Waterless Urinals: How They Work and Their Benefits

In Indian homes and public restrooms, small design choices can make a big difference. One option is to install an older-style urinal or consider a newer alternative, such as a waterless urinal. It's about conserving water, reducing maintenance, and promoting hygiene, especially in shared or high-traffic bathrooms where performance and cleanliness are crucial daily. 

In this post, we’ll discuss how collections from Simpolo Tiles and Bathware seamlessly integrate into such spaces, enhancing both the aesthetic and functionality of your bathroom while making everyday maintenance quicker and more convenient.

How Does a Waterless Urinal Work? 

The most common question from homeowners and facility managers is: “How does waterless urinals work without creating hygiene issues?” The answer lies in a sophisticated waterless urinals working principle that relies on gravity and specialized trap technology rather than active water flow.

The Core Working Principle

A waterless urinal system functions as a "dry" system. When urine enters the bowl, it flows via gravity into a specialized trap or cartridge located at the base of the unit. Many modern systems, such as the EcoTrap waterless urinal model, utilize a sealant liquid typically a proprietary oil-based fluid that is lighter than urine.

Because the oil floats on top, the urine passes through the sealant and into the drainage pipe below, while the oil layer creates an airtight barrier. This waterless urinal technology ensures that sewer gases and odors are physically blocked from escaping back into the restroom environment.

Common Non-Water Urinals Technologies

• Liquid-Sealant Cartridges: The most widely used type, featuring a replaceable cartridge filled with a biodegradable sealant.
• Membrane Valves: These use a one-way silicone or rubber membrane that opens during flow and snaps shut immediately after.
• Mechanical Traps: These utilize a weighted ball or spring-loaded mechanism to allow liquid passage while maintaining a seal.
• Biological Blocks: Some non-water urinals use blocks packed with microbes that break down uric acid at the source.

Where Can You Use a Waterless Urinal?

These urinals are easily functional in a number of places like offices, malls, schools, petrol pumps, airports, and other such high-traffic locations. They're also an intelligent addition to homes, particularly for individuals looking to minimise daily water consumption without sacrificing hygiene or comfort.

The secret is appropriate planning: the right location, the right type of urinal model, and tiles that help in easy maintenance. A waterless urinal requires proper drainage, a clear, stain-proof wall surface, and sufficient space to stand up comfortably. Avoid putting them into narrow corners or areas with insufficient ventilation.

They are especially functional in guest showers or utility closets where functionality is more important. And even with good design, you don't necessarily have to compromise on looks either. Combined with water-resistant tiles and non-slip surfaces, they are a plain, low-maintenance solution for both home and business use.

Also Read: Modern Toilet Seat Designs for Stylish Bathroom Interiors

Key Benefits of Installing a Waterless Urinal

Once you understand how waterless urinals work, the benefits are clear and practical. Here’s what they bring to the table:

• They help save water: A regular urinal uses around 3 litres per flush. Multiply that by 50 uses a day, and you’re looking at over 50,000 litres of water every year. Waterless systems bring that down to zero, with no flush and no wastage.
• They need less maintenance: With no flushing involved, there are fewer parts that can break or clog without a flush valve and an inlet pipe, just a simple cartridge that needs replacing every few months. This means less plumbing work and fewer unexpected repairs over time.
• They keep the bathroom cleaner: Less splashback means cleaner surroundings. Tiles don’t get stained as easily.
• They save space: Without a bulky flush tank or exposed pipe, the urinal unit fits closer to the wall. This makes it perfect for compact bathrooms, corridors, or powder rooms where every inch counts.

Waterless Urinals and Smell: What You Need to Know

Waterless urinals are built with an internal trap, either a liquid sealant barrier or a mechanical one-way valve, that blocks sewer gases from coming back up through the drain. This design keeps odours locked in while still allowing urine to pass through easily.

Smell issues typically arise only when the trap isn’t maintained or when the urinal is installed incorrectly. Routine cleaning, proper use of the sealant (if required), and periodic checks are enough to keep the unit odour-free, even in high-traffic areas.

Tiles also play a key role in keeping the surrounding bathroom area clean and fresh. Collections from Simpolo Tiles & Bathware, like Sparko and Glyphstone, feature glossy, non-porous surfaces that don’t absorb stains or odours. These bathroom tiles are easy to wipe down and resistant to water spots, making them ideal for areas near urinals where splashes can happen.

By combining a well-installed urinal with the right tile surface, you reduce not just odours but also the effort it takes to keep your bathroom hygienic and presentable, whether it’s in a home or a busy public space.

Also Read: How to Choose the Best Concealed Cistern for Your Bathroom

How to Design a Bathroom That Includes a Waterless Urinal

Designing a waterless urinal system plays a big role, not just in how the bathroom looks, but also in how well it works day to day. If you're planning to install a waterless urinal, keep these points in mind to get both function and aesthetics right:

• Pick a flat wall space where the user has enough room to stand comfortably. This helps avoid spills and makes regular cleaning quicker and easier.
• Install proper ventilation near the urinal area to prevent odour buildup. A small exhaust fan or air vent helps maintain airflow and keeps the space fresh, especially in compact or enclosed bathrooms.
• Choose a floor tile with a good grip, like a matt or anti-skid finish. This prevents slipping and makes sure that the area around the urinal stays safe even if there’s occasional splash or moisture during cleaning.

Simpolo Tiles and Bathware’s Altagloss White or Impatto Beige tiles are ideal as they reflect light, resist marks, and give the bathroom a more polished, modern look.

Waterless Urinals Maintenance and Best Practices

To ensure peak performance and a fresh atmosphere, follow these expert waterless urinals maintenance tips:

1. Daily Cleaning: Spray the surface with a neutral, pH-balanced cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach, as these can damage the sealant.
2. Cartridge Replacement: Depending on usage, cartridges typically last for 1,500 to 7,000 uses (roughly every 3 to 6 months).
3. No Water Flush: Never pour a bucket of water down the unit. This will wash away the sealant and compromise the waterless urinal technology.

Conclusion

Waterless urinals are not just about saving water; they’re a smart choice for people who want cleaner washrooms with less plumbing, less maintenance, and more control over water use.

Whether you're planning a house or a business place, waterless urinals provide long-term advantages like reduced water consumption, reduced maintenance, and easier maintenance. We at Simpolo Tiles and Bathware help you select tile combinations for your bathroom that result in a hygienic and efficient arrangement. With the proper surface finishes and intelligent positioning, a waterless urinal can be included in a hygienic, functional, and durable bathroom.