Category: Urinals

You’ve seen waterless urinals at the football stadium, the hospital, and even the city park, but is it the right choice for your residential home? Compared to traditional toilets and urinals, waterless urinals are cost-effective, easy to install, and even easier to maintain. So, whether you’re drawing up plans for your dream home or you’re taking on the renovation of your existing home, a waterless urinal may be the way to go.

How Does a Waterless Urinal Work?

A waterless urinal for residential buildings looks quite similar to a traditional urinal, but that’s where the similarities end. A traditional urinal ties into the water line and uses a flushing mechanism to move urine down the basin and to the drain. Without a handle to flush or water hook-up, a waterless urinal uses a sloped, non-porous basin to move urine to a cartridge and seal that attaches to the drain pipe. The seal keeps odors, gasses, and bacteria in the drain pipe, where they won’t affect your bathroom or home. While a traditional urinal uses a gallon of water or more per flush, a waterless, or no-flush, urinal uses no water at all!

Benefits of Installing a Waterless Urinal in Your Home

Reduced Odors

Have a brood of boys that like to hang out in your basement? A traditional toilet or urinal can easily create odors that carry through the entire house. That’s because when a toilet is flushed, it sprays tiny particles of urine and bacteria throughout the air, and odors can easily escape the drain pipe as well. When you choose to install a waterless urinal, the cartridge and seal will keep odors and bacteria in the drain pipe, where they belong. So, while you may hear the rowdy group downstairs, you won’t smell them.

Cost Savings

Whether you choose a traditional urinal or a no-flush urinal for your home, you can expect to invest some money into the purchase of the unit. However, with a traditional toilet, you’ll continue to pay a hefty price for the water needed to flush it. A waterless urinal will not impact your utility bills, so you can save money for the other home improvement projects on your to-do list.

Easy Maintenance

Many of the issues that arise in traditional urinals are due to a malfunction of the flushing mechanism or a clogged drain. When you install a no-flush urinal, these problems are almost obsolete. In addition, your cleaning routine will also be simplified. Instead of harsh chemicals, scrub brushes, and even more water, all you’ll need is a manufacturer-safe cleaning solution and a soft rag. Periodic changing of the cartridge and seal will also help to keep odors at bay.

Environmental Impacts

If you are looking to make your home more environmentally-friendly, a waterless urinal is a great place to start. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a frequently used traditional urinal could use up to 26,000 gallons of water per year. A waterless urinal reduces this environmental impact to almost nothing, making it the ideal choice for green living.

Things to Consider Before Installing Your Waterless Urinal

Installation Requirements

Whether you are planning a new construction home or looking to install a waterless urinal in an existing home, you’ll be pleased to know that installation is easy! No-flush urinals do not tie into the waterline, so you aren’t limited in where you can place them. Just be sure to tie into a drain line so that waste can moved to the main sewer or septic system.

Odor Management

As mentioned earlier, the cartridge and seal that sits in the entrance to the urinal’s drain keep gasses, odors, and bacteria from making their way into the bathroom and the rest of your home. In order for this odor management system to be effective, it must be changed periodically. Check with the manufacturer’s guidelines for product replacement.

Price Comparisons

You may be surprised to know that waterless urinals are often less expensive than their flushable counterparts. That price difference is due to the complicated flushing mechanism and installation requirements. If you plan to install a traditional urinal in your home, you can expect to pay anywhere from $900 to $1,300, while waterless urinals cost around $650 on average.

Is a Waterless Urinal Right for Your Home?

Which homes can benefit from a waterless urinal? The answer is any home where the homeowner desires easy maintenance, lower utility bills, reduced environmental impacts, and effective odor management. Families that like to entertain frequently may prefer a waterless urinal for the guest bathrooms. Men who spend time in their workshop or garage may opt for installing a waterless urinal in those spaces so they don’t need to access the main house for bathroom breaks. A basement or playroom may also benefit from this low-maintenance option. There’s no limit to this practical solution!

If you’re installing a waterless urinal in your home, consider the Purleve ZeroFlush Urinal, in combination with Purleve Liquid Odor Barrier and Purleve Enviroseal. This system is backed by years of proven technology, and it’s easy to install and maintain. You’ll be enjoying the convenience, functionality, and savings from your Purleve Waterless Urinal System in no time!

