The significant savings building owners and managers report after installing waterless urinals is, as expected, water. In one study, more than 80 percent of the building owners not only reported saving large volumes of water once waterless urinals were installed, but added that they were surprised just how much water was saved after transferring from water-using to no-water urinals.
However, if we take a closer look, we can see more than just water is being saved. A lot of money is being saved as well.
For instance, one traditional urinal uses about 35,000 gallons of water per year. How much this can cost can vary throughout the country. However, in Chicago, this could cost about $140 annually.
Now, let’s say our facility has 100 urinals. By switching to waterless urinals, this facility can save approximately $14,000 per year in water-related costs.
While this is the most significant savings, other possible savings come from the following:
Cleaning. Typically, a considerable amount of water is used when cleaning urinals. Some restroom cleaning services even clean urinals using indoor pressure washing systems. These can use large amounts of water. To help protect the trap/cylinder installed at the base of the urinal, it is recommended to use as little water as possible when cleaning a no-water urinal. Typically, the interior and the exterior areas of the urinal only need to be cleaned and disinfected using a sprayer and cleaning cloth. Once again, less water is used, reducing the amounts paid for water.
Blockages. Water using urinals often develop blockages after continued use. While many of these can be rectified by in-house staff, if plumbers must be called in, expect a hefty service charge.
Odor Masking. While some observers have complained that no-water urinals leave unpleasant odors in restrooms, the reality is that water using urinals are very often to blame for restroom odors. Because these urinals remain damp, odor-causing bacteria can develop. Waterless urinals remain dry, preventing the growth of bacteria and with it, odors. Many facilities spend hundreds of dollars annually on odor masking chemicals and products. These should not be needed when waterless urinals are installed, another cost savings.
Vandalism. Possibly because they are handy, the control handles on water using urinals are often vandalized. Bars and restaurants report this is an ongoing problem. The biggest cost concern is when the urinals are flushed using sensor-controlled systems. These can be pricey to purchase and install, running anywhere from $125 to more than $350 per unit. Waterless urinals do not have control handles. No handles means less vandalism and fewer repair bills. This can be a considerable savings.
For more information on waterless urinals, contact a Waterless Co Specialist.
