When it comes to improving the efficiency of a commercial washroom, some of the biggest opportunities can be found in the simplest changes.
Waterless urinals are one example. By removing the need for flushing water altogether, they can help businesses significantly reduce water consumption, lower running costs and support wider environmental objectives.
For organisations managing busy commercial or public-sector washrooms, that can make waterless urinals a practical investment worth considering.
What are waterless urinals?
As the name suggests, waterless urinals operate without using water to flush.
Traditional urinals can use considerable quantities of mains water every day. And that water is being used whether the washroom is busy, quiet or even temporarily unoccupied.
Waterless systems remove the need for flushing water, providing a more efficient alternative that can help reduce both water consumption and the associated wastewater costs.
For businesses with high-traffic washrooms, the potential savings can add up significantly over time.
Why consider waterless urinals?
There are several reasons why more businesses are looking at waterless solutions as part of their washroom strategy.
1. Reduce water consumption
The most obvious benefit is also one of the biggest.
Because waterless urinals don’t require flushing, they can dramatically reduce the amount of mains water used within a washroom.
For organisations looking to reduce their environmental impact, reducing unnecessary water consumption is a straightforward place to start.
2. Lower washroom running costs
Using less water can mean lower water and sewerage charges.
There can also be maintenance benefits. Traditional flushing systems rely on components such as flush valves, cisterns and water supply systems, all of which can require maintenance and eventually need repairing or replacing.
A waterless system removes much of this infrastructure from the equation.
3. Support sustainability objectives
Many organisations now have clear environmental and sustainability targets, whether that’s reducing resource consumption, lowering operational impact or improving the efficiency of their buildings.
Waterless urinals can form part of that wider strategy by helping reduce the amount of water consumed by your washroom facilities.
It’s a relatively simple change, but one that can contribute towards broader sustainability objectives.
4. Help reduce limescale and blockages
Water can also contribute to problems within urinal pipework.
Traditional flushing systems continually introduce mains water into the waste system, potentially bringing limescale with it. Over time, this can contribute to build-up and blockages.
Waterless urinals don’t introduce flushing water into the system, helping to reduce the potential for limescale-related issues.
But don’t waterless urinals need maintenance?
Yes, and this is an important consideration. Waterless doesn’t mean maintenance-free.
Depending on the system installed, waterless urinals use specialist cartridges that need to be managed and replaced regularly to ensure the system continues to work effectively.
That’s why choosing the right system and having an appropriate servicing regime is important.
At South West Hygiene, we can advise on the most suitable waterless urinal solution for each application and manage the cartridges as part of an ongoing service.
Our service drivers replace cartridges during scheduled servicing, helping to ensure the urinals remain effective.
And if a problem does occur, our team can provide support and replace or repair cartridges where required.
Are waterless urinals suitable for every business?
Not necessarily. The right solution will depend on factors such as the type of washroom, levels of usage, existing plumbing infrastructure and the requirements of the building.
That’s why professional advice is valuable before making a decision. For businesses considering waterless urinals, the starting point should be understanding how your existing washroom operates and where water and maintenance costs could potentially be reduced.
A smarter approach to commercial washroom management
Waterless urinals are just one part of a more efficient commercial washroom.
From water and energy consumption to hygiene, odour control, waste disposal and ongoing maintenance, there are often opportunities to make washroom facilities more efficient while improving the experience for employees, customers and visitors.
The key is looking beyond individual products and considering the washroom as a whole.
At South West Hygiene, we provide bespoke washroom solutions for businesses and organisations across the South West and Southern England, combining products with professional advice and ongoing servicing.
If you’re looking to reduce water consumption, lower washroom running costs or improve the efficiency of your facilities, contact the South West Hygiene team about whether waterless urinals could be right for your business.
Call 0800 0184 060 or email customercare@southwesthygiene.co.uk to discuss your requirements.
