We Asked ChatGPT: Do Waterless Urinals Cause Odor Problems?

Waterless Urinals Installed in a Dormitory

Here’s What It Told Us

No: Most of the lingering odor issues with early no-water urinals stemmed from inadequate maintenance rather than a flaw in the technology itself. With a routine, thorough restroom cleaning and service regimen, you can keep waterless systems fresh and odor-free.

Past causes of odor problems with waterless urinals

• Barrier fluid depletion or expired cartridges. Once the sealing liquid in the trap breaks down, sewer gases and bacteria can escape.

• Failure to clean inside the urinal with an all-purpose or antibacterial cleaning agent on a regular basis.

• True for both conventional and waterless urinals, failure to clean floors, walls, partitions and mats under the urinal.

  Essential maintenance tasks

• Cartridge or trap-seal replacement

• Always use the correct cartridge or sealant fluid for your specific urinal.

• Follow the manufacturer’s recommended interval—typically every 2–6 months, depending on usage and model.

• Routine inspections

• Verify that the trap still contains liquid

Cleaning best practices

• Never flush with plain water as it would deplete the sealing liquid

• Use manufacturer-approved cleaners (for example, NviroClean) or a neutral pH disinfectant

• Spray the entire urinal, allow 2–3 minutes of dwell time, then wipe with a microfiber cloth.

• Clean surrounding areas at every visit

• Wipe down walls, partitions, floors and mats to remove droplets and prevent odors from accumulating.

• Mop around the fixture with an all-purpose cleaner; launder or replace mats regularly.

• Monitor for and clear clogs promptly

• A blocked drain will back up odors. If slow drainage is noted, use a compatible, non-emulsifying cleaner or snake the line.

Bottom line

When you adhere to a schedule of timely liquid refills, cartridge replacements, targeted cleaning with the right products, and thorough surrounding-area care, waterless urinals deliver on their water-saving and hygiene promise without the odor headaches of the past.What It Told Us

The Restroom: A Key Focus for Water Efficiency

Image by Declan Sun found on Unsplash

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, restrooms represent the primary source of water consumption in nearly all commercial environments. Toilets, sinks, and urinals collectively constitute approximately 60% of total water usage within commercial facilities.

Therefore, addressing restroom water efficiency presents a strategic opportunity for building owners and managers seeking to reduce operational costs and enhance overall sustainability.

It's important to distinguish between water efficiency and water conservation.

• Water conservation is a temporary reduction in water usage, often in response to a water shortage. For instance, a city might ask residents to limit outdoor watering during a drought. Once the shortage ends, these restrictions are usually lifted.

• Water efficiency, on the other hand, is a long-term strategy for reducing water consumption regardless of current water conditions. This involves installing systems and fixtures that meet the same needs as conventional ones but use less water over time.

By implementing water efficiency measures, building owners can achieve a measurable return on investment (ROI). This can be calculated by comparing previous spending on water and related operational costs with new, lower costs. The ROI for new equipment and fixtures can be substantial, as it includes savings from reduced water, sewer, energy, and maintenance costs over the lifetime of the project.

Key Steps to Improve Water Efficiency

Here are some effective steps commercial facilities can take to become more water-efficient:

• Toilets: Replace older toilets with models that meet or exceed plumbing codes, using 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf). Consider high-efficiency or dual-flush toilets that use even less water.

• Faucets: Install low-flow aerators on faucets to reduce water flow from approximately 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm) to as little as 0.5 gpm.

• Urinals: Upgrade to newer, low-flow urinals that use 1.0 gpf or less. For maximum savings, consider installing waterless urinals. A Rand Corporation study found that these can lead to significant savings from reduced maintenance costs in addition to saving water.

• Alternative Water Sources: Explore greywater distribution systems. This non-potable water, collected from sinks and showers, can be reused for flushing toilets and urinals, and in some cases, for landscape irrigation.

• Leak Detection: Implement a formal leak detection program. Regular checks of all fixtures and plumbing connections can prevent the loss of thousands of gallons of water each year. Leaks are often only fixed when they become obvious, but a proactive program can catch and fix them early.

