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.
Envirotec Hygiene Services are proud to supply you with top of the line urinal flush controls from SensaFlush, as well as urinal, toilet seat, and cistern sanitisers to maximise hygiene in your bathroom or washrooms.
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, our SensaFlush urinal flush controls 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 money on water bills.
To find out more about SensaFlush, contact us now.
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 contributing positively to the water economy, 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.
As an added bonus, urinal flush controls operate at minimum volume, meaning there is no added “noise pollution” in the office bathroom!
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 sensor
Many modern urinal flush control systems utilise a motion sensor, 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 on each individual urinal.
This technology eliminates the need for regular flushing intervals and minimises water wastage caused by unused urinals, especially in commercial washroom installations.
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. Power supply
Urinal flush control systems have different power options, and 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.
Urinal Flush Control Systems: Excellence from Envirotec
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 the highest level of urinal flush valves and systems to help reduce your water consumption and save you money. Get in touch with us to find out how easy it could be to replace your traditional urinal installations with urinal flush controls suitable for your home or business. We can also help with the associated plumbing that comes with installing direct flush controls for urinals.
Urinal Flush Control FAQs
How do you adjust a urinal flush valve?
Adjusting a urinal flush valve depends on the type of system in place. For manual or traditional flush valves, you can usually adjust the water flow by turning the adjustment screw located on the valve body—turning it clockwise reduces the flow, while counterclockwise increases it.
For sensor-operated flush valves, adjustments are typically made via a control panel or by changing the water pressure in the supply line. At Envirotec, we can fine-tune your urinal flush settings to ensure optimal water usage and hygiene.
Do urinals flush automatically?
Many modern urinals are equipped with automatic flush systems, which use infrared sensors to detect when someone has used the urinal. These systems help maintain hygiene by ensuring consistent flushing, reducing touchpoints, and preventing odours.
If you’re considering upgrading to an automatic urinal system, Envirotec can install and maintain sensor-operated solutions to improve cleanliness and water efficiency.
How do I shut off an automatic urinal flush valve?
To temporarily shut off an automatic urinal flush valve, locate the isolation valve on the water supply line. This is usually a small lever or screw near the flush mechanism. Turning it clockwise will stop the water flow. Some sensor-operated units also have a manual override or a power switch that can disable flushing.
If you’re experiencing issues with your automatic flush system, Envirotec can provide expert maintenance and troubleshooting.
How do you adjust urinal flush pressure?
Urinal flush pressure can be adjusted by modifying the water supply pressure or adjusting the flush valve itself. Most urinal flush valves have a regulating screw that allows you to control the flow rate—turning it clockwise decreases the pressure, while counterclockwise increases it.
If your urinals are flushing too forcefully or too weakly, our team at Envirotec can calibrate the system to ensure efficient water usage without compromising performance.
Do urinals need a cistern?
Urinals can function with or without a cistern, depending on the type of flushing system used. Traditional urinals often rely on a cistern to store and release water in timed intervals, while more modern systems, like direct flush valves, connect directly to the mains water supply for a controlled flush per use.At Envirotec, we can assess your setup and recommend the most efficient solution for your business.
Can you put urinal blocks in a cistern?
Urinal blocks are designed to reduce odours and break down uric scale, but they should not be placed in a cistern. Instead, they are best used directly in the urinal bowl or in a specially designed urinal sleeve. If placed in a cistern, they can cause blockages or interfere with the flushing mechanism.
If you’re looking for effective urinal hygiene solutions, Envirotec offers a range of products that keep your washrooms fresh and free from build-ups.
How often should a urinal cistern flush?
The frequency of a urinal cistern flush depends on usage levels and system settings. In most cases, a cistern should flush every 20–30 minutes in high-traffic areas to maintain hygiene and prevent odours.
However, water-saving solutions like sensor flush systems can reduce unnecessary flushing, cutting down on water usage and costs. Envirotec can help you optimise your urinal flushing system to balance hygiene with sustainability.