Determining the need for waterless urinals depends on the number of males using the building also if new construction or a restroom renovation is involved. If new construction, there are few reasons not to install no-water urinals. If a retrofit and ten or fewer males use the facility, the return on the investment may not prove worthwhile at this time. However, with rising water and sewer rates, reconsideration may be necessary at a future date.
When looking at installation and maintenance costs, no-water urinals usually cost less to install than traditional fixtures because no flush valves or water lines are involved. The return on investment can vary, depending on the number of users; water and sewer rates; and the age of the urinals. Waterless urinals range in price from $250 to $500 per unit. In most cases, the return on investment is about two years or less.
If you are concerned with odor issues, most waterless urinals have cartridges installed in the base of the fixture. Filled with barrier fluids, these cylinders suppress odors and block vapors. Proper cleaning will help prevent odors. Be aware that some cartridges from some manufacturers are costly and must be replaced relatively often, but others are relatively inexpensive and last longer. Investigate the different systems available before selecting your waterless urinals.
Worker demographics can also determine if waterless urinals should be installed. Several studies now indicate that younger workers prefer to work for organizations that are green and sustainability-focused. The installation of no-water urinals fit both of those categories.
Waterless urinals can also help organizations meet more aggressive government regulations when it comes to water. For instance, Las Vegas, NV, which is in a very inhospitable desert, is using less water today than it was 14 years ago. Yet, many of the hotels are now far larger with more water features than they had 14 years ago. How did they accomplish this? Essentially government and voluntary program were developed that if you use more water in one area of a hotel property, you must find ways to reduce water consumption – preferably to a far more considerable extent – in another area. It's a balancing act that is paying off, and waterless urinals are helping to make this happen.
Also, if sustainability is an objective, installing waterless urinals can earn you LEED points. The LEED rating system offers up to five points (out of approximately 32 required) toward certification for buildings that incorporate measures to reduce water usage. Installing waterless urinals is often one of the easiest and most significant ways to accomplish this.
The Waterless Co blog is where building owners and managers find expert, practical advice on ways to reduce water consumption and to help use water more efficiently. Our goal is to protect this most valuable of natural resources, help facilities reduce their water-related costs, and operate in a more environmentally responsible and sustainable manner. For more information, contact us at 1-800-244-6264