The Power of Tracking Water Usage

Before making any changes, the first and most crucial step is to understand where your facility is using water. Installing sub-meters in different areas—such as restrooms, kitchens, or different floors—and tracking consumption can reveal inconsistencies and problem areas.

For instance, if one section of a building uses significantly more water than another, is it due to fewer occupants, or could there be hidden plumbing leaks or outdated fixtures? Tracking this data allows building engineers to quickly pinpoint and address these issues, helping owners and managers prioritize which areas to upgrade first to maximize savings.

By investing in water efficiency, building owners and managers not only save money but also position themselves as leaders in their communities, making a positive impact on reducing water consumption.

Klaus Reichardt is a frequent speaker and author on water conservation and water efficiency issues. He is the founder and CEO of Waterless Co. Inc, makers of no-water urinal systems and other restroom products.

The 2025 Guide to Waterless Urinals: Your Questions Answered

Waterless No-Flush Urinals in a Sports Stadium Restroom

With more people returning to offices, schools, and campuses, there's a growing interest in upgrading restroom facilities. Waterless urinals are becoming a popular choice, and we've gathered the most common questions to help you understand them better.

Installation and Maintenance

Is a waterless urinal's trap easy to clean?

Yes. The cylinder or trap at the base of a waterless urinal, such as the EcoTrap®, only needs to be wiped down during regular cleaning. There's no need to remove the trap for a special cleaning. This simple process makes upkeep a breeze.

Do you need to clean the drainpipes?

No. Unlike with flush urinals, you don't need to perform extra cleaning of the pipes. The only time you'd need to clean them is if there's an obstruction, which is rare.

Will urine crystallize and clog the pipes?

The hard crystallization of urine that can build up in flushed urinals is not a problem with waterless models. The soft sediment that remains in the drain line won't cause blockages.

How long does it take to install a waterless urinal?

Replacing a traditional urinal with a waterless one typically takes a plumber about an hour. Installation can take longer if the new urinal has a different "footprint" or if there are unexpected plumbing or structural issues.

Manufacturing and Selection

How many companies make waterless urinals?

There are several manufacturers in North America, with Waterless being a leader in the market. More companies also operate in Europe, Asia, and India.

Should I shop around before buying a waterless urinal?

Absolutely. It's a mistake to assume all waterless urinals are the same. Key differences to consider include the design, how the system works, and the overall cost of ownership. Some models have a much higher long-term cost than others, so it's smart to compare options before you make a decision.

Usage and Scalability

Is there a user limit for waterless urinals?

No. There's no such thing as a "boy limit" or a user limit for waterless urinals. They are designed to accommodate high-traffic facilities, including schools with hundreds of students, just like traditional urinals.

How many waterless urinals are installed globally?

It's estimated that waterless urinals make up about 5% of all urinals worldwide. This number is expected to grow as more facilities adopt this water-saving technology.

Is there anything else you'd like to know about waterless urinals?

Just ask.

Waterless Urinals - Just How Do They Work?

At a recent conference in Germany, Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of California-based Waterless Co., Inc., answered questions about waterless urinals, their pros, cons, and solutions before a group of German builders, building owners, and managers.  

Below are some of those questions and his answers. While sometimes specific to Germany and Europe, these answers apply universally, making them relevant wherever Waterless urinals are considered or installed. 

Do certain facilities benefit more from installing waterless urinals than others?

While all facilities can benefit from waterless urinals, some, like convention centers, may benefit the most. These large venues, used by millions of people annually, consume vast amounts of water. Installing waterless urinals can significantly cut water usage and operating costs. That's why many sports venues, which are also used by millions of people, have already installed them and are now enjoying water and cost savings.  

Are there facilities where waterless urinals cannot be installed?

For the most part, not any longer. Some areas of the world may still have plumbing codes that deter the installation of no-water urinals, but in North America and most of Europe, these codes have mostly been removed or are no longer applicable. However, some exceptions may exist, such as historical buildings with strict preservation rules, which might prevent the installation of waterless urinals.  

