Choosing the right urinal for your home, office, or public bathroom requires careful consideration to ensure it meets your needs, complies with regulations, and performs efficiently. Whether you’re upgrading a commercial facility or installing a urinal in a residential space, here are the key factors to evaluate before making a purchase.
1. Material: Stainless Steel vs. Vitreous China
The material of a urinal significantly impacts its durability, maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. The two most common materials are stainless steel and vitreous china, each with distinct advantages.
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Pros: Highly durable, resistant to corrosion, and ideal for high-traffic public restrooms like stadiums or shopping centers. Stainless steel urinals, such as those offered by The Urinal Shop, are often vandal-resistant, making them suitable for environments prone to heavy use or abuse. They’re also easier to clean and maintain a sleek, modern look.
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Cons: Higher upfront cost and less traditional in appearance, which may not suit upscale or residential settings.
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Best for: Commercial spaces, public amenities, or outdoor facilities where durability is critical.
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Pros: Offers a classic, glossy finish that’s aesthetically pleasing and commonly used in residential or upscale commercial bathrooms. It’s more affordable than stainless steel and available in a variety of designs from brands like Caroma or Turner Hastings. Vitreous china is also resistant to stains and easy to clean.
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Cons: Less durable than stainless steel, it may chip or crack under heavy use or vandalism, making it less ideal for high-traffic public areas.
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Best for: Residential bathrooms, offices, or low-traffic commercial settings where style matters.
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Consideration: Choose stainless steel for rugged environments or vitreous china for a polished look and budget-friendly option.
2. Inlet/Outlet Positioning: Match Your Plumbing
The inlet and outlet positioning of a urinal must align with your existing or planned plumbing system to avoid costly modifications. The two primary configurations are:
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Back-Inlet: Water enters from the back of the urinal, requiring plumbing within the wall. This is common in modern commercial installations for a cleaner look, as pipes are hidden.
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Top-Inlet: Water enters from above, typically used in older buildings or retrofits where wall plumbing isn’t feasible. These are easier to install but may expose visible pipes.
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Outlet Positioning: Ensure the outlet (waste pipe) aligns with your drainage system, whether floor-mounted or wall-mounted. Misalignment can lead to leaks or installation delays.
Consideration: Consult a licensed plumber to confirm your plumbing setup before purchasing. The Urinal Shop offers both back- and top-inlet options, and our team can advise on compatibility. Mismatched configurations can lead to expensive retrofitting, so double-check your setup.
3. Water Usage and Flush Type
Water efficiency is a critical factor, especially in Australia, where water conservation is a priority. Urinals come in various flush types, each with different water usage profiles:
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Waterless Urinals: These use no water, relying on a trap cartridge or sealant to prevent odors. They’re environmentally friendly, reduce water bills, and are ideal for eco-conscious projects.
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Pros: Zero water usage, lower maintenance costs.
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Cons: Higher initial cost and periodic cartridge replacement.
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Low-Flush Urinals: These use minimal water (1.1–1.7L per flush) and often have high WELS ratings (3–6 stars).
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Pros: Water-efficient, cost-effective over time.
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Cons: Requires plumbing for water supply.
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Automatic Sensor Flush: Sensor-activated flushing systems, like the SupaFlush Sensor Kit, reduce water waste by flushing only when needed. They also enhance hygiene by eliminating touchpoints.
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Pros: Hygienic, water-efficient, ideal for public restrooms.
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Cons: Higher cost and potential maintenance for sensor components.
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Automatic Timer Flush: Automated timer flushing systems, like the Intelliflush Urinal Timer, reduce water usage by setting a timer to flush at specified intervals. It is fully programmable to suit the customers needs.
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Pros: Hygienic, water-efficient, ideal for schools.
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Cons: Higher initial cost.
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Consideration: Check the WELS rating (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) to ensure water savings. Waterless or low-flush urinals are best for eco-friendly projects, while sensor-equipped models suit high-traffic areas.
4. Compliance with Australian Standards
Urinals in Australia must comply with specific regulations to ensure safety, efficiency, and legality, especially for commercial installations:
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WELS Rating: The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards scheme requires urinals to display a star rating (1–6 stars, higher is better) for water efficiency.
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Watermark Certification: Ensures the urinal meets Australian plumbing standards for safety and performance. Look for Watermark-approved products to avoid compliance issues.
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Health and Building Codes: Commercial installations must adhere to local health regulations and the National Construction Code (NCC). For example, public restrooms may require specific accessibility features or vandal-resistant designs.
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AS 1428.1 (Accessibility): If the urinal is for a public or accessible restroom, ensure it meets height and spacing requirements for disability access.
Consideration: Verify compliance with WELS, Watermark, and local building codes before purchasing. The Urinal Shop can provide detailed compliance information, and consulting a plumber or building inspector can prevent costly mistakes.
5. Durability and Vandal Resistance
In high-traffic or public settings, durability and vandal resistance are crucial to ensure long-term performance and reduce maintenance costs:
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Stainless Steel Urinals: As mentioned, stainless steel is highly durable and resistant to vandalism, making it ideal for schools, stadiums, or public restrooms. We specialise in vandal-resistant designs like the Tread Mount Urinal, which withstands heavy use and abuse.
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Vitreous China with Protective Features: Some vitreous china urinals, include reinforced designs or easy-clean traps to enhance durability, though they’re less vandal-resistant than stainless steel.
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Sensor-Based Systems: Automatic flush valves reduce wear from manual operation and deter vandalism by minimizing user interaction.
Consideration: For public or commercial spaces, prioritize stainless steel or vandal-resistant models. For private or low-traffic settings, vitreous china may suffice if durability is less of a concern.
Final Thoughts
Purchasing a urinal involves balancing aesthetics, functionality, and compliance. Consider the material (stainless steel for durability, vitreous china for style), ensure inlet/outlet positioning matches your plumbing, prioritize water-efficient flush types, verify compliance with Australian standards, and assess durability needs based on the installation environment. Trusted suppliers like The Urinal Shop offer a wide range of compliant, high-quality urinals with expert support to guide your decision. Always consult a licensed plumber to confirm compatibility and compliance before finalizing your purchase.
By evaluating these factors, you’ll select a urinal that meets your needs, saves resources, and stands the test of time.
