Although we are not out of the woods yet, signs are flickering that 2021 will be a much better year in North America. This means people will be going back to work and building owners and managers will revisit restroom renovation plans they postponed due to the pandemic.
If you are one of these building owners or managers planning on remodeling restrooms in your facility, you will likely find there are several things you need to consider when selecting urinals. Here are four points to bear in mind as you shop around.
Shapes and Sizes
Not all urinals look the same. Some are larger than others, and some are rounded, whereas others are the more standard square or rectangular. Before selecting urinals, measure the area where the urinals will be installed. Then consider how many urinals you want to install in that area. This will help eliminate some sizes and shapes immediately and help you determine which size and shape will fit most comfortably in the space allowed.
Costs
Urinals tend to cost about the same as toilets, ranging from $150 to more than $1,000 with lots of bells and whistles. Most of these bells and whistles are related to what types of flush mechanisms are installed, how water-efficient the urinal is, the urinal's design, and the brand. This last point needs a bit more explanation.
There are "designer brands" of urinals just as there are designer brands in any market category. These are often only better-known brands, and because of their name alone, they may command a higher price. That does not necessarily mean they are better or of higher quality. It just means the manufacturer is taking advantage of its brand recognition. Unless you are looking for a designer urinal, your best bet is to look for well-designed, practical urinals that get the job done.
Flush Options
Believe it or not, you can still select urinals with flush handles. These tend to be attached to less costly urinals. However, in this age of COVID and with the greater emphasis on touch-free restrooms, selecting a urinal with a flush handle probably will not go over very well in a commercial facility. Instead, choose a urinal with automatic flush capabilities. The big difference in the different systems is whether they are sensor-controlled and release water after every use or are timer controlled, releasing water at set times throughout the day. These are most often found in locations like sports venues or convention centers. Also, look for a brand that has been making automatic flush systems for quite a while and that has a satisfactory performance record.
Water Efficiency
This is the most significant consideration. While commercial restrooms can begin to look dated over time, that is not necessarily the main reason they are updated. Instead, it's all about water efficiency. Using less water is a cost savings and also means that less water needs to go through the sewers, reducing disposal costs as well. Newer fixtures use less water or as will be explained, no water at all.
In most cases, your water consumption options will be the following:
· 1.0 Gallon Per Flush (GPF)
· 0.5 GPF
· 0.125 GFP
· 0.0 GPF
At one time, urinals used as much as three gallons of water per flush. Modern flush valves release between .125 and 1 gallon per flush. However, with the reduced flush volume, bowl drain openings have been reduced. This may increase blockages from the higher urine to water content, potentially creating limestone. More often, the result is that the urine collects at the base of the urinal, and mixed with moisture, can become a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause odors.
Urinals that use no water at all are specially designed to work effectively, trap urine, and block odors without water use. Further, because they use no water and require less servicing than flush urinals, they tend to pay for themselves relatively quickly due to reduced water costs, often making them a better long-term investment.
