An often overlooked area that can save a lot of money is water usage in commercial buildings. Did you know just how much money you can save by reducing water usage in commercial buildings? This is particularly relevant when it comes to urinals, believe it or not! If left uncontrolled, they can consume a substantial amount of water.
In this blog post, we’ll go over how installing urinal flush control systems would not only reduce your water wastage, but also enhance hygiene, lower costs, and lower your carbon footprint.
What is urinal flush control?
Urinal Flush Control systems, also known as Urinal Water Savers or Flush Controllers, are innovative solutions designed to regulate the water flow between the incoming supply and the urinal/trough. These systems work in different ways depending on the manufacturer and operating method. At Envirotec, ours work through the use of motion detection during ‘active’ and ‘idle’ periods – your urinals will only be flushed when necessary. This means you’re not wasting any unnecessary water, saving you significantly on water bills.
Why is urinal flush control important?
1. You save water, and money!
One of the main reasons to implement urinal flush control systems is to reduce water consumption and associated costs. Traditional urinal flushing systems can use a significant amount of water, resulting in unnecessary expenses. By installing a reliable and effective urinal flush control system, you can reduce your water consumption by up to 90%, leading to substantial reductions in water bills. In fact, the initial investment in a flush control kit can often be recouped through savings in the first six months.
2. You help the environment
With the increasing demand for fresh water and the need for sustainable water management, it is crucial for businesses to minimise water wastage. Implementing water-saving devices like urinal flush controls is an important step towards environmental responsibility. By conserving water, you can actively contribute to the preservation of water resources and reduce your carbon footprint.
3. You are compliant with regulations
The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 states that water used for flushing urinals should be minimised and managed effectively. Unless urinals are flushed manually, or flushed automatically by electronic means after each use, the water supply to the urinals must be fitted with an effective automatic device for regulating flushing periods. These regulations ensure that water usage remains within acceptable limits and promote water efficiency. By implementing urinal flush control systems, you can make sure you stay compliant with these regulations – it’s not worth risking a penalty!
4. Improve hygiene and control odour
Urinals can be a breeding ground for bacteria and unpleasant odours if they’re not properly maintained. Urinal flush control systems help maintain hygiene standards by ensuring that each urinal is flushed only when necessary. This prevents the build-up of bacteria and reduces unpleasant odours in washrooms. Additionally, some flush control systems such as ours incorporate sanitising features, making sure they stay fresh, making the washroom more attractive for anyone who walks in it.
How exactly does it work?
Urinal flush control systems employ various mechanisms to regulate flushing and optimise water usage. Here are some common methods used in these systems:
1. Motion detection sensors
Many modern urinal flush control systems utilise motion detection sensors, such as Passive Infra-Red (PIR) sensors, to detect user activity. When a user approaches the urinal, the sensor activates the flush mechanism, ensuring that water is only used when necessary. This technology eliminates the need for regular flushing intervals and minimises water wastage caused by unused urinals.
2. Adjustable flushing settings
Urinal flush control systems often allow users to adjust the flushing settings based on their specific requirements. These settings can include the frequency and duration of flushes, ensuring that water usage is tailored to the level of usage in a particular washroom. By customising the flush settings, businesses can optimise water conservation without compromising hygiene standards.
3. Battery or mains powered
Urinal flush control systems can be powered by either batteries or mains electricity. Battery-powered systems offer flexibility in terms of installation and can be easily retrofitted into existing washroom setups. On the other hand, mains-powered systems provide a continuous power supply, eliminating the need for battery replacements. The choice between battery-powered and mains-powered systems depends on factors such as washroom layout, infrastructure, and maintenance preferences.
4. Hygiene flushing
Some urinal flush control systems incorporate hygiene flushing features to ensure that urinals are flushed at regular intervals, even during periods of low usage. This helps prevent the build-up of stagnant water and maintain hygiene standards. Hygiene flushing can be scheduled at specific time intervals or activated after a certain number of hours of inactivity.
Overview
Urinal flush control systems offer many benefits, including cost savings, environmental sustainability, enhanced hygiene standards, regulatory compliance, and improved washroom experience.
By implementing these systems, you can optimise water usage, reduce costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future. At Envirotec, we offer urinal flush valves and systems to help reduce your water consumption and save you money. Get in touch with us to find out more!