Non flush urinals (aka waterless urinals) are slowly becoming accepted in the United States. Certain states are embracing the concept more as water shortages, accompanied by environmental concerns and rising water costs drives them to find greener and less wasteful solutions to daily issues. This flushless technology allows consumers to meet all of the above requirements.
Flushless urinals are relatively simple devices. Incorrect installation can negatively affect them. Yet, this is true regarding the putting in place of any other similar device. Unless the individual is proven, skilled and experienced in handling such equipment, mistakes can and often will occur. Training is the key. The same applies to another aspect – maintenance.
The Importance of Maintenance
Waterless urinals are relatively simple devices to operate. They do not have a staggering amount of components demanding constant attention. The structure is simple. They consist of a trap, a reservoir bowl and a waste line. This makes them easy to install, operate and maintain.
The urinals are rugged and durable withstanding vandalism better than the traditional models do. Yet, this does not mean they are maintenance-free. While low-maintenance, they do require care be taken when caring for them.
The major potential problem is for odors to occur. The control mechanism, for stifling smells can be one of the following technologies:
* Oil Barriers – refillable or replaceable cartridge
* Mechanical Designs such as one way valves
* Microbial Blocks
These will prevent the ability of odors to linger in the non flush urinals. However, it is important for those in charge of maintenance to closely and carefully examine the seals – whatever design, to ensure the prevention of odors.
Other maintenance aspects designed to keep the urinals free and odor free are basic. They include cleaning the following surfaces thoroughly on a regular basis:
* Bowl
* Slab
* Wall
This will not only decrease any potential for odors occurring but also reduce any instances of stains building up. Maintaining cleanliness standards is very important when the public’s health could be put at risk for failing to carry out regular maintenance tasks.
Non Flush Urinals: Effective but not Maintenance Free
With a water crisis affecting several states, waterless urinals seem to be the answer. With the addition of rising water costs and an increasing concern for the environment, the popularity of such devices will continue to increase substantially over time. While it may take time for many sectors of the public to accept non flush urinals, as long as the companies that install them ensure regular maintenance is kept up, these devices will quickly become accepted as the norm.
