Commercial Urinals in Australia: Everything You Need to Know

Choosing the right commercial urinal isn’t just about price — it affects water usage, maintenance costs, hygiene, and long-term compliance.

Whether you’re fitting out a pub, school, stadium, or commercial building, this guide explains:

• Types of commercial urinals

• Waterless vs flushing systems

• Australian spacing requirements

• Running costs and water savings

• Maintenance best practices

• How to choose the right model

At The Urinal Shop, we specialise in compliant, high-performance urinal systems for Australian conditions.

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Types of Commercial Urinals

Wall-Hung Urinals

Wall-hung urinals are the most common choice for commercial bathrooms.

Best for:

• pubs and clubs

• offices

• shopping centres

• general commercial use

Pros

• cost effective

• easy to install

• widely available

• simple maintenance

Cons

• may require flush management

• water usage depends on system

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Stall Urinals (Slab or Trough Style)

Stall or trough urinals are designed for very high traffic environments.

Best for:

• stadiums

• schools

• large venues

• industrial sites

Pros

• handles heavy usage

• fewer blockages

• efficient for peak crowds

Cons

• less privacy

• higher installation cost

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Waterless Urinals

Waterless urinals are becoming increasingly popular across Australia due to water savings and sustainability goals.

Best for:

• environmentally focused facilities

• water-restricted sites

• remote locations

• high water cost areas

Pros

• zero flush water

• major water savings

• reduced plumbing complexity

• lower long-term water bills

Cons

• requires cartridge maintenance

• needs proper cleaning regime

• incorrect servicing can cause odours

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Sensor Flush Urinals

Automatic sensor systems improve hygiene and water control.

Best for:

• premium commercial bathrooms

• healthcare

• airports

• modern office fitouts

Pros

• touch-free operation

• controlled flushing

• improved hygiene

Cons

• higher upfront cost

• requires power source / battery

• sensor maintenance required

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Waterless vs Flushing Urinals: Which Is Better?

This is one of the most common questions facility managers ask.

Water Usage Comparison

 

👉 A busy pub urinal can use 100,000+ litres per year if poorly managed.

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Maintenance Comparison

Flushing urinals

• require flush valve maintenance

• can waste water if incorrectly set

• generally familiar to cleaners

Waterless urinals

• require cartridge replacement

• need correct cleaning products

• lower plumbing wear

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Best Choice by Venue

Choose waterless if:

• water costs are high

• sustainability is a priority

• maintenance is managed properly

Choose flushing if:

• cleaners prefer traditional systems

• retrofitting existing plumbing

• very inconsistent maintenance regimes

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Australian Urinal Spacing & Compliance

Compliance is critical in commercial installations.

Typical Urinal Spacing (Australia)

While requirements can vary by state and project, common practice is:

• Minimum centre spacing: ~600 mm

• Recommended comfortable spacing: 700–800 mm

• Privacy divider projection: typically 300–400 mm

Always confirm with:

• NCC (National Construction Code)

• local plumbing codes

• accessibility requirements

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WaterMark Certification

In Australia, urinals connected to plumbing systems must typically be WaterMark certified.

WaterMark ensures:

• plumbing safety

• regulatory compliance

• insurance acceptance

• legal installation

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WELS Ratings Explained

The WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) rating indicates water efficiency.

Why it matters:

• reduces water bills

• supports sustainability targets

• often required in government projects

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Running Costs & Water Savings

Example: Busy Pub Scenario

Traditional uncontrolled flush

• ~2 litres per flush

• 50 uses/day

• ≈ 36,500 litres/year per urinal

Timed or smart flush

• can reduce water by 30–70%

Waterless system

• eliminates flush water entirely

👉 Over multiple urinals, savings become significant.

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Maintenance Best Practices

Proper maintenance is the difference between a great installation and ongoing headaches.

Daily / Regular Cleaning

• use approved urinal cleaners

• avoid harsh chemicals in waterless units

• clean rims and traps

• check for blockages

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Periodic Checks

• inspect flush valves

• check sensor operation

• review flush timing

• inspect waste lines

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Waterless Cartridge Replacement

Typical interval:

• every 3–6 months (usage dependent)

Signs replacement is needed:

• odour breakthrough

• slow drainage

• visible cartridge wear

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How to Choose the Right Commercial Urinal

Step 1 — Identify Your Venue Type

• Pub or club → durability + odour control

• School → vandal resistance + water savings

• Stadium → high capacity

• Office → aesthetics + hygiene

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Step 2 — Review Water Costs

High water costs = strong case for:

• waterless

• smart flush

• timer systems

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Step 3 — Assess Maintenance Capability

If maintenance is inconsistent:

• avoid complex systems

• consider controlled flushing

If maintenance is strong:

• waterless becomes very attractive

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Step 4 — Confirm Compliance

Always check:

• WaterMark

• WELS

• NCC requirements

• accessibility

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Recommended Commercial Urinal Solutions

At The Urinal Shop, we supply:

• WaterMark-approved urinals

• waterless systems

• flush timers and controls

• privacy dividers

• cleaning and maintenance products

👉 Browse our range or contact our team for expert advice tailored to your facility.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much water does a commercial urinal use?

Traditional urinals typically use 1.5–3 litres per flush, though smart controls can reduce this significantly. Waterless urinals use zero flush water.

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Are waterless urinals hygienic?

Yes — when properly maintained with the correct cartridge and cleaning regime, waterless urinals are widely used in commercial facilities across Australia.

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What is the standard urinal height in Australia?

Typical rim height is around 610–660 mm for adults, with lower heights required for accessible installations.

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How often should urinals flush?

This depends on traffic and system type. Many commercial sites optimise flushing using timers or sensors to reduce water waste.

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Do commercial urinals need WaterMark approval?

In most Australian plumbing installations, yes — always confirm with your plumber or certifier.

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Need Help Choosing the Right Urinal?

The team at The Urinal Shop specialises in commercial urinal systems across Australia.

✅ Expert advice
✅ Water-saving solutions
✅ Compliance support
✅ Fast nationwide supply

👉 Contact us today or explore our full range online.