Along these lines, have you ever told a building owner or manager they should not install waterless urinals in an existing facility?

Actually, I have. Before installing waterless urinals, building owners and managers must ask themselves three questions:

1.    How many men would be using the urinals?

2.    How many times a day?

3.    How many days per week?

Installing waterless urinals may not be cost-effective for a small location with just a few building users. However, waterless urinals should be considered during renovations or new construction, assuring a sound investment, no matter how many people use or work in the facility.

Is sustainability a key factor in installing waterless urinals?

Yes, that is a factor, but at the end of the day, cost savings has become the key reason for adopting waterless urinals. Water and sewer costs can vary by location in Europe and throughout North America. Still, overall, water is becoming very expensive around the globe especially in Germany and other parts of Europe. According to the NCESC Geographic FAQ, which provides information for people and organizations considering relocation, water in Europe 'can cost up to four times more than in the U.S.'

Additionally, wastewater removal from facilities can be 'considerably higher in Europe than in the U.S.' For instance, in Germany, the average cost of water and wastewater removal for a medium-sized business can be significantly higher than in the U.S.  

Are waterless urinals less or more expensive to clean and maintain than traditional ones?

The costs to clean and maintain traditional and waterless urinals are the same – but with one exception.  We still find that some manufacturers require specific cylinders (these are placed at the bottom of most waterless urinals) that cost more and have shorter life spans than other waterless urinals.  As with the selection of virtually all products, some due diligence is necessary to select the most cost-effective waterless urinals. 

What's the funniest or strangest question you've ever been asked about waterless urinals?

Well, since you asked, I was talking to a group of building owners and managers in a meeting just like this when suddenly, someone asked with genuine curiosity, "Should we install these in the ladies' restroom?"  I just had to keep a straight face and say urinals are designed specifically for men in men's restrooms. Then I added, "They're definitely not something I foresee ladies lining up to use." It was a light-hearted moment that brought some humor to the discussion.

-Klaus

The Surprising Data About Prison Water Consumption

Image on Pixabay by Marcello Rabozzi

It is well-known that prisons cost a lot of money to operate. The average cost of confinement in the U.S., according to most estimates, is around $30,000 per year per inmate. And with an estimated 2.1 million people behind bars in the U.S., you can see just what a staggeringly high price tag this is.

Correctional facilities are essentially small cities. To operate them, along with food service for the inmates and staff, they must pay all the same utility bills that any city – and any resident in that city – would normally have to pay. And this includes water, which can also be a hefty expense for correctional facilities.

Now, you might think that those incarcerated would use less water than someone outside, making water consumption less of an issue. After all, they don’t necessarily have to shower and shave every morning before going off to work, five days per week. Further, in some correctional locations around the country, inmates are only allowed three five-minute showers per week.

But the figures tell us a different story.

Prison operations require substantial financial resources. The average annual cost of incarcerating one person in the United States is approximately $30,000, and with 2.1 million Americans currently behind bars, the total expense is enormous.

Jails function like small cities, requiring the same basic utilities and services. They must provide food service, maintain buildings, and cover standard utility costs, including water bills that can be surprisingly expensive.

One might assume that incarcerated individuals would consume less water than people living freely. After all, they don't need to prepare for daily work routines, and many facilities limit inmates to just three five-minute showers per week.

However, the actual data reveals otherwise.

Prisoners use significantly more water than the average person. The average person uses between 80–100 gallons of water per day, while prisoners use 120–149 gallons per day. Some sources cite a slightly lower range, with "the average prisoner uses 75 to 100 gallons of water per day, with 40 to 50 gallons of that being" for hot water needs.

This higher consumption is counterintuitive given the restrictions on shower frequency and daily routines you mentioned in your original text. Investigators suggest the discrepancy exists simply "because they can" - meaning that when water is available without direct personal cost, people tend to use more of it.

This increased usage helps explain why water costs are such a significant expense for jails, despite the limited shower schedules and controlled environment. The facilities must provide adequate water infrastructure and pay for consumption that exceeds typical residential usage patterns.