When people purchase waterless urinals for their businesses, it’s often because they want to reduce utility costs or initiate more environmentally friendly habits. What many business owners don’t realize is that the decision to switch to waterless urinals also drastically reduces cleaning and maintenance for janitorial staff. Other than a simple cleaning with a manufacturer-approved cleaning spray, the only other task for your cleaning crew is to change out the cartridges inside the urinal. While most products recommend swapping out after three to six months, other factors could determine the lifespan of the cartridge. Read on to learn more about waterless urinal cartridges and how often they should be replaced.

What is a Waterless Urinal Cartridge?

A traditional urinal functions by releasing water into the bowl of the urinal, which washes urine into the drain. Not only can this process use one or more gallons of water per flush (depending on the age of the urinal), but it also releases odor and bacteria into the restroom. A waterless urinal doesn’t have a standard drain or flushing system. Instead, it relies on a cartridge affixed at the top of the drain pipe to drain urine from the bowl. The result is a cleaner, water-saving product that reduces odors, too.

The waterless urinal cartridge contains a sealant made of an oil-based liquid that is less dense than the urine itself. Once the liquid waste passes through the cartridge, the liquid in the sealant displaces the urine, which then makes its way into the drain pipe and out to the sewer system. A key also locks the cartridge into the opening of the drain pipe, which creates a tight seal, keeping odors and bacteria in the pipe, not the restroom.

Factors that Determine the Lifespan of a Waterless Urinal Cartridge 

While there are industry standards about how long a waterless urinal cartridge should last, there are some factors that could determine the lifespan of the cartridges in your particular restroom. The first determining factor is how often the urinal is used. Each time urine passes through the cartridge, some uric acid is filtered out, and over time, the liquid inside the sealant may become more dense, slowing the drainage process. For that reason, a high-traffic urinal, like those at a football stadium or airport, would probably need to be replaced more frequently than those at a mid-sized office building.

The other thing to keep in mind is a manufacturer’s recommendations. Some waterless urinal cartridges may cost a bit less but require more frequent replacements than their competitors. Be sure to read the instructions and guidelines carefully before installing your cartridges.

In addition, improper maintenance could reduce the lifespan of your waterless urinal cartridge. Adding large amounts of water to the bowl during cleaning can break down the liquid in the sealant more quickly, which could result in the need for more frequent cartridge replacements. Instead of using water to clean the urinal, use a simple cleaning spray instead.

How Often Should a Waterless Urinal Cartridge Be Changed?

Cleaning staff should plan to change waterless urinal cartridges every three to six months. Of course, those bathrooms in high-traffic areas may require more frequent changes. Regardless of these guidelines, however, if you notice foul odors coming from your waterless urinals, or if drainage slows, the waterless urinal cartridges likely need to be changed. Consider keeping records of when cartridges are changed to learn patterns and anticipate the need.

Consider the ZeroFlush Waterless Urinal System from Purleve

If you’re looking for a high-quality waterless urinal system that reduces water and energy costs, the ZeroFlush system of products may be right for you. The ZeroFlush EnviroSeal includes BioPur enzyme-based blocks that drastically reduce odors. It’s made of recycled materials and can last up to 45,000 uses, making this already low-maintenance option even easier to maintain throughout the year.

Changing Your Waterless Urinal Cartridges

Waterless urinal cartridges perform two important functions: draining liquid waste from the bowl and keeping odors in the drain pipe. While cartridges can often last several months, it’s important to change them regularly to avoid slow drainage and foul odors. Please read the manufacturer’s instructions and consider their guidelines for replacement. However, it would be best to be mindful of how often the restroom is used. Higher-traffic bathrooms are more likely to require frequent cartridge changes to avoid issues. If you’re looking for a waterless urinal cartridge with a longer lifespan, consider the ZeroFlush EnviroSeal kit that can last up to 45,000 uses. Not only will your waterless urinals function properly with no odor, but your janitorial staff will love the easy maintenance, as well!

