Urinals: what are they and what are they?

Modern bathrooms of shopping centers, medical institutions, restaurants and other establishments are often equipped with urinals. Urinals differ from conventional toilets and have a number of features. From the material of this article, you will learn what it is, how this plumbing works and how it works, what it happens, and how to choose it correctly.

Urinals are toilets of an improved type, designed for urination, which today are increasingly being installed in private houses and city apartments. The first models were developed specifically for the stronger sex. Today, there are also models for women on sale. Urinals differ from conventional counterparts in that they are used in a standing position.

They are installed in spacious bathrooms in order to increase user comfort. The devices are distinguished by their practicality and hygiene, low water consumption and ease of use.

The toilet bowl for small needs is arranged as simply as possible. At the heart of the work of the urinal is a classic analogue. Bowl Urinala has an inlet for water supply and an outlet valve with a siphon located at the bottom. During operation, the liquid washes the bowl and enters the sewage system.

Flush in models, equipped with a water drain system, is carried out by means of a lever, a faucet or a button. More advanced specimens are equipped with electronic unit with a contact or non-contact sensor. The form many products are designed to avoid unnecessary contact with valves, seats and covers.

Depending on the model type water drainage system can be manual or automatic... Other modifications, like traditional toilet bowls, are equipped with a cistern. Rare products have a cover in the device. The installation system is purchased separately. The outlet, depending on the type, can be located horizontally or vertically.

The drainage system can be continuous and standard.

1. The first type is considered uneconomical and requires a constant supply of water to the urinal. In this case, everything that enters the device is washed off.
2. The traditional type is characterized by the use of a lever, which is considered unhygienic today.

Different leading brands make male and female urinals... Female urinal the product is considered controversial because it is not as convenient to use as advertised. To be able to stand while urinating, women have to use an additional device. It helps direct the flow of urine in the right direction.

Such urinals can be compact or even miniature (mini urinals or portable devices of a portable type). In the lines of manufacturers there are modern travel devices with ease of use. They are intended for men and women, as well as children. Such products are diverse, differ in size and color.

The entire range of products produced can be classified according to two main characteristics: the type of installation and the method of drainage.

Depending on the installation method, urinals are floor-standing and suspended... Floor-standing products have a modern look. They may have a bowl of various shapes (cylindrical, round, tubular, oval), there are traditional and angular. Products of this type are connected to sewer pipes.

Such urinals are quite common in public places. Usually they are installed in a row in a set of sections or several devices. Floor type products are divided into modifications with and without a cistern. Drainage options installed close to the wall, in the corner, as well as in any convenient place of the bathroom (where the dimensions and nuances of the layout allow).

They are distinguished by a special attachment to sewer pipes through water seal. It is hidden in the floor, which saves the usable area of ​​the bathroom and increases the aesthetics of the interior. but low urinals designed for installation in public places. For city apartments and private houses buy models of the usual height.

Wall or hanging urinals customers like it for its practicality, convenience and compactness. They are installed by means of a special concealed fastening, which reduces the installation time. As a rule, they save the usable area of ​​the bathroom, so they can be placed in rooms with a limited footage.

The siphons of these devices are hidden and typical, the water outlet is vertical and horizontal. Suspended models are classified as progressive plumbing. They are installed in men's toilets of large companies and other institutions, mounted directly on the wall or installation.

By the type of water supply, urinals can have external and internal connection of the flushing device. The drain can be manual, semi-automatic and automated. Each type has its own characteristics, the knowledge of which will allow you to choose the best option for your home. On sale there are models with a sensor, a photocell, as well as options with a waterless flush.

Automatic flush is divided into 2 subtypes, one of which is designed for installation in public places. Products of the second group are more suitable for installation in private houses or city apartments. Automated models are characterized by spontaneous switching on at certain time intervals.

Systems of the second type are considered the best, since their built-in sensors are triggered only when the user closes the toilet door. In addition, there are products on sale with touch and voice control of the drain.

Automatic and sensory urinals are considered hygienic sanitary ware... When using them, you do not need to touch the levers or buttons with your hands. Flushing is carried out by means of built-in motion sensors. These are models with a photocell and other sensors.

Non-contact flush urinals are powered by photocells - infrared sensors. Electronic systems operate from the mains or batteries. Options of the second type are good because they do not depend on the power supply. The first ones are convenient in that they do not require changing the batteries, and therefore are suitable for places with high traffic.

Automated flush systems automatically shut off the water supply valve when the power is turned off. They are thermal, infrared and radar... Temperature sensors react to changes in temperature inside the urinal.

Radar sensors, fluid-responsive are also customizable. Infrared act when a person is in the zone of their sensitivity. The electronic control unit for non-contact technology has a special setting. Flushing works when an infrared sensor registers a person's presence in front of the urinal for a certain amount of time.

On average, registration takes 10 seconds (the sensor should prevent a person from walking past the urinal). Flushing lasts from 3 to 15 seconds. However, depending on the model, this time may vary at your own discretion. Certain anti-vandal products are equipped with a hidden user registration option... They are triggered by the chemical composition of the urine in the siphon.

When water is supplied with an external installation method, the tap is installed at the top of the urinal on the wall. The liquid is discharged vertically, however, if desired, the discharge can be made horizontal. For this, special adapters are used.

That's why a hidden supply option is considered more rational. With this installation, only the drain panel or only the urinal is visible. At the same time, the interior of the bathroom meets the latest requirements for ergonomics. The absence of sewer pipes relieves the space and visually ennobles it.

Manual flush is used in standard budget type models. These products today are in less consumer demand in comparison with automatic counterparts. Mechanical flush is characterized by the presence of a valve or button. Models with a semi-automatic flush system are equipped with a timer.