Press Release: Waterless Urinals Are Driving Sustainability

Transformational change that lowers operating costs, enhances indoor hygiene, and improves a facility's sustainability profile.

Facility managers looking for high-impact sustainability upgrades are turning to an often-overlooked fixture: the urinal.

The shift toward waterless urinals, specifically, is gaining momentum across commercial real estate, education, and healthcare sectors, where managers are under pressure to reduce water usage, trim utility expenses, and meet growing environmental compliance standards.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, each conventional urinal replaced with a waterless unit can save approximately 26,000 gallons of water annually. In a facility with 50 urinals, that's 1.3 million gallons saved per year—enough to fill two Olympic-sized swimming pools.

"These aren't minor efficiency tweaks," says Klaus Reichardt, CEO and founder of Waterless Co., Inc. "They represent transformational change that lowers operating costs, enhances indoor hygiene, and improves a facility's sustainability profile."

Operational and Environmental Advantages
Beyond reducing water consumption, waterless urinals deliver tangible energy savings.

👍Traditional urinals rely on energy to pump water to and from a facility and treat it. By eliminating flushing entirely, facilities reduce their energy footprint and decrease the volume of wastewater entering treatment systems, lowering chemical and energy demands.

👍Custodial teams also report benefits. Waterless urinals can typically be cleaned with only all-purpose cleaners, whereas flush units often require harsh chemicals to combat scale, staining, and bacterial growth.

👍With no standing water, dry surfaces inhibit odor and biofilm buildup, streamlining custodial workflows.

👍Waterless urinal technology aligns directly with the goals of LEED, WELL, and other Green building certifications. Water-use reductions can contribute points under LEED v5 Indoor Water Use Reduction credit and align with WELL's Water

Concept for health and sustainability.
"These certifications increasingly influence tenant decisions, investor interest, even insurance assessments," says Reichardt.

"Installing waterless urinals can be a low-barrier way to support certification goals without major capital investment."

Reichardt notes that with shifting climate conditions and increasingly stringent building performance standards, the demand for scalable water-saving technologies is on the rise.

"We're at the point today where every gallon saved is a gain for the environment and our planet."

###

About Waterless

Waterless Co., Inc. is a family-run business founded in 1991 and is a leader in promoting water efficiency. Based in Vista, CA, the company's product range includes various waterless urinals for home and commercial settings, liquid plumbing solutions, and cost-saving accessories, reflecting their focus on sustainability and innovation in water-saving technologies.

The Impact of Restrooms on Your Facility's Image

Waterless Urinals at Mercedes Benz Stadium Atlanta

The commercial property market is on the rebound, but many older buildings need significant upgrades to attract new tenants. While many factors influence a tenant's decision, one often overlooked area can make a huge impact: the restroom.

Why Restrooms Matter

Restrooms are a reflection of your entire facility and how it's managed. A clean, well-maintained restroom demonstrates a building's concern for its occupants and visitors. But simply being clean isn't enough. Modernizing restrooms with high-quality fixtures and amenities can make a powerful statement about the building's professionalism and value. In fact, some building owners are going even further, reimagining restrooms as a small oasis where people can take a brief break from their busy workday.

Upgrading for Success

To attract and retain tenants, consider these key upgrades for your facility's restrooms:

• Modern Fixtures: Upgrade to touchless, sensor-operated faucets, toilets, and dispensers. These fixtures are not only more hygienic but also give the space a sleek, contemporary feel.

• Water Efficiency: Restrooms are major water consumers. Install high-efficiency toilets that use 1.28 gallons per flush or less, and consider waterless urinals to significantly reduce water usage and lower operating costs.

• Monitoring Systems: Modern restrooms should include technology that monitors paper and water usage and alerts staff when supplies are running low. This ensures a consistently stocked and well-maintained space.

• Aesthetics: Choose durable, attractive materials for countertops, flooring, and walls. Replace harsh fluorescent lighting with stylish fixtures, and add artwork or plants to create a welcoming atmosphere.

• Accessibility and Inclusivity: Ensure your restrooms meet the latest ADA requirements. Install features like grab bars, lower sinks, and wider stalls to make your facility welcoming and accessible to everyone.

