Comparing Water-Saving Urinals: Low-Flow vs. Waterless—Which Is Better for Your Facility?

As businesses increasingly prioritise sustainability and cost savings, water-saving urinals have become essential fixtures in commercial restrooms. Two popular options are low-flow urinals and waterless urinals.

Both are designed to reduce water consumption but function differently, each with distinct advantages and limitations. By installing water-saving urinals, businesses can significantly reduce water usage and improve operational efficiency.

This article compares low-flow and waterless urinals, exploring their benefits and challenges to help facility managers make informed decisions. Choosing the right water-efficient urinals can lower costs and enhance sustainability.

Low-Flow Urinals: Benefits and Considerations

Low-flow urinals use significantly less water per flush compared to traditional urinals, which typically use 3 to 5 litres of water per flush. In contrast, low-flow urinals may use as little as 0.5 to 1 litre per flush while still providing the flushing experience familiar to users in a urinal men’s bathroom.

The main benefit of low-flow urinals is that they allow businesses to conserve substantial amounts of water without disrupting user experience. In high-traffic facilities such as office buildings, shopping malls, or airports, low-flow urinals can drastically reduce water consumption. This directly leads to significant savings on water bills, improving the bottom line.

Additionally, many high-efficiency urinals come with adjustable flush volumes, allowing facility managers to fine-tune water use based on the specific needs of their restrooms. This flexibility makes low-flow urinals ideal for businesses that want to conserve water while ensuring their restroom urinal facilities function efficiently. However, despite their efficiency, these urinals still use water, so they do not offer complete water elimination.

Maintenance is another consideration. Low-flow urinals can sometimes experience issues such as leaks or clogs. However, modern high-efficiency urinals are designed to minimise these problems with durable materials and innovative flushing mechanisms, making them a reliable choice for long-term use in most facilities.

Waterless Urinals: Benefits and Considerations

Waterless urinals offer a more advanced approach to water conservation by completely eliminating the need for flushing. These urinals operate without water, relying instead on gravity and specially designed traps or sealants to channel waste into the plumbing system. This makes them an innovative and highly sustainable option for facilities aiming to maximise their water conservation efforts.

The most significant advantage of waterless urinals is their ability to completely eliminate water use. In areas where water scarcity is an issue or where water costs are high, waterless urinals can save up to 150,000 litres of water annually in high-traffic environments. This makes them a perfect solution for businesses that prioritise sustainability and aim to meet strict environmental standards.

In addition to reducing water consumption, waterless urinals also minimise plumbing maintenance issues. Since they don’t have flushing mechanisms, they avoid common problems like malfunctioning flush valves or leaks. However, waterless urinals do require regular upkeep of the sealant or cartridge to prevent odours and ensure proper functioning. If not maintained properly, they can become prone to odour issues, which may negatively affect the user experience.

Some users may initially perceive waterless urinals to be less sanitary than traditional flushing models. However, modern designs have addressed these concerns by incorporating advanced odour-control systems that maintain a clean and hygienic restroom environment. Additionally, waterless urinals require diligent cleaning to ensure they remain effective, as the lack of water flow means waste buildup must be managed through proper maintenance routines.

Environmental Impact and Cost Savings

Both low-flow and waterless urinals offer substantial environmental benefits by reducing water consumption, but the level of water savings differs. Waterless urinals provide the highest level of water conservation, eliminating the need for any water during operation. This makes them the most environmentally friendly option for facilities that prioritise extreme water conservation, especially in areas with high water costs or strict conservation regulations.

On the other hand, low-flow urinals also contribute significantly to water savings, particularly when compared to traditional urinals. They strike a balance between user familiarity and water conservation, making them ideal for businesses that want to reduce water consumption without completely changing the restroom experience.

In terms of cost savings, both low-flow and waterless urinals reduce water bills. Waterless urinals offer the greatest reductions in water-related costs since they use no water at all. Meanwhile, low-flow urinals offer a good compromise, allowing businesses to lower their water usage significantly while still using a traditional flushing system. Additionally, many regions offer tax rebates or incentives for businesses that install water-saving urinals, further reducing the long-term cost of switching to these systems.

Over time, investing in water-efficient urinals pays off through lower utility costs and reduced maintenance expenses. Whether a business opts for low-flow or waterless urinals, the savings become evident both immediately and over the long term.

Choosing the Right Option for Your Facility

When deciding between low-flow and waterless urinals, the specific needs of your facility are the most important factor to consider. For businesses located in areas with water restrictions or where water costs are high, waterless urinals are the ideal choice, as they eliminate water use entirely. This makes them the most efficient solution for water conservation.

However, in high-traffic facilities where user convenience and familiarity are key, low-flow urinals may be a better option. These urinals provide the same experience as traditional models while significantly reducing water consumption. Their adjustable flush settings further optimise water use in urinal men’s bathrooms, offering flexibility based on restroom usage patterns.

Learn more about our water-saving urinals, or explore our floor-standing urinals to find the best solution for your business.

Maintenance is another key factor in choosing between these two options. While waterless urinals eliminate many plumbing-related issues, they do require regular attention to their seals and cartridges to prevent odours.

Low-flow urinals, on the other hand, offer a more familiar system for maintenance staff and typically require less frequent maintenance, which may be a deciding factor for some businesses.

Conclusion

Both low-flow and waterless urinals offer substantial benefits for facilities looking to reduce water consumption and operational costs. Low-flow urinals maintain traditional functionality while achieving significant water savings, while waterless urinals provide the ultimate level of water conservation by eliminating water use altogether.

The right choice for your facility depends on your specific goals, location, and maintenance capabilities. Whether opting for low-flow or waterless urinals, both options effectively reduce water bills, lower environmental impact, and help businesses contribute to a more sustainable future.