floating back up into your restroom.
The Secret Ingredient: The Liquid Sealant. Inside the trap is a specially formulated liquid that's lighter than urine and completely biodegradable. Picture it floating on top like oil on water, creating a perfect seal that blocks odors while still allowing liquids to pass through.
The Simple Flow Process. When someone uses the urinal, the urine naturally flows below this floating sealant layer due to its higher density. It then flows into your drainage system just like it would with a traditional urinal. The whole process is self-sustaining – no electricity, no water, no complicated mechanisms.
Why Your Wallet (and the Planet) Will Thank You
Believe it or not, waterless urinals have been around since the mid-1800s, but they really took off in the U.S. market in the 1990s thanks to pioneers like Waterless Co., Inc. Here's why they're making such a splash:
Water Savings That Add Up Fast. We're talking about serious water efficiency and conservation here. Each waterless urinal can save you between 26,000 to 35,000 gallons of water every single year – that's according to the EPA. If you run a large office building or school, you could be looking at millions of gallons saved annually. Your water bill will definitely notice the difference!
Your Maintenance Team Will Love You. Without all those flush valves, sensors, and moving parts that traditional urinals have, there's simply less that can break down with a waterless urinal in place. This means fewer service calls (usually NO service calls), less downtime, and more money staying in your pocket.
Installation Made Simple. The plumbing requirements are much more straightforward, which translates to faster installation times and lower upfront costs. Your contractor will appreciate the simpler job, and you'll appreciate the savings.
Are They Right for You?
Waterless urinals are about making a smart investment in your building's future. You'll be meeting sustainability goals that matter more than ever to employees, customers, and stakeholders, while also seeing real financial benefits month after month.
The technology has proven itself to be reliable and effective across thousands of installations. It's one of those rare solutions where doing good for the environment also means doing good for your bottom line.
Ready to take the next step toward more sustainable, cost-effective restroom management? Waterless urinals might just be the upgrade your facility has been waiting for.
Waterless Co., Inc is a pioneer in water efficiency. We are the go-to company when it comes to reducing water consumption, understanding the many benefits of waterless urinals, and finding ways to use water more efficiently. For more information, contact a Waterless Co Specialist.
