For Young and Old: The Silly Ghost & Goblins Jingle

🎃 The Happy Halloween Song 🎃

The ghosties shout “Boo-hoo-hoo!”
The kitties hiss, the pumpkins too!
The candy bowl is shining bright,
A treasure chest on Halloween night!

I’m a pirate, you’re a frog —
Let’s dance our way through mist and fog!
We’ve got the best looks all around,
Let’s laugh and make some spooky sounds!

🎵 Chorus:
Halloween! Halloween! What a frightful sight!
Spooky treats and glowing lights!
We’ll trick and treat till morning’s light,
Just hold your candy bag real tight!

👻 Happy Halloween! 👻

Image by Shuraev Yaroslav

💧 Residential Water Use Trends in the U.S.

Image by Steve Johnson found on Prexels

Residential water use across the United States continues to fluctuate due to 🌆 population growth, 🌦️ changing climates, 🚿 irrigation habits, and the adoption of 💡 water-saving technologies.

📊 According to recent studies by Sustainable Waters, Circle of Blue, and the Pacific Institute, the five states (and districts) with the highest per capita residential water use today are:

• 🏜️ Utah: 167 gallons per person per day
• 🏛️ Washington, D.C.: 125 gallons per person per day
• 🏔️ Colorado: 111 gallons per person per day
• 🌲 Washington (state): 111 gallons per person per day
• 🌴 Louisiana: 104 gallons per person per day

🗣️ “However, this list only reflects residential water use,” notes Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of Waterless Co., Inc. “States such as California, Texas, and Florida actually consume far more water overall—largely because of their extensive 🌾 agricultural and 🏭 industrial sectors, not just household demand.”

📉 Reichardt adds that one encouraging trend often goes unnoticed: since 2000, per capita water use has declined across most U.S. states. He credits this progress to several key factors:

• 🚽 Broader adoption of water-efficient products and technologies such as no-water urinals
• 🏘️ State and local conservation programs that promote reduced consumption
• 💼 Economic shifts away from water-intensive industries

🏙️ Cities such as Denver, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, and Las Vegas illustrate the impact of these efforts.
🗣️ “From 2000 to 2020, these cities reduced per capita water use by as much as 47 percent,” Reichardt explains. “Over two decades, they’ve implemented bold water efficiency measures—and the results speak for themselves.”

🔮 Looking ahead, Reichardt cautions that this positive trend could face new challenges.
🧠 “The rapid growth of AI data centers nationwide could quickly reverse some of these gains. Even a small AI facility can use up to 100 million gallons of water per day for cooling.”

🌟 Still, he remains optimistic:
💬 “The good news is that many of these data centers are already working to reclaim water, reduce consumption, or even eliminate water use altogether. This suggests we are experiencing a temporary setback, a bump in the road, that innovation will soon help us overcome.”

🏢 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.

📬 Contact Information

Waterless Co. Inc.
1050 Joshua Way
Vista, CA 92081 USA
📞 800.244.6364
📧 sales@waterless.com

How EverPrime Prevented a $5 Million Problem

Sewer odors in restrooms can strike anywhere, anytime—and the consequences cost a lot of money.

The La Jolla Lifeguard Tower Crisis

Several years ago, San Diego opened a new lifeguard tower at La Jolla Children's Pool beach. After more than four years of planning and $5 million in construction costs, the facility should have been a success story.

Instead, within months, lifeguards began reporting an unbearable smell. The source? Sewer odors rising from a floor drain in the rarely-used basement storage area.

"It has been recently brought to my attention that a significant odor is present in the Children's Pool facility," lifeguard Sgt. Marcus Schreiber wrote to city engineers. "Guards are reporting this to be unbearable at times."

The Problem Gets Worse

Soon after, the situation escalated. Lifeguards spotted three large rats in the facility, and a nearby temporary trailer became infested with ants. The sewer odors likely attracted these pests, turning a ventilation issue into a full-blown health and safety concern.

How the City Responded

The pool managers tried multiple solutions:

1.    Deep cleaning: They pressure-washed the basement floor to remove odors that had penetrated the concrete, then sealed it with acrylic floor finish.

2.    Closing the problem drain: They removed the grating and installed a solid plate over the floor drain opening to block odor escape.

3.    Investigating P-traps: They discovered that P-traps—the U-shaped pipes under drains designed to hold water and block sewer gases—had dried out in the rarely-used facility.

