You’ve heard that switching from standard urinals to waterless urinals can save on utility costs, but are they the right solution for your business? While the design of a standard urinal hasn’t changed much over the last several years, ZeroFlush urinal designs are guided by science to reduce utility costs, eliminate odors, and simplify your cleaning process, all while benefiting the environment.
How ZeroFlush Technology Works
Waterless urinals may look similar to their traditional counterparts, but the functionality is quite different. While traditional urinals use a flushing mechanism to fill the basin with water and move urine through the drain line, a ZeroFlush urinal has no flushing mechanism and needs no water to function. These waterless urinals are not even tied to the water line. They can easily be integrated into existing restrooms and only need to tie into a drain line that connects to the main sewer line of the building.
Aside from the absence of a flushing mechanism, ZeroFlush urinals have one more key difference. While standard urinals have a drain with a plug or stopper, allowing urine to enter the drain pipe and gasses to escape it, the sloped basin of a waterless urinal moves waste toward a trap system, which contains a cartridge and seal, keeping both urine and gasses inside the drain pipe. This keeps unpleasant odors from seeping into restrooms and surrounding areas.
The Science Behind It
The basic form and function of a traditional flush urinal haven’t changed much over the years. Fortunately, ZeroFlush urinals have been designed with function in mind. First is the structure of the basin, which is sloped and made of a nonporous material. Not only does gravity quickly direct the urine toward the trap, it also prohibits the urine from sticking to the sides of the bowl, which can not only create odors but also disperse bacteria into the air when the urinal is flushed.
The second scientific upgrade is the trap system. Once the urine makes its way to the fully sealed trap, it enters a cartridge filled with a liquid or oil that is less dense than the urine itself. This liquid helps to push the urine down the trap and through the drain pipe. While traditional urinals utilize urine cakes to try to mask unpleasant odors, the cartridge and seal lock odors away. For ultimate odor protection, simply replace the seal and cartridge regularly, based on manufacturer recommendations.
Environmental and Cost Benefits
One of the major benefits of switching to ZeroFlush urinals is the drastic reduction in water usage. Many traditional urinals in use right now use up to 26,000 gallons of water per year, according to the EPA, and even newer models certified by the EPA’s WaterSense program consume up to 3,500 gallons of water a year. As the name suggests, waterless urinals use no water daily. Not only is this great for your utility bills, it’s also beneficial to the environment.
Choosing to install waterless urinals in your new restrooms or swapping traditional units in your existing buildings will easily contribute to your company’s sustainability goals. You’ll also be able to start earning points toward your LEED certification. In some cities, your water utility company may also offer rebates and incentives for installing waterless urinals.
Common Misconceptions and Challenges
Many business owners considering waterless urinals have concerns about odor and bacteria. Fortunately, as mentioned above, the trap system is designed to keep odors out of the restroom. In addition, when a traditional urinal is flushed, it sends tiny droplets of water and bacteria into the air. Because water isn’t needed in a ZeroFlush urinal, bacteria stay in the drain pipe and out of the air.
If cleaning and maintenance are your concerns, set your mind at ease. Because the nonporous surface of the bowl repels urine, no scrubbing or harsh chemicals are needed, and in fact, they could damage the bowl. Instead, spray the unit with a manufacturer-approved cleaner and wipe it with a soft cloth. Without concern for a broken flusher or a clogged drain, the only maintenance required is to replace the cartridge and seal periodically.
Industries and Facilities that Benefit Most
Because of the massive cost savings with every flush, waterless urinals are a popular choice for high-traffic public buildings and facilities, like stadiums, theaters, zoos, and shopping malls. They are also commonly used in government buildings, military facilities, hospitals, and schools.
Fortunately, ZeroFlush urinals are easy to install in both existing and new restrooms, which means they are an excellent choice for any business owner or a building manager looking to save money and streamline maintenance. They are even becoming a trend in residential construction, with garages, mancaves, and other outbuildings being popular locations.
Aqua Pro Solutions’ Role in Zero Flush Technology
If you are a business owner or building manager looking for a waterless urinal solution for your facilities, consider partnering with Aqua Pro Solutions. As an authorized re-seller for Purleve ZeroFlush Urinal Systems, Aqua Pro Solutions can help you determine which products are best for your facilities’ needs. The Purleve ZeroFlush System, including Purleve Liquid Odor Barrier and Purleve Enviroseal, is backed by years of proven technology, and Aqua Pro’s customer service provides the support you need to make the switch. Visit AquaProSolutions.com for more information.
Waterless Urinals Designed with Function in Mind
Though the reduction in water usage is the biggest difference between waterless and traditional urinals, the benefits don’t stop there. The bowl’s sloped design and nonporous surface help to reduce odors and simplify the cleaning process, while the technologically advanced trap system locks gasses in the drain pipe. If you’re looking to save money and benefit the environment, visit Aqua Pro Solutions for high-quality products and expert customer service, as well.