Before installing waterless urinals, an astute building owner or manager often wants to know what experiences other owners/managers have had with them.  Moreover, they typically want to know what others have learned about waterless urinals once the urinals were installed.

A study conducted a few years back investigated these issues and under the heading, "Lessons Learned," this is what they reported:

·       Keep the cartridge (cylinder or trap at the base of the no-water urinal) filled with a liquid sealant at all times to prevent odors. Only a few ounces are necessary, but the sealant blocks sewer odors from being released into the restroom.

·       Cartridges should be changed. This is true with all no-water urinals; however, the frequency can vary. With some non-water urinals, the cartridge may need to be replaced every couple of months; with while others can last up to six months and are often less expensive, both of which are significant cost savings.

·       Use enzymes and hot water to flush drain lines; Enzymes are designed to breakdown (eat) different forms of bacteria. Taking this step helps keep the drains below the urinal clean and healthy.

·       Some manufacturer's cartridges can be reused with rinsing. This is not the case . Cartridges are closed units and by code need to be. Owners/managers should make sure they fully understand how frequently the cartridges should be changed and assure they are not reused.

·       Custodial workers must be trained not to pour large amounts of water down the no-water urinals.

One of the most important "lessons learned" we have experienced, is that many building owners and managers have not performed their due diligence before selecting no-water urinals. The costs of the cartridges, for example, can vary significantly and, as mentioned, some that must be changed the most frequently are also the costliest.

Further, as important as it is to train custodial workers properly on how to clean no-water urinals, the types of cleaning solutions they use are just as important.

For instance, some cleaning solutions simply need to be sprayed on the urinal. There is no wiping required. This is the easiest and fastest way to clean waterless urinals. If conventional cleaners are used, avoid harsh cleaners. Instead, neutral, all-purpose cleaners should do the job. Further, always use microfiber cleaning cloths. These tend to be more effective than cotton cleaning cloths.

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 our most valuable natural resources, help facilities reduce their water consumption and water-related costs, and operate in a more environmentally responsible and sustainable manner. For more information, contact us at 1-800-244-6264