Smart Waterless Urinal Maintenance Tips - and Why Zerodor Is a Better Alternative to Cartridge Mechanisms

Water scarcity, rising utility costs, and sustainability goals are pushing buildings to rethink how washrooms function. One of the smartest shifts has been towards dry urinals, commonly known as waterless urinals. But while installing a waterless urinal is a great step, proper maintenance and the right system are what determine long-term success , especially when it comes to hygiene and odor control. However, the long-term success of waterless urinals depends on correct maintenance practices, timely cleaning, and choosing the right technology.

What Are Waterless Urinals and How Do They Work?

Waterless urinals operate without flushing water. Instead of using water to push waste into drainage lines, they rely on odor-sealing technology to block foul smells from coming back up.

Most conventional waterless urinals use:

• A waterless urinal cartridge filled with a sealing liquid, or

• Mechanical membranes that open and close with urine flow

While these systems save water, they come with frequent maintenance challenges if not managed correctly.

Common Maintenance Challenges with Waterless Urinals

Without proper care, dry urinals can develop issues such as:

• Persistent odor

• Cartridge clogging

• Scale and salt build-up

• High replacement costs

These problems usually stem from improper cleaning methods or delayed waterless urinal refills.

Waterless Urinal Maintenance Tips

1. Use the Right Cleaning Products

Avoid acidic, chlorine-based, or harsh chemical cleaners. These damage cartridges, seals, and drainage lines. Use bio-enzymatic or neutral cleaners that break down urine salts naturally.

2. Clean More Often, Not More Aggressively

Dry urinals don’t need forceful scrubbing. Gentle, frequent cleaning prevents buildup without harming internal components.

3. Health & Environmental Safety

Proper maintenance ensures:

• No toxic fumes

• No chemical exposure

• No contaminated wastewater

• Lower housekeeping chemical load

Especially important in enclosed washrooms.

4. Never Flush Water “Occasionally”

This is a common mistake. Pouring water into dry urinals disrupts the sealing mechanism and pushes salts deeper into pipes.

Why Zerodor Is Better Than Other Waterless Urinals

This is where Zerodor truly stands apart.

1. No Conventional Cartridge Dependency

Unlike typical systems that rely on costly waterless urinal cartridges, Zerodor uses an advanced bio-based sealing and odor-control approach, drastically reducing replacement frequency.

2. Superior Odor Control

Zerodor doesn’t just mask smells - it biologically breaks down odor-causing compounds.This means:

• No chemical fragrances

• No sewer gas backflow

• Long-lasting freshness, even in high-traffic washrooms

3. Easier Waterless Urinal Refill

Zerodor refills are:

• Quick to apply

• Non-toxic

• Safer for housekeeping staff

• Compatible with existing dry urinals

This makes routine waterless urinal refill a simple preventive step instead of a costly intervention.

4. Better for Drain Lines & Plumbing

Traditional cartridges often allow salt and scale accumulation in pipes. Zerodor’s bio-action:

• Reduces uric salt crystallization

• Keeps drain lines clearer for longer

• Minimizes blockages and plumbing complaints

5. Truly Sustainable

Zerodor aligns with real sustainability goals by:

• Saving up to 150,000 liters of water per urinal per year

• Eliminating plastic cartridge waste

• Reducing chemical discharge into water bodies

  
  

  

Ideal Applications for Zerodor Waterless Urinals

Zerodor performs exceptionally well in:

• Airports & metro stations

• Corporate offices

• Malls & multiplexes

• Educational institutions

• Stadiums & high-footfall public washrooms

Where conventional waterless urinals often fail due to odor complaints, Zerodor thrives.

Why Zerodor Is Better Than Other Waterless Urinals

Feature / Benefit	Zerodor	Traditional Cartridge-Based Systems	Mechanical Trap Systems
Odor Control	Advanced biological odor breakdown; no masking	Uses liquid seal which can fail, causing odors	Mechanical seals can wear & trap odors
Dependency on Cartridges	Minimal or no cartridge reliance	High - cartridges need regular replacement	No cartridge, but mechanisms wear
Maintenance Frequency	Lower, simple upkeep	Frequent cartridge change & monitoring	Frequent mechanical cleaning
Cost of Ownership	Lower long-term cost	Higher recurring cartridge & labor costs	High maintenance costs due to parts
Environmental Impact	Less plastic waste & chemical use	Plastic cartridge waste; fluid disposal	Mechanical parts wear & replace
Ease of Refill	Simple bio-based refill	Full cartridge change required	No refill, but mechanisms can jam
Drain Line Health	Reduces uric salt buildup	Salt buildup increases clog risk	Mechanical traps can clog
Safety for Staff	Non-toxic, easy	Often requires handling fluids	Requires careful handling
Performance in High Traffic	Strong & consistent	Can fail under heavy load	Frequent service needed

Zerodor Maintenance Guide: Easy & Effective

Keeping Zerodor performing well is simple when you follow a consistent routine. Here’s a practical step-by-step guide:

Daily Maintenance

Surface cleaning Wipe the urinal surface with a neutral, non-acidic cleaner. Avoid bleach, harsh acids, or chlorine products as they can damage components and disrupt odor control.

Pro Tip: Spraying a bio-enzymatic cleanser and wiping with a soft cloth keeps the urinal clean without harming Zerodor’s system.

Conclusion :Waterless Urinals Work If Maintained Right

Waterless urinals are not “install and forget” systems. Their success depends on:

• Correct cleaning methods

• Timely waterless urinal refill

• Choosing smarter alternatives over outdated cartridges

If you’re tired of frequent waterless urinal cartridge replacements, odor issues, and maintenance headaches, Zerodor offers a cleaner, simpler, and more sustainable solution.