Waterless urinals are gaining popularity across South Africa as businesses and facilities look for practical ways to cut water consumption. But how do they actually work, and are they worth the switch?
In this guide, we explain how waterless urinal systems function, what a waterless urinal valve does, and why more Cape Town properties are making the change.
What Is a Waterless Urinal?
A waterless urinal is a urinal fixture that requires no water to flush. Instead, it relies on a specially designed valve or cartridge system that allows urine to pass through while trapping odours below the surface. The result is a hygienic, odour-free restroom without the need for a conventional flushing mechanism.
Traditional urinals use between 1.5 and 4 litres of water per flush. In a busy commercial washroom, that adds up to between 100,000 and 200,000 litres of water wasted per year — per urinal. Waterless systems eliminate this entirely.
How Does a Waterless Urinal Valve Work?
The key component is the waterless urinal valve — a self-sealing cartridge that sits inside the urinal drain. Here is how it works:
- Urine flows through the valve — the liquid passes through a one-way seal or dome mechanism into the drain pipe below.
- The valve seals shut — once the liquid has passed, the valve closes, creating an airtight barrier that prevents sewer gases and odours from escaping into the bathroom.
- A debris dome catches solids — a built-in protective dome sits above the valve, catching any debris or foreign objects before they enter the drain. This keeps the system flowing freely.
- No mechanical parts — there are no electronic sensors, flush valves, or moving parts to maintain or replace.
The simplicity of the design is what makes waterless urinals so reliable. There is nothing to break, jam, or malfunction.
Benefits of Waterless Urinals
Significant Water Savings
South Africa faces ongoing water supply challenges, particularly in the Western Cape. The City of Cape Town actively encourages water conservation across residential and commercial properties. A single waterless urinal can save up to 200,000 litres per year, making it one of the most impactful water-saving measures a business can implement.
Lower Utility Bills
Less water usage means lower municipal water bills. For businesses with multiple urinals — such as shopping centres, office blocks, and restaurants — the savings are substantial over time.
Reduced Maintenance
Without flush mechanisms, solenoid valves, or water supply pipes, there are fewer components to maintain. The main upkeep is periodic replacement or cleaning of the valve cartridge, which typically needs attention every 3 to 6 months depending on usage.
Fewer Drain Blockages
Water-flushed urinals can develop limescale and uric acid build-up in the drain pipes, leading to blockages. Waterless systems reduce this build-up because there is no standing water to react with uric acid and form calcium deposits.
That said, if you do experience a blocked urinal drain, it is best to call a professional rather than attempting DIY repairs that could damage the valve system.
Improved Hygiene
The airtight seal on waterless urinal valves prevents odours from escaping the drain. Without water splashing, there is also less bacterial spread around the urinal area. Many facility managers report that washrooms smell better after switching to waterless systems.
Waterless Urinal Conversion Kits
You do not need to rip out your existing urinals to go waterless. A waterless urinal conversion kit replaces the existing flush valve with a waterless cartridge. The conversion process is straightforward:
- The water supply to the urinal is disconnected and capped.
- The existing flush valve or sensor is removed.
- The waterless valve cartridge is installed in the drain outlet.
- The urinal is ready for use — no plumbing modifications required.
Most conversions take less than an hour per urinal and can be completed without disrupting your business operations.
Where Are Waterless Urinals Used?
Waterless urinal systems are found in a wide range of commercial and public settings:
- Office buildings — reducing operational costs and meeting green building standards
- Shopping centres — handling high foot traffic without excessive water use
- Restaurants and hotels — pairing with grease trap maintenance as part of a broader sustainability approach
- Sports stadiums and event venues — managing peak demand without overloading water infrastructure
- Schools and universities — teaching sustainability by example
- Fuel stations and rest stops — where water supply may be limited
Common Concerns About Waterless Urinals
Do They Smell?
No. The airtight valve seal is specifically designed to trap sewer gases. When properly maintained, waterless urinals are actually less odorous than flushing models because there is no stagnant water sitting in the trap.
Are They Hygienic?
Yes. Studies show that waterless urinals harbour fewer bacteria than conventional models. The lack of flushing means no aerosol spray of contaminated water into the surrounding air.
What About Maintenance?
The valve cartridge should be inspected every 3 to 6 months and replaced as needed. The urinal bowl still needs regular cleaning, just as any traditional urinal would. Using a non-abrasive, enzyme-based cleaner is recommended to avoid damaging the valve seal.
Waterless Urinals and Drain Health
While waterless urinals reduce certain types of blockages, it is still important to maintain the drain lines they connect to. Over time, uric acid sediment can build up in the pipes downstream of the urinal.
Regular high-pressure drain cleaning ensures the lines stay clear. A periodic CCTV drain inspection can identify any sediment build-up before it becomes a problem.
Need Help With Urinal Drains in Cape Town?
Whether you are installing waterless urinals, converting existing fixtures, or dealing with a blocked urinal drain, Drain Blasters can help. Our team handles everything from drain jetting to full liquid waste removal across the Cape Town metro.
Contact us on 021 439 4086 or email info@drainblasters.co.za for a free quote.