4.    Adding water: They poured water down the drains to refill the P-traps, but this proved to be only a temporary fix. The water eventually evaporated, and the odors returned.

The Simple Solution They Missed

What the facility managers needed was EverPrime Drain Trap Liquid. Just 3 to 6 ounces poured down each drain would have solved the problem for months.

Unlike water, EverPrime doesn't evaporate. It creates a long-lasting seal in P-traps that blocks sewer odors while protecting indoor air quality. It's an inexpensive solution that keeps facilities clean, healthy, and pest-free.

Don't let sewer odors become your problem. Contact a Waterless Co., Inc. representative today to learn more about EverPrime.

The “Bouncer” In Our Drainpipes

Image by Nauman Abdul Hafeez found on Unsplash

Plumbers are far more than fixers of leaks and uncloggers of drains. They are the unsung guardians of public health, the first line of defense against invisible threats lurking in the pipes beneath our feet.

Take the humble P-trap (aka U-trap), for instance. This curved piece of plumbing, tucked quietly beneath every drain in North America, is one of the most important health safeguards in any building.

Its job is deceptively simple yet vital: it holds a small pocket of water that blocks toxic sewer gases from creeping back into occupied spaces. Think of it as a vigilant bouncer standing at the door of your plumbing system, turning away an unsavory crowd of germs, bacteria, and foul odors.

When the U-trap loses that water seal—usually through evaporation—that bouncer steps aside, and danger enters. Within days of a drain sitting unused, gases from decomposing waste can seep into the air, spreading through ventilation systems and corridors. The result? A building-wide problem that no one sees coming.

The issue has taken on new urgency in today’s commercial real estate environment. With office vacancy rates hovering around 20% nationwide, many buildings—or sections within them—sit unused for weeks or months.

These “quiet zones” become hotspots for U-traps to dry out and release noxious sewer gases that threaten the health of everyone in the building. Symptoms can range from headaches and nausea to serious respiratory issues, and in extreme situations, even fatal exposure.

This is where plumbers become public health advocates. You’re not just repairing systems, you’re preventing illness, safeguarding air quality, and protecting lives. Yet many building managers and facility teams are unaware of how critical U-traps are, or how quickly they can fail when neglected. That’s where your role as an educator comes in.

A quick pour of water might seem like a solution, but in large facilities with hundreds of drains, it’s rarely sustainable. A smarter, more lasting approach is to use a specialized barrier liquid such as EverPrime®. This biodegradable, non-evaporating, anti-freeze solution creates a long-lasting seal in the trap, preventing evaporation and keeping sewer gases where they belong—out of sight and out of mind.

By recommending preventive products like EverPrime®, you help your clients avoid health hazards, costly complaints, and potential liability issues. More importantly, you elevate your own professional standing—from service provider to trusted advisor and protector of public health.

________________________________________

Take Your Advocacy Further

The same principles of prevention and efficiency extend to water efficiency. At Waterless Co., Inc., we’ve been leading the charge in sustainable plumbing solutions for over 35 years. Our waterless urinals save up to 35,000 gallons of water per fixture each year, transforming restrooms from cost centers into water reduction success stories.

Stop flushing money—and health—down the drain.

Contact a Waterless Co., Inc. specialist today for a free water savings assessment and discover how much your facility can save.

💧 Waterless Urinals: Your Latest Questions, Answered

Waterless Urinal Installed in an artist’s studio.

Interest in no-water urinals has surged in recent years — and for good reason. With growing concerns about water scarcity, stricter regulations, and the push for sustainable building solutions, more people are exploring proven ways to cut water use without sacrificing performance.

At Waterless Co., Inc., we’ve been receiving more questions than ever about how these urinals work, where they can be used, and what to expect when making the switch.

Here are answers to some of the most frequent questions we’ve recently received. 👇

🏠 Can You Install Waterless Urinals in Homes?

Yes — and it’s becoming more common!
Homeowners, especially those remodeling bathrooms, are beginning to see the appeal. Waterless urinals have been installed in homes “under the radar” for a few years, but interest is quickly rising.

🌍 Are Waterless Urinals Better for the Environment?

Absolutely. But let’s break that down.
They’re better in four key ways:

1️⃣ They reduce water consumption.
Each urinal saves thousands of gallons every year.

2️⃣ They cut water waste.
No malfunctioning flush valves, leaks, or unnecessary flushing.