As a business owner or building manager, finding ways to save money is probably forefront in your mind. You’ve heard about the environmental benefits of installing no-flush urinals, but did you know that you could save money as well? From reduced utility bills to minimal maintenance, those savings could add up quickly! Here’s a breakdown on what you can expect when you install waterless urinals in your business, healthcare facility, or government agency.

What’s a No-Flush Urinal

A no-flush urinal, also known as a waterless urinal, is an environmentally conscious, budget-friendly solution for any public restroom. Unlike traditional urinals that use a flushing mechanism to release water into the bowl, a no-flush urinal has no flushing mechanism or need for water. Instead, the sloped, nonporous bowl leads urine to a cartridge and seal in the drain. Once the urine enters the cartridge, it is pushed into the drain pipe, and the seal keeps odors and gasses inside the pipe from making it into the restroom itself.

Though the functionality is quite different, no-flush urinals actually look fairly similar to their traditional counterparts. You can purchase them in fiberglass, stainless steel, and vitreous China. Waterless urinals can easily be integrated into your existing plumbing system as well.

Upfront Costs

When comparing costs, most business owners look at the initial investment, and rightly so. While you’ll see there are many other factors at play when it comes to saving money with no-flush urinals, the upfront costs of the equipment are an important part of the budget. Fortunately, you’ll find the costs quite comparable.

Traditional urinals can cost anywhere from $200 to $900, depending on the style you choose. When you opt for a waterless, no-flush urinal, you can expect to pay between $300 and $800. Most traditional urinals also use urinal cakes or deodorizers, which cost around $2 and typically need to be replaced every 10 to 30 days. Alternatively, the cartridges in waterless urinals should be replaced, on average, every 6 months (or up to a year in less frequented restrooms) and cost between $50 to $100.

Saving Money with No-Flush Urinals

Utility Costs

As the name suggests, swapping your traditional urinals for a waterless option can create a huge savings in your utility costs. According to the EPA, a standard urinal in the average public restroom uses up to 26,000 gallons of water per year. Imagine reducing that number to zero!

Cleaning Costs

Traditional urinals require strong chemicals, scrub brushes, and even more water to keep them properly cleaned. When it comes to cleaning a no-flush model, regular spraying of a manufacturer recommended cleaner is all that is needed. Your maintenance team won’t even need to scrub them! This not only saves time, it saves on cleaning products and even more water, as well.

Maintenance Costs

When a urinal is broken, it can take quite a bit of time and money to get it up and running again. Many issues with traditional urinals are due to the flushing mechanism inside. Because waterless urinals don’t contain a flushing mechanism, they are much easier to maintain. The cartridge and seal in the drain also drastically reduces the number of clogs and blockages in the drain line.

Odor Control Costs

When a standard urinal is flushed, it can actually spray particles of urine and bacteria into the air, creating an unpleasant odor that can often be detected even outside the restroom. A no-flush solution uses a seal to keep odors and gasses in the drain pipe, not the building. This will save on air fresheners, deodorizers, and more.

Additional Savings 

In addition to saving on utility bills, maintenance, and cleaning supplies, you may also save on the purchase of your no-flush urinals. Many water utility companies will offer rebates and incentives to business owners that install waterless urinals. These incentives could range from a partial reimbursement to a full reimbursement for the equipment itself. Be sure to check with your utility company to learn about your potential savings.

Save Money with No-Flush Urinals

When it comes to saving your business money, there’s no comparison. While the initial costs for standard and waterless urinals are around the same price, that’s where the similarities end. Without a gallon of water or more with every flush, you could save big on utility bills. You’ll save even more water when it comes to cleaning your new urinals, and maintenance costs will be drastically reduced. Check to see if your local water utility company is offering incentives, and you may be able to save even more on the cost of your equipment. When you choose to install no-flush urinals, it won’t just benefit the environment but your operating costs too.

If you’re thinking about installing waterless urinals, you might be wondering about unpleasant restroom odors for your customers, patients, or employees. Well, you’ll be pleased to know that waterless urinals are actually designed to cut down on restroom odors. As long as you properly clean and maintain your new no-flush urinals, those unpleasant odors will stay in the drain pipe, not your restrooms.

