7 Different Types of Urinals for Indian Spaces | Simpolo

A urinal may seem like a simple fixture, but the right design can completely change how a washroom looks and functions. From space-saving wall-mounted styles to eco-friendly waterless models, each type serves a specific purpose. Picking the right one isn’t just about looks — it’s also about hygiene, ease of cleaning, and how well it suits the space. Simpolo Tiles & Bathware offers a wide range of urinals that combine durability and style, making them a wise choice for both residential and commercial spaces.

What is a Urinal?

A urinal is a sanitary fixture designed for urination, most often used by men; however, newer versions are now being developed for women as well. Unlike a standard toilet, a urinal is compact, uses less water, and works perfectly in places where multiple people share the restroom. They make washrooms easier to maintain and more hygienic, while also saving floor space. In India, you’ll find different types of urinals not just in schools, malls, and offices but also in modern homes that want practical yet stylish bathrooms

Types of Urinals and Their Uses

Urinals today are available in multiple designs and mechanisms, each created to meet the specific needs of different spaces. From compact options for offices to durable choices for high-traffic hubs, understanding the types of urinals and their uses helps in selecting the correct fixture for both functionality and design.

1. Wall-Mounted Urinals

Wall-mounted urinals remain the most practical option for medium-traffic washrooms, freeing up floor space and making cleaning more efficient. Their installation at a convenient height makes them versatile for offices, schools, and shopping complexes. Among available choices, Simpolo Tiles & Bathware offers the Sfera Ceramic Wall Mount Urinal, designed with durable ceramic and a compact, modern profile. It is well-suited for spaces that need a balance of resilience, hygiene, and contemporary style.

Pros: Space-efficient, simple installation, cost-effective.
Cons: Requires a firm supporting wall surface.
Best for: Offices, schools, shopping complexes, and other mid-traffic restrooms.

2. Partition or Privacy-Panel Urinals

These are not separate urinal models but standard fixtures paired with partitions for added discretion. Privacy panels help reduce discomfort in public settings and make shared washrooms more user-friendly. While they require slightly more space, they are ideal in offices and commercial buildings where comfort is as important as function.

Pros: Improves comfort in public settings, reduces awkwardness.
Cons: Slightly increases space requirements.
Best for: Large commercial washrooms, schools, and office complexes.

3. Floor-Mounted Urinals

Floor-mounted urinals rest directly on the ground, making them sturdier and more robust than wall-mounted units. They are specifically designed for heavy use and are common in transport hubs and busy eateries. Although they occupy more floor space and are more challenging to clean beneath, their durability makes them the preferred choice for high-traffic environments.

Pros: Strong and durable, suitable for very high-traffic facilities.
Cons: Occupies more floor space, harder to clean under.
Best for: Airports, railway stations, busy restaurants.

4. Sensor-Operated Urinals

Sensor-operated urinals are valued for their touch-free design, which improves hygiene and optimises water use. These motion-activated systems are now considered essential in premium spaces where user convenience matters. Simpolo Tiles & Bathware combines refined styling with innovation in models like the Sfera Ceramic Sensor Urinal, providing hygienic operation and water-saving efficiency for offices, malls, and luxury facilities.

Pros: Touch-free use, water-efficient, modern look.
Cons: Higher installation and maintenance costs.
Best for: Premium offices, malls, and luxury commercial spaces.

5. Waterless Urinals

Waterless urinals use special cartridges or membranes that block odours while allowing liquid to pass through. They save thousands of litres of water annually but require consistent upkeep to prevent blockages and maintain hygiene. Although their initial cost is higher, they remain an eco-conscious option for buildings with sustainability targets.

Pros: Saves water, is eco-friendly, and reduces utility bills.
Cons: Requires diligent maintenance and a higher upfront investment.
Best for: Eco-conscious buildings, offices with sustainability goals, green-certified projects.

6. Corner Urinals

Corner urinals are designed to fit into underutilised corners, making them ideal for smaller layouts. While design options are limited, they are a clever way to maximise available space without compromising on function. These models are well-suited for compact cafés, small offices, and studio apartments.

Pros: Utilises awkward spaces, practical for tight layouts.
Cons: Limited design and style options.
Best for: Small cafés, compact offices, or studio apartments.

