Waterless Urinal Maintenance Basics

Waterless urinals are easier and faster to clean when compared to conventional flush urinals. Just spray and clean; that’s it!

However, they do rely on a specialized cartridge system for odor control and proper function. Proper cartridge care is essential to ensure optimal performance.

Cartridge Refilling Schedule

To maintain an effective odor barrier:

  • Refill sealing liquid once or twice per month.

  • Establish a regular schedule to prevent maintenance issues and ensure system functionality.

Cartridge Replacement Guidelines

Cartridge longevity varies by manufacturer:

  • Long-lasting cartridges may function for several months, reducing operational costs. These are the type of cartridges found in Waterless No-Flush urinals.

  • Short-cycle cartridges require replacement every two months, often at higher costs. Waterless No-Flush urinals do not use short-cycle cartridges.

Building owners should evaluate cartridge lifespan and expenses before selecting a waterless urinal system. This will help optimize long-term maintenance savings.

Daily Cleaning Requirements

Standard Cleaning Protocol:

  1. Spray a sanitizer or disinfectant onto all urinal surfaces.

  2. Allow dwell time per manufacturer guidelines (typically 2–5 minutes).

  3. Wipe clean with a cleaning cloth.

Key Cleaning Advantages

Waterless urinals offer several cleaning advantages over conventional urinals:

  • No scrubbing required—because there is no mineral buildup.

  • No water needed—use only the cleaning solution.

  • Reduced maintenance time—simpler upkeep than traditional urinals.

Troubleshooting Odor Issues

There are few odor issues today with no-water urinals. However, should they occur, check the following:

  • Low sealing liquid levels—compromising the odor barrier.

  • Improper cleaning or cartridge maintenance.

  • Staff training gaps—leading to incorrect maintenance practices. Cleaning professionals do need to learn how to clean no-water urinals correctly.

  • Follow manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules.

Performance Benefits

Properly maintained waterless urinals outperform traditional models in:

  • Cleanliness—reducing bacterial growth without standing water.

  • Odor control—superior management compared to conventional urinals.

  • Hygiene—enhanced sanitary restroom conditions.

Maintenance Schedule Checklist

Daily: ✔ Clean and disinfect surfaces ✔ Visually inspect for damage or leaks

Bi-weekly: ✔ Refill sealing liquid ✔ Check cartridge condition

Monthly: ✔ Evaluate cartridge replacement needs ✔ Review maintenance logs

Quarterly: ✔ Perform deep system inspection ✔ Review staff training procedures

Cost Savings Tips

Building managers can reduce long-term expenses by:

  • Researching cartridge longevity before system selection.

  • Training staff properly to prevent maintenance issues.

  • Maintaining consistent schedules to extend component life.

  • Comparing manufacturer support and replacement part costs.

Takeaway

Waterless urinals offer significant cost and maintenance advantages, including reduced cleaning time, enhanced hygiene, and improved odor control. Success depends on proper cartridge care, regular cleaning, and consistent maintenance practices. Building managers should prioritize staff training and manufacturer research to maximize system efficiency and longevity.

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