How Waterless Urinals Work

A waterless urinal is an environmentally-friendly and cost-saving alternative to traditional urinals. Rather than employing a flushing mechanism to move water and urine through the drain, a waterless urinal is designed to clear the basin without the use of water. When this no-flush urinal is used, urine flows toward a disposable cartridge and seal within the drain.

The cartridge contains a liquid that is lighter than urine, so when the waste enters, it sinks to the bottom and then through the drain. The seal completely closes the drain at the base of the urinal. This keeps all of the gasses and odors in the drain, not the restroom.

Using Waterless Urinals Can Reduce Odor in Your Restrooms

Many people assume that traditional urinals would control odor better than no-flush models, simply because the water would wash down the urine and any smells that come with it. However, that’s often not the case. Flushable urinals may rinse the basin with each use, but they are also spraying particles of urine and bacteria throughout the air. Business owners typically use urinal cakes to combat the smell, but instead of eliminating odors, they only mask them. Waterless urinals, on the other hand, may actually reduce the unpleasant odors in your restrooms in a variety of ways.

Urine Can’t Stick to the Bowl

Purleve ZeroFlush urinals are made of stainless steel or vitreous China. These non-porous surfaces keep the urine from sticking to the side of the bowl. In addition, the design includes a deep, sloped bowl which quickly pulls urine toward the drain, rather than letting it linger inside the basin. Alternately, when a traditional urinal is flushed repeatedly, limescale begins to form, and it can start to absorb the urine before it makes its way to the drain.

Less Bacterial Growth

Urine on its own is actually sterile. It’s not until the urine is mixed with water that bacteria begin to grow and spread. Waterless urinals drastically reduce bacterial growth inside the bowl, and they also keep particles from being propelled into the air when flushed.

The Seal is Designed to Keep Odors Away

Urinal cakes may be slightly effective at covering up odors with a chemically created scent, but they cannot completely eliminate odors in the bowl and drain. A seal is designed to do just that. As urine runs through the seal and cartridge, the seal completely closes off the drain, blocking any odors or gasses from the drain from making their way into the restroom.

Properly Maintaining and Cleaning Waterless Urinals

Waterless urinals have been designed to keep unpleasant odors at bay, so if you begin to detect a smell from your restrooms, it’s likely a sign that cleaning or maintenance is needed. It’s important to note, however, that your no-flush urinals should not be cleaned in the same way you’ve been cleaning your traditional urinals.

Fortunately, it’s actually easier to clean a waterless urinal. Simply spray the inside of the bowl regularly with a manufacturer approved cleaner. This will break down any residual urine organically, without the need for scrubbing or even rinsing. In fact, scrubbing and rinsing the inside of the toilet could damage the smooth surface, creating tiny cracks or limescale where urine can begin to collect. For this reason, be sure to train your cleaning staff on this new cleaning method.

Replacing your cartridges and seals is one more factor in keeping odors away. Over time, the chemical agent inside the cartridge will begin to deplete, and the seal, which is responsible for keeping odors and gasses inside the drain, could loosen. There are a wide variety of cartridges on the market. Some may need replacement after 1500 flushes, while others could last up to 7500 flushes, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and replace these items as needed.

Making the switch to waterless urinals won’t just save on your utility bills, it could save on cleaning, maintenance, and unpleasant odors as well! With its non-porous finish and no-flush design, urine and bacteria won’t stick to the side of the bowl or be sprayed throughout the room. Cleaning couldn’t be easier, either. A simple spray of manufacturer recommended cleaner and regular replacement of the cartridge and seal is all that is needed to keep your water bills down and your restroom smelling great for years to come.

The green building movement has taken off in recent years, and for good reason. Not only are green building products environmentally friendly, they can often save money as well. Whether you’re thinking of applying for LEED certification or you simply want a more economical choice for your restrooms, consider making the switch to waterless urinals.

What is a Waterless Urinal?

Unlike a traditional urinal, which uses both water and a flushing mechanism to move urine through the drain line, a waterless urinal (also known as a no-flush urinal) is an environmentally friendly option with a simple design. According to the EPA, older traditional urinals can use up to 26,000 gallons of water per year, while current federal standards require a urinal to use no more than 1 gallon per flush. A no-flush urinal, on the other hand, uses just a few gallons per year in maintenance and cleaning.

