Many people believe that the water in a flush urinal system flushes away not only urine but also the possibility that bacteria will build up on the inner walls of the urinal. They believe that this does not happen with a no-water system so bacteria can build, causing health, odor, and other problems.

This couldn’t be further from the truth. Bacteria require moisture to grow. Unlike the inner walls of a flush urinal, which have chronic damp spots, no-water urinal systems remain dry. This makes it virtually impossible for bacteria to grow in a waterless urinal. In addition, normal urine is sterile. It contains virtually no bacteria. This means bacteria can develop only if the urine is allowed to mix with moisture for a long period of time—again, a near impossibility with a waterless system.

Although a disinfectant cleaner is recommended, it is not mandatory for a no-water urinal system. Instead, most waterless urinals can be cleaned using a regular to heavy-duty all-purpose cleaner, which is healthier for the custodial worker and the environment.

Klaus Reichardt

Waterless Co, Inc.