The Zero Flush system of products is designed to reduce the likelihood of common issues caused by traditional urinals, including foul odors, blockages, leaking, and lengthy maintenance routines. However, if you are experiencing one of these issues with your waterless urinal, there is likely a simple solution. Follow these troubleshooting tips to keep your Zero Flush toilet or urinal functioning properly.
Overview of Zero Flush Systems
Waterless urinal systems, like Zero Flush, have grown in popularity and usage over the past several years. While they look similar to traditional urinals, there isn’t a flush mechanism to depress, and no water fills the bowl between uses. Instead, the sloped bowl of the Zero Flush urinal quickly directs waste toward a cartridge in the drain pipe at the bottom of the bowl. This design helps to keep the bowl clean and the odors normally associated with urinals at bay.
When you choose to swap out your traditional urinals for a Zero Flush system, you’ll decrease your water usage from up to 26,000 gallons of water per unit a year to zero gallons per unit per year. As you can imagine, this is great for the environment. The biggest change you’ll notice, though, is the decrease in your utility bills!
Common Concerns
Foul Odors
Without water rinsing the bowl between uses, many assume that unpleasant odors would increase with a no-flush urinal. However, most waterless systems, including Zero Flush, are designed to eliminate odors. The non-porous material and design of the bowl keep urine moving to the drain cartridge, and the sealant inside the cartridge locks any odors or gasses inside the drain pipe.
Slow Drainage
Slow drainage and blockages are common problems with traditional urinals because the open drain allows toilet paper and other items to be flushed down the drain. Fortunately, the drain cartridge that comes with your Zero Flush system prevents anything other than liquid from entering the drain pipe.
Leaking
Toilet leaks can be a frustrating problem for business owners. Because no-flush urinals use no water, they do not need to be hooked up to a water line. Only a drain pipe is needed to carry liquid waste to the main sewer line in your building. This reduces the likelihood of leaks significantly.
Difficulty with Cleaning
When you swap your traditional urinals for Zero Flush urinals, you’ll also need to swap out your cleaning supplies. Harsh chemicals and scrub brushes can actually damage the non-porous surface of the urinal bowl, allowing urine to accumulate on the surface, and large amounts of water can damage the drain cartridge and sealant. Your cleaning team will need to be trained on the simplified cleaning routine for waterless urinals.
Troubleshooting Guide
While the Zero Flush Waterless Urinal System is designed to specifically minimize issues like odor, slow drainage, leaking, and maintenance concerns, the occasional problem could arise. Fortunately, you can likely handle these issues on your own. Here’s a guide to the most common concerns:
Foul Odors
The cartridge and seal that comes with your waterless urinal are designed to minimize odors. However, these cartridges need to be changed periodically to remain effective. Follow manufacturer guidelines on how often to change them out. If you notice that odors are creeping back into your restroom, this is an indication that your cartridge and sealant need to be replaced.
Slow Drainage
The cartridge in your drain contains a disc filled with a liquid designed to push urine through to the drain pipe. Over time, this liquid may dissipate. If you notice that your Zero Flush urinal is taking longer to drain between uses, it is likely time to swap out the cartridge. However, if slow drainage still occurs, it could indicate a blockage further down the pipe. Remove the cartridge, pour some water down the drain, and use a plunger to try to move the clog along.
Leaking
Because your no-flush urinal is not connected to the water line, if you are experiencing a leak, it is likely coming from the drain connection. Check and tighten the connection from the drain pipe to the wall. You can also apply a sanitary-grade silicone sealant to the connection to prevent future leakage.
Difficulty with Cleaning
The process of cleaning a waterless urinal is different from that of a traditional urinal. To avoid damage to the non-porous surface of the bowl, your cleaning crew will need to be trained on the simplified cleaning and maintenance routine. Rather than using harsh chemicals, scrub brushes, and large amounts of water, a manufacturer-safe cleaning solution and soft rag are all that are needed to keep your Zero Flush urinal clean.
When to Call a Professional
While most potential issues with waterless urinals have simple do-it-yourself solutions, occasionally you may need to seek the assistance of a licensed plumber. If you are still dealing with issues like leakage or slow drainage, it could indicate a blockage in the drain pipe or a disconnected drain line. Working with a licensed plumber can help to eliminate these problems for good.
Dealing with odors? Aqua Pro Solutions offers a wide range of products designed for your Zero Flush Waterless Urinal System, including the Zero Flush Odor Barrier Kit. Visit AquaProSolutions.com to see a list of available products and get additional resources.
Proactive Maintenance Tips
To avoid possible issues with your Zero Flush toilet or urinal, be sure to have a maintenance routine in place. Follow manufacturer guidelines regarding when to replace drain cartridges and sealant to ensure odor control and avoid slow drainage. Avoid harsh chemicals, as well, to maintain the non-porous surface. Aqua Pro Solutions also has a variety of resources and solutions for you. Visit our website or call (828)-255-0772 for professional support of your Zero Flush system.
Troubleshooting Possible Issues with your Zero Flush Toilet or Urinal
If you are considering making the change from traditional flush urinals to a Zero Flush Urinal, you can expect fewer maintenance and repair issues moving forward, in addition to other benefits, like reduced environmental impacts and lower utility costs. The urinal is designed to minimize odors, blockages, and leaks, and maintenance has been simplified as well. If you find an issue that cannot be repaired easily, reach out to a licensed plumber or Aqua Pro Solutions for assistance.