A separate group of urinals is made up of modifications without flushing. Urinal of this type are equipped with membranes that prevent unpleasant odor. In addition, they have adsorbents that can neutralize odors chemically. The waterless flush device is not too different from units with a similar operating principle. They are equipped with a shutter, a waterless valve, and a pipe that connects the urinal to the sewer system. Flushing occurs due to special cartridges or oils. These devices are energy-saving and hygienic. When using them, the growth of bacteria and the spread of an unpleasant odor are excluded.

Particularly progressive plumbing provides solenoid flush. Sensors built into urinals are triggered when the pH level inside the urinal bowl changes. This will be the signal to the sensor for water supply. As for the modifications of the anhydrous type (that do not need to be flushed), after collecting urine in a special cartridge, its biological decay occurs.

In the production of urinals they use glazed ceramics and faience. These materials are characterized by their attractive appearance and ease of cleaning. Porcelain urinals characterized by low moisture absorption and optimum mechanical strength. Materials are durable, products made from them have a smooth surface.

Thanks to the glazed surface, they shine for a long time, while maintaining aesthetics and novelty of appearance. In addition, the materials are resistant to temperature changes. Porcelain and earthenware urinals are not afraid of alkalis and acids. Individual products are made from polymers, glass and natural stone.

Sanitary faience, is a kind of ceramic, environmentally friendly and easy to clean. Sanfarfor considered more durable. This material is created from white clay. Products made from it are distinguished by optimal resistance to mechanical damage and resistance to yellowing during long-term use of plumbing.

Ceramic products are treated with special means. This prevents the growth of bacteria and mold, as well as the deposition of limescale and dirt on the walls of the urinals.

The structure of sanitary porcelain is less porous, which means that it is not only durable, but also resistant to the absorption of unpleasant odors. The surface of this plumbing is treated with a special dirt-repellent impregnation. In terms of moisture resistance, this material is 10 times better than sanitary ware.

As for the other raw materials used in the manufacture of urinals, they are made from metal and other alloys.

The dimensions of urinals can be very diverse, due to the projects of specific manufacturers. For example, a typical urinal model might have an average width of 425 mm by a depth of 365 mm. In this case, the height of the product can be 797 mm. Other models have a total height of 565 mm and a width of 315 mm.

The average size of the diameter of the water inlet is 35 mm. On sale you can find products with height / width / depth parameters equal to 445x285x160, 490x300x230, 515x305x275, 555x315x295, 565x340x310, 590x345x315, 615x350x350, 665x400x360, 797x425x430x390, 840 mm. The parameters for setting the height of the products also vary. For men, these figures are about 650 mm, for adolescents about 560 cm, for boys 8-10 years old, this distance does not exceed half a meter.

The way the urinal is installed depends on the type of urinal. For example, a wall-mounted model without installation is installed by following a series of consecutive steps.

1. First, deal with communications. At the selected installation site, a pipe pipe is made, punching it up from the sewer wiring plank.
2. After that, the sewer is sorted out, then the pipe is raised along the pipe to the desired height and a branch is installed at its end.
3. Then a threaded end piece is installed, which is necessary for connecting the drain system. After that, they are engaged in installing the drain device.
4. Finally, it is mounted after finishing the walls. At the end of the finishing work, they are engaged in connecting the urinal, pushing it onto the outlets in the wall.
5. Having noted the holes of the fasteners, they begin to drill and install the urinal in a permanent place. After connecting the drain, mount the cover or the flush activation handle.

Urinal designs vary. In addition to the variety of shapes, products differ different colors of the material used. Most often there are options for sale white... In addition, the buyer can find models in light shades and even in black... This allows the urinals to match the rest of the plumbing. For example, portable models for women are often painted in shades of pink and beige. They have curved funnel edges.

Models can be painted in a uniform color or have a color with stains that imitate marble or other stone... A variety of products allows you to successfully fit them into the interior of a bathroom of a particular style. At the same time, they become expressive accents of premises.

Despite the fact that there are assembled devices on sale, often the buyer has to buy individual components... For example, having acquired a bowl of optimal shape and dimensions, you have to buy an automatic drainage system. However, the standard equipment should include the urinal itself, the flushing device, the installation, the siphon, the mountings and the power supply unit (relevant for automatic models).

As for the choice of the necessary tools and accessories, then in each case everything is individual and depends on the preferences of the buyer.... The urinal must be cared for in the same way as other plumbing fixtures.Depending on the type of product, special grids, pipes, rugs, as well as fragrances can be sold to it.

In addition, useful purchases include special surface cleaners and tablets to remove urinary calculi. When buying this product, you need to pay attention to the degree of aggressiveness of the composition. Some of the touted care products simply corrode the surface of your plumbing fixtures.

Improper care can lead to the fact that the glazed or enamel coating is gradually chipping off and covered with microcracks. This can happen with a sanitary ware product for which the wrong detergent was chosen.

The urinal model is chosen taking into account a number of criteria. It is necessary to decide on such aspects as material of manufacture, type of installation, type of drainage system and method of water supply. It is important to take into account the specifics of the water supply system, as well as the location of the sewer pipes.

In addition, it is worth pushing off and from the budget. Automatic models are more expensive, but they use less water. Among other points, it is worth considering the layout of the plumbing unit, the degree of convenience in maintaining the urinal, the method of attachment, size and optimal location.

As for the products for boys, then the buyer can choose the option with the so-called mill. These urinals have a scope so kids can learn to use the device without splashing on the walls or puddles on the floor. Someone May Like models with washbasin. A feature of these devices is the fact that water is used to flush urine, which was washed before.

If combined products seem inappropriate or do not fit in design, it is necessary to choose those options that seem the most convenient and functional. When buying, you need pay attention to the integrity of the parts.

You can learn how to install a urinal at home in the next video.