While they function quite differently than a conventional urinal, these no-flush options can be easily integrated into existing bathrooms. Most waterless urinals are designed to fit into conventional plumbing systems, making for easy installation. Like traditional urinals, they can be purchased in fiberglass, vitreous china, and stainless steel.

Where Waterless Urinals are Typically Used

Because most waterless urinals can easily be installed with traditional plumbing, they can be used anywhere a conventional urinal can be found. However, because of their cost-saving nature, they have become the popular choice for government buildings, military facilities, and even some school districts. Places that see a large influx of visitors, like stadiums, museums, and aquariums, are also making the switch to waterless urinals.

In addition, waterless urinals are commonly installed in:

• Healthcare facilities
• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Office buildings
• Shopping malls

How Waterless Urinals Work

When you think of waterless toilets, a port-a-potty or compostable park toilet may come to mind. Thankfully, a waterless urinal is clean and odorless, much more like a conventional urinal than those off-the-grid options. Once the urinal is used, gravity carries the urine from the sloped basin to a trap, which consists of a disposable cartridge and seal.

The cartridge is filled with a liquid or chemical that is less dense than the urine, helping it flow through the trap and down the drain. The seal prevents odors and sewer gasses from making their way into the restroom. If the cartridge is replaced regularly, the no-flush system will continue to work effectively and odorlessly.

Benefits of Using a Waterless Urinal

Whether you are building a new facility or considering making a change in your existing restrooms, a waterless urinal comes with many benefits for you, your business, and your guests. These include:

• Water Conservation: Consider eliminating up to 26,000 gallons of water per toilet, per year! Not only is that better for the environment, it’s better for your budget!

• Rebates: Your water utility company may offer rebates or incentives for making the switch. This could help cover some of the cost of purchasing or installing your waterless urinals. 

• Green Certification: If you are looking to qualify for the LEED program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, this is a great start. Installing waterless urinals will help you earn credits for water reduction.

• Cleaner Air: While it’s not pleasant to think about, the water in toilets and traditional urinals often carries bacteria that can be released into the air when flushed. A waterless urinal requires no flushing and dries out between uses to keep bacteria from spreading through the air.

• Hygiene: Waterless urinals are completely touch-free, without the need to pull a handle or push a button. This helps reduce the chance of cross-contamination.

• Fewer Repairs: While regular maintenance is necessary, the absence of a flushing mechanism drastically reduces the need for repairs. In addition, without water moving through the system regularly, clogs and overflows will be minimal.

Tips for Cleaning and Maintenance

Like traditional urinals, waterless urinals will require regular maintenance to continue working efficiently. Follow manufacturer recommendations on the lifespan of the cartridge and change it as needed. If the liquid inside the cartridge dissipates, it can have an effect on drainage and odor control.

Cleaning and disinfecting the urinals is simple. Most can be cleaned with a spray cleaner and soft cloth. Manufacturers typically advise against using too much water in the cleaning process, which can affect the liquid in the trap and lead to clogs in the line.

Purleve ZeroFlush can Save Time and Money

Are you considering waterless urinals for your business? Purleve ZeroFlush is a waterless system backed by years of proven technology. Whether you are focused on the environment or innovation, ZeroFlush can provide you cost savings and improve your restroom sanitation without odors or difficult maintenance. Combined with the Purleve Liquid Odor Barrier System or Purleve EnviroSeal, you’ll have an easy-to-install, high-quality urinal system that won’t just rival conventional urinal systems, it’ll surpass them.

The PurLeve ZeroFlush Odor Barrier is designed to eliminate strong odors in your zero water urinal system. With a quick and easy installation along with simple daily maintenance, the odor barrier insert is the perfect addition to your zero water urinal.

First Time Installation

The liquid odor barrier can be installed with just three basic steps.

Cartridge Replacement

To replace your cartridge, remove the current drain insert, rinse the waste, and replace with a new insert as outlined below.

Daily Maintenance

Keep your urinal in tip top condition with these three daily maintenance tips.