Urinals are important fixtures in public and commercial restrooms. They save space and use less water than regular toilets. Over time, urinals have changed to improve hygiene, water efficiency, and design. This guide will explain the different types of urinals and how to choose the best one.
What is a Urinal?
A urinal is a type of bathroom equipment designed particularly for men to use for urination. The majority of them can be found in public and commercial restrooms. Urinals help save water, take up less space, and are easy to clean. Today, modern urinals come with smart features that improve cleanliness and reduce water use.
Why Are Urinals Important?
- They make restroom use quicker, especially in busy places.
- They use much less water than traditional toilets.
- They help prevent plumbing problems by reducing waste buildup.
- They are easier to clean than regular toilets.
How Urinals Have Changed Over Time
Formerly, urinals existed as basic bowls and troughs. New designs in the making have enhanced both efficiency and hygiene features in urinals.
Major Changes in Urinals:
- Manual Flush Urinals: Users had to press a button to flush, which wasted water.
- Automatic Flush Urinals: Sensors were added so the urinal flushed on its own.
- Waterless Urinals: These urinals don’t need water to flush, making them eco-friendly.
- Anti-Bacterial Surfaces: Special coatings help keep urinals cleaner and reduce bad smells.
Types of Urinals
There are different kinds of urinals, each designed for specific needs. Here are the most common ones:
1. Wall-Mounted Urinals
These represent the most standard form of urinals among most facilities. The structure hangs against the wall without any contact with the floor space. In public restrooms you can find urinals attached to walls because they occupy less space and maintain simple cleanliness.
Benefits:
- Saves floor space
- Easy to clean
- Comes in different styles and designs
2. Floor-Mounted Urinals
These urinals are placed on the floor rather than mounted to the wall. The in-wall models are less common, but are used sometimes in older buildings, or in situations where a wall-mounted option can’t be installed.
Best For:
- Large public restrooms
- Places with weak walls
3. Trough Urinals
These long urinals can be used by multiple people at once. They are often found in stadiums, concert halls, and other busy areas.
Pros:
- Good for places with lots of people
- Saves money on plumbing since many people share one drain
4. Waterless Urinals
These urinals don’t use water. Instead, they have special systems to trap odors and allow urine to drain away. They are great for saving water and lowering costs.
Why Choose Waterless Urinals?
- Saves thousands of gallons of water each year
- Reduces costs on water and plumbing
- Low maintenance
5. Sensor Urinals
Sensor urinals have built-in sensors that automatically flush when someone is done using them. This helps with hygiene and saves water.
Great For:
- Offices and modern buildings
- Hospitals and healthcare centers
- High-end commercial spaces
How Big Should a Urinal Be?
Before installing urinals, it’s important to think about space. Wall-mounted urinals come in different sizes to fit small or large restrooms.
Things to Think About:
- How much space is available?
- Who will be using them? (Adults, children, or people with disabilities)
- Are there rules or laws about restroom design?
Privacy Matters: Urinal Partitions
When several urinals are installed next to each other, urinal partitions create privacy. These barriers, usually made of metal or plastic, help make users feel more comfortable.
Benefits of Urinal Partitions:
- Gives users more privacy
- Helps keep restrooms cleaner
- Improves the look of the restroom
How to Choose the Right Urinal
Before picking a urinal, consider these factors:
- Where It Will Be Used: Public or private restrooms have different needs.
- Plumbing Setup: Some buildings may not support certain types of urinals.
- Water Use: If saving water is important, consider a waterless urinal.
- Hygiene Needs: Sensor urinals are great for keeping things clean.
- Design: The urinal should match the style of the restroom.
- Urinal Height: Make sure urinals are installed at a comfortable height for all users.
Urinal Height and Accessibility
Installing urinals at the right height is important for comfort and accessibility. Some urinals should be lower for children or wheelchair users.
Standard Heights:
- Adults: About 24 inches from the floor
- Children: About 17 inches from the floor
- For Disabled Users: Must follow accessibility guidelines
What Urinals are Made of & How to Keep Them Clean
The materials used for manufacturing urinals most commonly include porcelain and vitreous china because they have durability alongside their easy cleaning properties and their resistance to stains. The cleanliness of urinals matters for hygiene control and to stop unpleasant odors.
Cleaning Tips:
- Use mild cleaning products to avoid damaging the surface.
- Regularly replace cartridges in waterless urinals.
- Keep restrooms well-ventilated to reduce odors.
The Future of Urinal Design
Urinal technology keeps improving. Here are some new trends:
- More Water Savings: Even better waterless urinal technology.
- Improved Hygiene: New materials that kill bacteria.
- Better Designs: Stylish and modern looks.
- Smart Technology: Sensors that track usage and water efficiency.
Conclusion: Why Urinals Matter
Urinals today function far better than their basic predecessors as advanced technological features and water-reduction designs keep improving them. People can select the ideal urinals for their bathroom thanks to an understanding of the various styles and functional aspects.
Stay updated with Jaquar’s latest collections – connect with us on Instagram!
FAQs About Urinals:-
Q: What is a urinal and how does it work?
A: A urinal is a fixture for urine disposal, typically using a flushing system or a waterless design.
Q: What are the different types of urinals available?
A: Types include wall-mounted, floor-mounted, trough, waterless, and sensor urinals.
Q: What is the difference between waterless and traditional urinals?
A: Waterless urinals don't use water for flushing; traditional ones do.
Q: How do you choose the right urinal for a commercial or home bathroom?
A: Consider location, usage, plumbing, water conservation, hygiene, and aesthetics.
Q: What are the benefits of installing a sensor-based urinal?
A: Improved hygiene and automatic, hands-free flushing.
Q: What are the latest trends in urinal design and technology?
A: Water conservation, advanced hygiene features, and modern aesthetics.