3️⃣ They save money - Significantly.
When less water is delivered and removed from a facility water utility costs go down – yes, a lot.

4️⃣ They lower carbon emissions.
For every 264 gallons (1,000 liters) of water saved, roughly 175 grams of carbon are avoided — about 720 pounds of carbon per urinal annually. That’s because delivering and removing water requires energy.

🔁 How Often Do You Replace the Cartridge?

Typically, every 3–6 months for Waterless Co. urinals.
Some brands may require replacements every 2–3 months, often at higher cost — so always compare before you buy.

💵 What Are the Annual Maintenance Costs?

For our systems, annual maintenance averages around $50 per urinal.

That includes:

• 2–4 cartridge changes ($9–$15 each)

• Occasional refills of BlueSeal®, our odor-blocking liquid sealant.

For context: repairing or replacing a conventional urinal flush mechanism can cost $60 to $250 — each time.

🛒 Where Can You Buy Waterless Urinals?

We recommend starting with a plumbing distributor, who can help match the right model to your needs.
However, many customers purchase these urinals from reputable online retailers or directly from the manufacturer.

⚙️ What Are the Main Problems with No-Water Urinals?

Very few. With no flush valves or moving parts, there’s little that can go wrong.

If a cartridge ever clogs from mineral buildup, just replace it following manufacturer instructions — no plumber required.

🧭 The Big Picture

Waterless urinals are a practical, proven solution for all types of buildings — from schools to offices to homes — especially in drought-prone regions.

They save water, cut costs, and deliver a high return on investment. In a time when every drop counts, that’s innovation worth paying attention to.

Klaus Reichardt
CEO & Founder, Waterless Co., Inc.
💧 Helping facilities use water more efficiently, reduce costs, and support sustainable operations.
🔗www.waterless.com

Sewer Gas Odors: Causes, Health Risks, and Prevention Tips 😷

Inside a Sewer. Image by Denny Muller found on Unsplash

The smell of sewer gas in a building is more than just an unpleasant odor—it's a warning sign of a potentially serious health hazard. Understanding what sewer gas is, how it enters facilities, and how to prevent it is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy environment.

What Causes Sewer Gas Odors?

The most common culprit for sewer gas odors being released into a facility is a dried-out P-trap (often mistakenly called a "J" or "U" pipe) located directly beneath drains.

• The P-Trap's Role: The P-trap is a U-shaped plumbing fixture that holds a small pool of water. This water acts as a simple, effective water seal to block sewer gases from rising up through the drain and into the building.

• The Problem: When a drain isn't used for an extended period, the water in the trap can evaporate, allowing the foul-smelling, and potentially harmful, sewer gases to escape.

A stark historical example highlights the danger: the 2003 SARS epidemic in Hong Kong was tragically spread through dried-out P-traps under floor drains, severely impacting the health of residents in an apartment building.

What is Sewer Gas? The Complex, Toxic Mixture

Sewer gas is a complex mixture of gases, pathogens, and compounds that originate from the decomposition of organic waste in sewage. Some of these components are toxic and can cause disease.

The primary and most dangerous components of sewer gas include:

• Hydrogen Sulfide: A poisonous, corrosive, and flammable gas that often has the distinctive, offensive smell of rotten eggs.

• Methane: A potent greenhouse gas believed to contribute to ozone layer depletion. While non-toxic, it displaces oxygen and is highly flammable.

• Ammonia: A colorless gas with a sharp, strong odor. High concentrations can cause severe health issues, including blindness, and it can be deadly when mixed with other fumes.

• Carbon Dioxide: Although widely used, when released from drains, elevated concentrations can be detrimental to human and animal health and harmful to the environment.

Health Symptoms of Sewer Gas Exposure

If sewer gas is present in a home or facility, occupants may experience a range of unwelcome health symptoms. These can vary depending on the concentration and duration of exposure:

• Common Symptoms: Fatigue, headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

• More Severe Symptoms: Memory loss, seizures, coma, and in extreme cases, death.

Simple and Effective Prevention Solutions

Thankfully, preventing sewer gases from entering your space is typically a straightforward task that involves maintaining that vital water seal in the P-traps.

1. Basic Maintenance

The simplest solution is to pour a small amount of water down all drains (sinks, showers, floor drains) at least once a week. This straightforward action replenishes the water in the P-trap, preventing it from drying out.

