How to Buy a Urinal: A Comprehensive Guide

Your Guide to buying the best Urinals

Overview

The Urinals Buying Guide is designed to help buyers make an informed decision when purchasing a new urinal. This guide will cover important factors to consider while shopping, such as design, performance, durability, and price. It will also provide helpful tips on how to install and maintain a urinal. With this guide, buyers will be well-equipped to make a smart purchase that meets their individual needs and budget.

Key features

  1. Size and Shape – Urinals come in different sizes and shapes, from wall-mounted to stall-mounted to floor-mounted models. Consider the size of the space you have available and the type of urinal that will best fit the room and your needs.
  2. Flush System – Urinals may have either a manual or automatic flush system. Manual flush systems require human interaction to flush the urinal, while automatic systems may have motion sensors, buttons, or a timer to automatically flush the urinal after a certain period of time.
  3. Flush Volume – The volume of water used to flush a urinal is important. Consider how much water you want a urinal to use for each flush, as well as how much it costs to replace the water.
  4. Material – Urinals are usually made of porcelain, ceramic, stainless steel, glass, or plastic. Consider the durability of the material and how well it will stand up to frequent use.
  5. Finish – The finish of a urinal can affect its durability and style. Consider the type of finish you want, such as gloss, matte, or textured, as well as how well it will stand up to frequent use.
  6. Price – Prices for urinals vary widely depending on the type, size, and material. Consider all the features you need and how much you can afford to spend.

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Important considerations

Pros

  • Durability - Urinals are made from materials that are strong and sturdy, so they can withstand frequent use and last for many years.
  • Cost-saving - Urinals are generally much cheaper to purchase and install than toilets, making them a cost-effective option.
  • Water Efficiency - Urinals use much less water than toilets, so they save water and help reduce the water bill.
  • Hygienic - Urinals are designed with hygiene in mind, making them easier to keep clean and free from bacteria.
  • Space Efficiency - Urinals typically take up much less space than toilets, making them ideal for smaller spaces.

Cons

  • Installation: Installing a urinal often requires professional plumbing services, which can be expensive.
  • Maintenance: Urinals require regular maintenance and cleaning to prevent clogs and odor problems.
  • Water Use: Urinals can use large amounts of water, which can be costly over time.
  • Space: Urinals take up more space than a regular toilet, which might be a concern in smaller bathrooms.
  • Privacy: Urinals are often less private than standard toilets, making them less suitable for certain environments.

Best alternatives

  1. Toilets - Squat or seat toilets that are designed to provide complete elimination of waste.
  2. Portable Toilets - Toilets that can be installed quickly and easily, usually for outdoor use.
  3. Shower Toilets - Toilets that combine the functions of a shower and a toilet in one unit.
  4. Bidets - Special devices that are designed to provide a more hygienic cleansing than a regular toilet.
  5. Squatting Toilets - Toilets that require you to squat in order to use them.
  6. Composting Toilets - Toilets that use natural processes to break down waste into compost.
  7. Flush Toilets - Toilets that use water to flush waste away.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Urinal - a plumbing fixture used for urination
  • Urinal Bowl - the receptacle that collects the urine
  • Urinal Flush Valve - a device used to flush the urinal and activate the water supply
  • Urinal Trap - a curved section of pipe that prevents sewer gasses from entering the building
  • Urinal Sensor - an electronic device that can sense when someone is using the urinal and activate the flush mechanism
  • Urinal Mounting Hardware - various brackets, screws and anchors used to attach the urinal to the wall
  • Urinal Water Supply Line - a flexible pipe that connects the urinal to the building's water supply
  • Urinal Spill Tray - a device used to catch any water that may splatter from the urinal
  • Urinal Drain Line - a pipe that connects the urinal to the building's drainage system

Common questions

  1. What are the types of urinals? There are several types of urinals, including wall-mounted, floor-mounted, and free-standing urinals. Wall-mounted urinals are installed directly onto a wall, floor-mounted urinals are installed onto a specially designed platform in the bathroom, and free-standing urinals are standalone units that can be placed anywhere in the bathroom.
  2. What materials are urinals made of? Urinals are typically made of porcelain, ceramic, stainless steel, vitreous china, or plastic.
  3. What are the size options for urinals? Urinal sizes range from about 28 inches long to 40 inches long and from 14 inches wide to 24 inches wide.
  4. How much do urinals cost? The cost of urinals can vary greatly depending on the type, size, and material. Wall-mounted and floor-mounted urinals typically cost more than free-standing urinals. On average, a low-end urinal can cost anywhere from $50 to $100, while a high-end urinal can cost anywhere from $200 to $500.
  5. What accessories are available for urinals? Common urinal accessories include flush valves, flush handles, flush buttons, flush sensors, flappers, and splash guards.
  6. What maintenance is required for urinals? Most urinals require regular cleaning and maintenance, including cleaning the bowl, cleaning the drain, and checking the flush valve or flush handle for proper operation. It is also important to check for any signs of leaking.

Trivia

In the 1970s, one urinal in the men's restroom at the San Francisco International Airport became famous for its artistic design. Created by the artist Clark Sorensen, the design was inspired by the nearby San Francisco Bay and featured a blue and white tile mosaic with a seagull silhouette in the center. The urinal gained notoriety due to being featured in magazines and books and has even been the subject of a popular urban legend. Though the urinal has since been replaced, it is still remembered fondly by many San Franciscans. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.