7. Female Urinals

Female urinals are still in the early stages of adoption in India and are typically available only in pilot projects or modern facilities. Their purpose is to reduce waiting times and enhance hygiene in women’s restrooms. While availability is limited, they represent a step towards more inclusive washroom design.

Pros: Enhances convenience and hygiene, reduces queues.
Cons: Rarely available in India, limited adoption.
Best suited for: Modern public washrooms, event venues, and workplaces seeking to enhance restroom access for women.

Benefits of Installing Urinals in Residential and Commercial Spaces

Adding urinals and other bathware solutions offers several advantages:

Hygiene: Urinals reduce splashing compared to traditional toilets, helping to maintain a cleaner restroom environment. Proper design and regular maintenance enhance this benefit.
Water Efficiency: Urinals use significantly less water per flush than standard toilets. Waterless urinals eliminate flush water, providing the most significant water savings, while flushing urinals typically use less than 1 gallon per flush. Note that dual-flush technology is generally a feature of toilets, not urinals.
Space-Saving: Urinals have a compact design that occupies less space than full-sized toilets, allowing better utilisation of restroom areas.
Cost-Effectiveness: Urinals can lead to long-term savings by reducing water usage and lowering the need for cleaning and maintenance efforts. However, advanced models, such as sensor-operated and waterless urinals, may have higher upfront installation and maintenance costs.

How to Choose the Right Type of Urinal for Your Space?

Choosing the appropriate urinal depends on several factors:

Space Availability: Compact spaces are best suited for corner urinals or small wall-mounted models that efficiently save floor area.
Usage Frequency: Smaller urinals can suffice for residential use, while high-traffic commercial restrooms require larger, more durable models, such as floor-mounted or trough urinals.
Budget: Standard ceramic urinals offer an economical option, whereas sensor-operated and waterless urinals incur higher initial costs but provide savings on water and maintenance over time.
Maintenance: Consider the ease of cleaning and water consumption when selecting a urinal to ensure long-term hygiene and cost-effectiveness.
Design: Match the urinal style with the restroom’s aesthetics, whether traditional or modern, to maintain harmonious decor.

Checklist before buying:

Measure the available space.
Decide who will use it (adults, children, or both).
Choose the right material for durability.
Factor in water-saving technology.
Match the design with your tiles and overall layout.

Conclusion

Urinals today go beyond basic functionality, offering solutions that improve hygiene, save water, and optimise space across residential and commercial settings. From compact wall-mounted models to advanced sensor and waterless designs, each type serves a specific need depending on usage and layout.

For those seeking a balance of practicality and modern design, Simpolo Tiles & Bathware offers urinals that are durable, easy to maintain, and thoughtfully crafted to suit both high-traffic facilities and contemporary homes. Choosing the right type ensures your washroom remains efficient, hygienic, and visually refined for years to come.

FAQs About Types of Urinals

What is the most common type of urinal in India?

Wall-mounted ceramic urinals are widely used in India due to their compact design, ease of installation, and low maintenance. However, in many high-traffic public restrooms, floor-mounted urinals are also standard due to their durability and ease of cleaning.

Are waterless urinals suitable for use at home?

Yes, waterless urinals can be used at home and help save water while maintaining hygiene. They do require regular maintenance of the sealant or trap to prevent odours and clogging. Generally, waterless urinals are more widespread in commercial or public settings.

Can women use urinals effectively?

Female urinals are still in the early stages of adoption in India and are mainly seen in pilot projects or select modern restrooms. While they can improve hygiene and reduce waiting times where available, their presence remains limited and not widely popular.

How often should urinals be cleaned?

Residential urinals typically require cleaning once a week or as needed based on usage, while public or commercial urinals benefit from daily cleaning and weekly plumbing inspections to maintain hygiene.

What’s the lifespan of a ceramic urinal?

With proper care, ceramic urinals can last 10–15 years or longer. They are resistant to stains and durable against everyday wear.

Are sensor urinals cost-effective for small businesses?

Sensor urinals have higher upfront installation costs but save water and improve hygiene through touchless operation. Over time, these benefits often balance out the initial investment, making them cost-effective in many commercial settings.

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7 Different Types of Urinals for Indian Spaces | Simpolo

What is a Urinal?