• Sustainability Signage: Show your commitment to sustainability by displaying signage that explains your eco-friendly choices, such as low-flow toilets, waterless urinals, and environmentally friendly cleaning products. This transparency is appreciated by tenants and visitors.

Think of restroom renovation as a strategic investment. By making these upgrades, you can significantly enhance your facility's image, boost tenant satisfaction, and attract new occupants. Transforming your restrooms isn't just an upgrade; it's a powerful statement about your organization's values and dedication to creating a comfortable and modern environment.

What's the first restroom upgrade you would consider for your facility?

Clogging Urinals and What To Do About It

A Clog Free Waterless Urinal

Conventional urinals and waterless urinals, like the one above, are both built to last for years, even decades. However, that's where their similarities end. Water-using urinals – conventional urinals - often develop problems over time, so much so that some schools, restaurants, and bars consider their maintenance one of their biggest restroom challenges.

Common Problems with Conventional Urinals

While many issues involve the flush system, clogging is a frequent problem with conventional urinals. Typically, the clogs are due to:

• Debris or soil entering the urinal.

• Uric scale, also known as uric acid buildup. Hard crystals form, creating a breeding ground for bacteria that eventually lead to clogs.

• Infrequent or absent flushing, which allows soil to accumulate.

Preventing Clogs: Warning Signs

Fortunately, conventional urinals usually show signs before a complete clog develops. Look out for:

• Slow drainage: If water takes a long time to flow down the urinal, a clog is likely forming. This applies to all water-using fixtures; a slow-draining faucet, for example, signals a developing clog.

• Stationary water: Sometimes, after flushing, the water at the base of the urinal doesn't seem to move. It's usually draining, but so slowly that it's unnoticeable.

• Gurgling or bubbling sounds: These sounds indicate the urinal is struggling. They occur as gravity forces water past a partial obstruction in the drain.

• Overflowing urinal: This is the most serious sign of a clog. When flushed, water overflows from the urinal bowl instead of draining.

Solutions for Clogged Urinals

Most urinal clogs can be resolved in-house, saving you the expense of a plumber. Here's what you can do:

• Remove any debris from the base of the urinal and any urinal drain pads.

• Use a traditional rubber plunger. Apply continuous, firm pressure a few times to clear minor clogs.

• If plunging doesn't work, try a DIY drain auger (snake). These are generally easy to use after reading the instructions.

• While many professionals advise against it, urinal-specific chemical cleaners or enzymatic solutions can dissolve clogs. Be aware that these can also corrode pipes.

• If none of these options work, it's time to call a professional plumber. Persistent clogs suggest a more serious issue, such as an obstruction deeper in the pipes or even in the sewage system, which only a professional can handle.

Why Waterless Urinals Are an Alternative

We’d like to say one reason building managers select waterless urinals is because of their reputation for rarely clogging. This may be true in bars and restaurants however, the primary reasons managers select waterless urinals are the significant savings in water, installation and utility costs.

But at least you know there is another alternative to frequently clogging drains.

Klaus Reichardt, founder and CEO of Waterless Co. LLC in Vista, California, is a recognized authority on water conservation. Since 1991, he has led the company to innovate plumbing products like the Waterless No-Flush urinal, which operates entirely without water.

To contract Klaus, click here

Why Stagnant Water in Conventional Urinals is a Serious Problem

Image of Stagnant Water by A.C. found on Unsplash

Removing stagnant water from traditional urinals limits bacterial growth and odors because stagnant water fosters bacteria that create unpleasant smells and may pose health risks.

Here's what else we need to know:

• Stagnant water provides a nutrient-rich, stable environment that allows bacteria to accumulate and form biofilms. These biofilms, complex communities of bacteria that adhere to surfaces, create a protective environment where bacteria can survive and thrive undisturbed for extended periods.
  
  The challenge lies in the fact that once these biofilms have formed, removing them can be a daunting task, underscoring the urgency of addressing the issue of stagnant water.
  

