Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Waterless Urinals

What is a waterless urinal, and who is Waterless Co., Inc?

Waterless Co. Inc. is the pioneer and original inventor of the waterless urinal, the most water- and maintenance-conserving fixture available today. Family-owned and operating since 1991, Waterless Co. was the sole manufacturer of these units for its first decade. Though often imitated, our system remains the simplest, most dependable, and most cost-effective waterless urinal on the market.

Why do waterless urinals not smell?

Odors in traditional restrooms occur when water mixes with urine, creating a chemical reaction that generates ammonia gas. Waterless urinals do not smell because no water is mixed with urine. Additionally, our proprietary BlueSeal® sealing liquid sits inside the trap, creating an airtight barrier that completely prevents sewer gases and odors from escaping into the restroom.

Are waterless urinals expensive to operate?

No. Waterless touch-free urinals are the most cost-effective urinal systems available. The EcoTrap® insert retails for $8.25 and only needs to be replaced 2 to 4 times per year, depending on traffic. Competitor systems are significantly more expensive to maintain, and our total cost of ownership remains the lowest in the industry.

Can the BlueSeal® liquid seal be refilled without replacing the trap?

Yes. If the liquid seal is accidentally flushed out by excessive water during cleaning, you can easily top off the liquid. Simply pour BlueSeal® directly into the urinal—no need to remove or touch the EcoTrap® insert.

Do I have to open or disassemble the EcoTrap® insert to clean it?

No. The EcoTrap® is a sealed, one-piece unit that never needs to be opened or scrubbed, eliminating messy maintenance. Once it reaches the end of its lifespan, simply remove the recyclable insert and replace it with a new one.

Is BlueSeal® liquid biodegradable and organic?

BlueSeal® is fully biodegradable and formulated from a blend of mineral oils, alcohols, and color dyes. It is the most effective trap sealant on the market, so much so that customers with competitor units frequently buy BlueSeal® for their systems. While "organic" can have many technical definitions, BlueSeal® is designed specifically for maximum efficiency, environmental safety, and affordability.

What cleaners can I safely use on a waterless urinal?

You can safely use any standard, commercially available non-abrasive restroom cleaner on our Waterless No-Flush™ urinals.

Do waterless urinals work in high-traffic or low-use areas?

Yes, they perform exceptionally well in both environments:

• High-traffic facilities: Our urinals thrive under heavy, continuous use because fluid flows smoothly through the system.

• Low-traffic or seasonal facilities: Unlike water in traditional P-traps—which evaporates and lets sewer gas escape—BlueSeal® does not evaporate, keeping the barrier intact even during prolonged periods of disuse.

Where can I buy EcoTrap® inserts and BlueSeal® sealant?

Our products are available nationwide through local plumbing wholesalers, janitorial supply distributors, and authorized dealers. Visit our Contact Page or dealer locator to find a distributor near you.

Why does my competitor’s waterless urinal smell, and can you help fix it?

We are always happy to help restroom managers troubleshoot their systems, regardless of the brand installed. If your urinal uses a liquid sealant, switching to BlueSeal® will eliminate urine odors immediately. It works in most competitor models and allows you to use standard cleaning products without ruining the seal.

Why choose a No-Flush™ urinal over a low-flow or pint-flush urinal?

Low-flow urinals (0.5-gallon, 0.125 gallon, or pint-flush) often cost more to install and maintain than No-Flush™ urinals. Reducing water volume without eliminating it accelerates limestone buildup and sediment precipitation in drain lines, a common issue known to commercial plumbers. This leads to frequent plumbing snakes, flush valve repairs, and costly pipe maintenance. No-flush urinals eliminate water entirely, preventing severe calcification and reducing overall maintenance overhead.

Do I need to remove the urinal from the wall to clear a drain line blockage?

No. Waterless Co. urinals feature a full 2-inch internal drain line. If snaking is ever required, simply remove the EcoTrap®, insert a standard 4-inch ABS plastic protective sleeve into the drain, and run the snake directly through the unit. Resident plumbers appreciate this feature because it eliminates the labor of pulling the fixture off the wall.

How do waterless urinals reduce vandalism in commercial restrooms?

Because our No-Flush™ urinals do not use flush valves, handles, or incoming water lines, common issues like valve damage, handle destruction, and deliberate sink or urinal overflows are eliminated. Furthermore, the EcoTrap® acts as a built-in strainer, preventing gum, trash, and debris from clogging the main sewer line.

How do I fix a smelly conventional urinal that uses a mechanical rubber sock trap?

If your urinal has a mechanical "sock" or diaphragm trap without liquid, it is a mechanical dry-trap system. These units frequently collect urine sediment on top of the rubber membrane, leading to severe odor issues over time. They must be manually removed, cleaned, and reinserted. Note: You should also verify with your local plumbing authority whether mechanical-trap urinals meet your municipal plumbing codes.

What custom colors and finishes are available for architectural projects?

Standard white isn't your only option. We offer a full line of custom solid colors for both High-Performance Composite (HPC) and traditional ceramic units, as well as a sleek granite finish for HPC models. Custom color-matching is also available for schools, sports arenas, corporate offices, and special architectural designs (e.g., school or brand colors). Contact our team to discuss custom ordering options.

Can you help fix a clogged waterless urinal that doesn't use a trap insert?

Unfortunately, no. Urinal models designed without removable trap inserts or sealants are prone to chronic clogging because they lack a mechanism to catch and isolate urine sediment. Most manufacturers of these insert-free units recommend flushing them regularly with large volumes of water to clear sediment. Once a full clog occurs, the entire fixture must be uninstalled from the wall and cleared from both sides.

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