2. Long-Lasting Protection for Commercial Facilities

For a more practical and efficient method, especially in large facilities like schools, offices, and commercial buildings, consider using a specialized product like Everprime.

• How it Works: By pouring a small amount (about 3 ounces) of Everprime® into all drains every few months, you create a consistent, long-lasting barrier against sewer gases.

• Product Benefits: Everprime® is effective, inexpensive, biodegradable, and easy-to-use. It provides durable protection, offering peace of mind that your facility is continuously protected from dangerous sewer gases.

Maintaining an effective water seal is one of the most proactive ways to keep people safe and healthy in the facilities we use every day.

Klaus Reichardt is CEO and founder of Waterless Co., Inc., a pioneer in advancing water efficiency. Reichardt is a frequent author and presenter who discusses water conservation issues. He can be reached at klaus@waterless.com.

Still Standing Strong: The Enduring Legacy of Waterless Company, Inc.

Certain American companies—Apple, Nike, Harley-Davidson, and IBM—have achieved iconic status. Nearly everyone recognizes these brands and holds them in high regard. Customers often develop emotional connections with their products, treating them almost like trusted companions.

Ask a marketing professional how to build an iconic brand, and you'll likely hear a familiar playbook:

• Maintain consistently high product quality

• Launch a distinctive product

• Investing carefully in product promotion

• Be patient. It typically takes a decade or more

Consider Nike: founded over 50 years ago, the company didn't achieve icon status until the mid-1980s when it created special sneakers for Michael Jordan and made similar versions available to consumers.

Apple followed a similar path, combining unique products with substantial advertising. Though popular in the early 1980s, Apple reached iconic status with the 1984 Macintosh launch. Despite years of challenges, the company's groundbreaking computer secured its lasting iconic position.

However, some icons emerge simply through longevity. UPS exemplifies this perfectly. Founded in 1907, UPS has outlasted countless delivery competitors over the past 117 years. The company earned icon status through steady growth, international expansion, and remarkable staying power.

This brings us to Waterless Co. Inc.

In 1991, Waterless introduced the first waterless urinals to North America. By the early 2000s, our proven technology attracted competitors, including major restroom fixture manufacturers. Many of those companies have since exited the market or refocused on traditional water-based products.

Today, Waterless Co. Inc. stands as the industry's longest-operating manufacturer of waterless urinals—recently earning us recognition as an icon in our field. We've achieved this through dependable products that enhance any men's restroom while delivering consistent performance.

Without massive advertising budgets, we still have managed to generate significant publicity and industry attention. The results speak for themselves: thousands of Waterless urinals installed across North America, reducing water consumption, lowering operating costs, and a much greater widespread education about waterless urinal technology.

For more information on waterless urinals, contact a Waterless Co. representative at 800-246-394.

Educating Tomorrow's Water Stewards Today

Image: Classroom Kids by Yan Krukau found on Prexels

Many advocates for water efficiency and reducing water consumption believe that early education is a powerful tool for addressing the urgent water-related challenges, including water scarcity, that our planet is facing.

By teaching children about water-related issues from a young age, we can empower them to become informed, responsible citizens committed to protecting our planet's most precious resource. This can be achieved by integrating water education into various subjects, such as science, geography, and even art, making it a part of the regular curriculum.

Here's a Q&A that explores this further.

Q: Why is teaching children about water efficiency (long-term water conservation) so important?

A: Today's children, as tomorrow's decision-makers and leaders, have a crucial role to play in shaping a more sustainable future. By educating them about water scarcity and efficiency now, we empower them to make informed choices and contribute to a healthier planet.

Q: What's the biggest misconception children have about water?

A: Most children—and many adults—take water for granted. They assume it will always be there when they need it and rarely give it a second thought. Children typically don't know where their water comes from, how it's treated and distributed, or that four billion people worldwide experience at least one month per year with little to no water available.

Q: What are the key facts children need to learn about water?

A: Students need to understand five essential truths:

- Water is life itself—without it, we cease to exist

- Forty percent of the world's water is polluted and unusable, spreading diseases when used for cooking and bathing

- Water is a finite, precious resource that must be protected

- Droughts are becoming more frequent and longer-lasting in many parts of the world

- Solutions exist, and we can all take action to address water challenges

Q: What solutions should we teach children about?

