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.