FM newsroom – facility management, restroom. In an era where sustainability and cost-effectiveness are paramount, waterless urinals are emerging as a smart alternative for institutional and commercial facilities. Beyond reducing water consumption, these innovative fixtures offer benefits that extend to maintenance savings and enhanced hygiene.
Facility managers striving to meet sustainability targets now have a compelling option. Waterless urinals not only conserve water but also help lower overall operational costs—a crucial consideration in today’s environmentally conscious market, FacilitiesNet suggests.
Sustainable Savings
Traditional urinals can use between 7.6 to 8.7 litres per flush, accumulating significant water usage over time. According to data compiled by agencies like the EPA and OSHA, the average urinal usage in an eight-hour workday can lead to consumption levels translating into 115,000 to 170,325 litres per year. With water prices as they are, switching to waterless technology offers considerable long-term savings.
„Waterless options are speciality items that work best when there’s a strong need to minimize water use,” explains Dan Danowski, product manager at Zurn Finish Plumbing.
Enhanced Hygiene
„The common misconception of “waterless urinals smell bad” does exist. But if facility managers can show users and facility executives can overcome that belief, the technology can prove to be an asset in many ways”, Klaus Reichardt, the CEO and founder of Waterless Co.
Reichardt squashes the theory that waterless urinals exude odours so long as the products are correctly maintained and cartridges designed to prevent smells are regularly updated.
The hands-free operation of waterless urinals also supports a growing trend towards touchless products in public restrooms. Without flush valves, these systems reduce the risk of bacteria buildup, a common concern with moist surfaces that encourage microbial growth.
“When surfaces remain dry, bacteria counts are significantly lower, making waterless urinals a more hygienic option,” Reichardt adds.
Reduced Maintenance Costs
While waterless urinals do require periodic cartridge changes and cleaning, they eliminate the frequent need for flush valve repairs—a common issue with traditional models. With conventional flush systems costing up to $800 for electronic or battery-operated valves, the reduced maintenance requirements of waterless urinals present a significant financial benefit.
As facility managers continue to explore sustainable and efficient building solutions, waterless urinals stand out as a technology that meets modern environmental challenges and delivers tangible benefits in maintenance and public health.
Image: waterless.com
