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Washroom Water Savers Simple Maintenance Controls Malodours
November, 2008
By Klaus Reichardt
Waterless urinals are increasingly being specified in rural or remote locations without connections to municipal sewer and water systems because of some inherent operational efficiencies. Obviously they save water, but there are also additional savings:
( They require no freeze protection - a concern in colder climates - because there is no running water involved.
( Electrical usage is reduced because there is less demand for effluent pumps.
( Infrastructure costs to plumb the fixtures for water are eliminated.
( The septic load is reduced.
( No batteries, electricity, or transformers are needed.
Even so, concerns about cleaning and maintenance do arise when waterless systems are installed. Although they look the same as conventional urinals, minus the push handles or exterior plumbing, there are some differences in how these systems are cleaned and maintained compared to traditional urinals, which have been the norm for decades.
Maintenance of waterless urinals is actually quite simple. Because waterless urinals use no water, they depend on a vertical trap or cylinder placed at the bottom of the urinal to help drain the urine and prevent sewer odours from being released into the washroom.
The trap is filled with a thin layer of approximately three ounces of liquid sealant and about 12 ounces of water, which helps block sewer odours. The sealant must be replenished every 1,500 to 2,000 uses, or about once or twice per month depending on usage.
With some no-water systems, the trap or cylinder needs to be replaced every two or three months, sometimes more often with heavy usage. With other units, the trap can last as long as six months, again depending on usage.
Some of the more costly traps need the most frequent replacement, which is why property managers should fully investigate before making a product selection. When the trap is removed, cleaners should pour a bucket of (preferably) hot water down the drain to flush any sediment in the line.
Waterless urinals are generally cleaned the same way as conventional urinals, with a few key differences. Most waterless urinals have highly finished, liquid-repellant surfaces, preventing urine and water from adhering to these surfaces. Harsh chemicals are not necessary and should be avoided since they can harm the trap on some systems In any case, chemical avoidance is environmentally preferable and using fewer chemicals also saves money.
Because no water is used, rust, stains or water deposits do not develop on the interior of the urinal. This helps eliminate the need to scrub the inner surfaces. Surfaces can be cleaned with a neutral or all-purpose cleaner and a soft sponge.
Custodial workers should not pour excess or soiled water down the waterless urinal trap, as this can flush the sealant out of the trap. They should also always wear gloves and goggles to clean any washroom fixture.
Property managers and custodial workers are often concerned that waterless urinals will generate malodours and degrade the washroom air quality, but if the liquid sealant has been accurately poured into the trap and the trap is working properly, this should effectively prevent this problem from happening. Studies have shown that no-flush urinals produce about the same amount of or fewer odours than do conventional urinals.
Building managers should recognize that first-time users might need some instruction since they might be a little confused about what they are supposed to do after using one. Consider posting a notice to reassure users that they can simply walk away.
Once they understand the concept, patrons often prefer a system that doesn't have a flush handle and thus doesn't need to be touched. Building owners gain additional operating savings because infrared sensor flushing systems aren't required.
Klaus Reichardt is Managing Partner of Waterless Co. LLC, manufacturers of the Waterless No-Flush( urinal. For more information, see the web site at www.waterless.com.
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