• The lack of flow disturbances in these biofilms also promotes the growth of not only bacteria but also other microorganisms, resulting in malodor. Because the water remains still for extended periods, bacteria have more time to reproduce and metabolize organic matter.

• This leads to increased microbial counts and the increased production of odor-causing compounds such as sulfides and organic acids. This microbial activity can degrade water quality and generate malodor.

• Minimizing or avoiding stagnant water through continuous or periodic flushing can reduce bacterial populations. Studies show that bacterial counts in stagnant water decrease significantly within minutes after flushing, thereby reducing the release of bacteria into downstream water.
  

  This limits the growth of biofilm and the nutrients that feed microbial regrowth. However, it's important to note that this approach requires ongoing and frequent flushing throughout the day, increasing the restroom maintenance burden.
  

  Stagnation also allows sulfate-reducing bacteria to thrive in oxygen-poor conditions, producing hydrogen sulfide gas. When this happens, it creates a distinct and unpleasant 'rotten egg' smell. Eliminating stagnation in urinals helps improve aeration and disrupts anaerobic bacterial processes, thereby reducing odors.

Solutions

While traditional urinals can be flushed frequently to prevent the growth of biofilms and bacteria, as we mentioned earlier, it is essential to remember that each flush can require as much as 3.5 gallons of water, resulting in significant amounts of wasted water. In today's world, this is no longer an option.

After thirty years in the cleaning industry, I have found that the most effective way to prevent water stagnation is to install waterless urinals.

These urinals eliminate the need for water, thereby eliminating the problem of stagnation. The urinal surface remains drier, cleaner, and odor-free, resulting in a much more hygienic and healthier restroom environment. View this solution as a definitive answer to the issue of stagnant water in urinals.

Guest Author: Robert Kravitz is a former building service contractor and facility management advisor. 

How the Design of Waterless Urinals Prevents Odors Better than Traditional Urinals

Here are some of the ways the Waterless No-Flush Urinal’s design outperforms traditional urinals in preventing odors:

👉Sealant trap (also known as membrane barrier): Waterless Urinals utilize a cutting-edge trap or cylinder housing a liquid sealant called Blueseal®. This advanced sealant, a pivotal element in odor prevention, forms a barrier that urine passes through. As the urine passes below this barrier, odors and sewer gases are effectively blocked from permeating back into the restroom.

This is far more effective than traditional urinals, which rely on a water-filled P-trap that can dry out, allowing odors to escape. This is especially true in places like schools, which often have extended periods of minimal use.

👉Lack of water means less bacterial growth. Urine, by itself, is sterile. However, in traditional water-filled urinals, bacteria such as E. coli and Staphylococcus breed rapidly where water and urine mix, producing unpleasant odors and posing health risks.

Waterless urinals create a dry environment that is inhospitable to germs and bacteria, thereby eliminating odors while promoting health and safety in the restroom. This emphasis on health and safety reassures restroom users of the product's benefits.

👉No aerosolized bacteria: Flushing traditional urinals can send droplets (often filled with bacteria) into the air, spreading odors and germs. This problem was particularly concerning during the pandemic.

Waterless urinals, by eliminating the need for flushing, ensure that the problem of aerosolized bacteria is completely eradicated. This results in cleaner air and surfaces, fostering a safer and more secure restroom environment.

👉Non-porous, smooth surfaces: Waterless Urinals are constructed using smooth, non-porous materials, preventing urine from adhering to the bowl. This further reduces hiding places for bacteria where odors can develop.

As we can see, Waterless Urinals create cleaner, more odor-free restrooms than traditional flushing urinals through three key mechanisms:

1.    They eliminate moisture from the bowl

2.    Use high-quality sealants to physically block sewer gases

3.    Incorporate advanced materials that prevent bacteria, prevent odors from building-up, and making the urinal easy to clean and maintain.

Klaus Reichardt, founder and CEO of Waterless Co. LLC in Vista, California, is an authority on water conservation. Since 1991, he has led the company to innovate plumbing products like the Waterless No-Flush urinal, which operates entirely without water. He can be reached at www.waterless.com