It's crucial to show children that positive steps are being taken globally. These real-world solutions, such as water audits and efficient water use practices, the installation of waterless urinals in restrooms, alll demonstrate that we can all play a part in addressing water challenges.

Q: How does water education develop broader life skills?

A: Addressing water challenges requires problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. By teaching children about water issues early, we help them develop analytical skills they can apply to various complex challenges throughout their lives, not just environmental ones.

Q&A with Klaus Reichardt: Founding Waterless Co. Inc.

Q: What does Waterless Co., Inc. do?

A: We market urinals that eliminate the use of water, reduce costs, improve restroom hygiene, and protect human health.

Q: Why did you start Waterless Co.?

A: The idea came from my college days at Pepperdine University in Southern California. Living through constant droughts and water shortages was a wake-up call. I watched the same pattern repeat: drought hits, restrictions are imposed, then everything "goes back to normal." I realized droughts aren't temporary—they're part of a larger pattern driven by climate change, population growth, and overuse of water.

Q: What inspired you to focus specifically on restrooms?

A: After graduation, I began exploring how we could rethink water use, especially in restrooms—one of the most water-intensive areas in any facility. That's when I discovered waterless urinals. It was a breakthrough: a way to save thousands of gallons of water every year without compromising hygiene or performance.

Q: When was Waterless Co. Inc founded?

A: In 1991. We were the first company in the U.S. to introduce and market no-water urinals nationwide.

Q: Where have your products been installed?

A: Our products have been installed in schools, offices, public buildings, and major sports stadiums across the country.

Q: After thirty-five years in the industry, what has remained constant?

A: Our "why." We exist to advance water efficiency—to help people, businesses, and communities use water more responsibly and sustainably. Purpose must always guide progress.

Q: What keeps you motivated after all these years?

A: Remembering why I started in the first place. I frequently rewatch Simon Sinek's talk about the importance of knowing your "why." It reminds me that when we act with purpose, innovation follows naturally. Let's continue to use water wisely—together.

Plumbing Questions You've Always Wanted Answered

What Is a Water Closet?

The term water closet, often abbreviated as WC, refers to a room containing only a toilet, usually without a sink. The WC dates back to 16th-century England and was a significant step in the evolution of indoor plumbing, moving sanitation from outdoor outhouses to the convenience and comfort of indoor facilities.

Originally, these fixtures were a luxury reserved for the wealthy and royalty. The first known WC in the U.S. was installed in a home in Annapolis, Maryland, around 1765. In 1804, Thomas Jefferson had two of them installed in the White House, a full 30 years before a water supply for bathing and drinking was available in the president’s home.

Why Do Plumbing Systems Have Air Vents on the Roof?

Sometimes these are called a plumbing vent stack and you can see them on top of roofs. This essential component is a vertical pipe that connects to all the drains in your home's plumbing system. Its primary purpose is to release unpleasant and potentially hazardous sewer gases that build up in the pipes.

In addition, the vent stack allows fresh air into the system. This fresh air helps water flow smoothly through your drains, preventing a gurgling sound or slow drainage.

If a vent stack gets blocked by debris like leaves or animal nests, you might notice a few warning signs. A telltale sign is a persistent foul odor in your home with no obvious source. Another common indicator is when a drain, like a sink or shower, drains very slowly. While your first instinct might be a clog in the drainpipe itself, the issue is often a lack of proper airflow from a blocked vent stack. Clearing the vent can solve the problem.

Why Do P-Traps Dry Out?

A P-trap is the curved pipe located under a sink or drain. Its design traps a small amount of water, which creates a water seal. This water seal is crucial because it prevents sewer gases from entering your home.

The issue with P-trap is that they dry frequently, especially if you live in a hot, dry climate. When this happens, a foul, sewer-like odor can develop, sometimes carrying harmful gases like hydrogen sulfide.

Pouring water down the drain is a temporary fix, but the water will eventually evaporate again. Pouring bleach down the drain to fix the problem can be dangerous. Bleach can react with sewer gases to create toxic fumes.

A safer and longer-lasting solution is to use products designed to maintain the water seal, such as Everprime. This biodegradable liquid can keep the water seal intact for an extended period, even in hot climates or with infrequent use. Pouring a few ounces down all your drains can help maintain a healthy, clean, and fresh smelling home or office.

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 water efficiently. For more information, contact a Waterless Co Specialist. 

Image above by Orel Ankori found on Unsplash.