Waterless urinals are quickly gaining popularity in public restroom spaces everywhere, but at hybridH2o, we are confident that their numbers would be growing even faster if people truly understood how waterless urinals are different than flushing urinals and all the advantages they can offer. The main benefit of waterless urinals is that they can reduce water usage significantly – each one saving 3,000 gallons of water a year or more.
Flushing urinals have been around since 1866, and they are typically made of 4 parts – the pan or bowl, a trap that goes from the pan to a drain, a cistern to hold the water used in flushing and a flushing mechanism. Various flushing mechanisms are available, from mechanical flushing to timed options and sensors that activate when the urinal is used. Waterless urinals look similar in shape, but they don’t need a cistern or flushing mechanism. Because there is no flushing, the trap becomes even more important to keep sewer gases and liquids where they belong – in the sewer lines.
Waterless urinals can save you money. The reduced water usage will save you money on your utility bills. There are also fewer maintenance costs and less likelihood of needing repair. They can be simpler to maintain over time, though you will need to replace the waterless urinal cartridges periodically (the frequency depends on the usage of your urinal).
Since urine is 95% water, flushing with water isn’t necessary. The technology of waterless urinals allows a low odor, low cost alternative to flushing urinals.