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No. Test results from UCLA and LGA (LandesGewerbeAnstalt ) in Germany confirm that the sealant liquid is completely biodegradable. In addition, the Federal Ministry of the Environment in Germany reports the sealant poses no health risk when handling.
In a waterless urinal, the absence of water and flush plumes reduce the creation of odor and the spread of bacteria. A study conducted by Oregon State Parks determined that ammonia gas, the most distinctive and common urinal odor, in Falcon Waterfree urinals was well below the average person's threshold for detection – and was therefore all but odorless. In the Falcon system, any urine in the bottom of the cartridge or drain is sealed from the restroom's atmosphere by the biodegradable liquid sealant and locking-fit, sealed cartridge. This has been proven in highly controlled comparative tests by UCLA. Additional testing conducted by the California Institute of Technology concluded that "the dual barrier systems provided in the Falcon Waterfree Technology urinals are predicted to be 500 times more effective against the back migration of sewer gases as compared to conventional P-trap water barriers."
First, it's generally accepted that 20% of all water used in a building is the result of flush urinals. Then consider that numerous studies have found that a single urinal is typically used several times per day, per person and that the number of urinals per location is regulated by building codes. Knowing this, we can assume our estimate is quite accurate. A conservative annual usage rate is 28,000 uses per year (approximately 75 per day). The amount of water used by flush urinals depends on the age, type and condition of the urinal and flush valve. Note that small, difficult-to-detect leaks in flush urinals can waste hundreds to thousands of gallons beyond the amount of water required for normal operation. If the average amount of water is 1.5 gallons per flush, times 28,000, this results in 42,000 gallons. The savings are even greater in older, high water use urinals and in situations of higher usage rates. Your Falcon representative can help you complete a usage and water/sewer savings analysis.
Our waterless urinals are typically less expensive to buy and to install than flush units due to the absence of the flush valve. Of course the biggest difference is the lack of a flush valve and/or sensor and related water supply piping. All other installation requirements are the same as with a flush unit.
We guarantee our vitreous china and stainless steel waterless urinal bowls to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of ten (10) years, commencing on the date of installation. We also guarantee you will have an odor-free, hands-free, sanitary fixture that saves money and time compared to a flush urinal system. Should you experience unsatisfactory performance with your Falcon Waterfree urinal system, we will work directly with you to ensure that your system operates properly and that it delivers the results we promised.
Urine is essentially odorless. A "urine odor" is caused when urine reacts with water to cause ammonia gas. No water equals no reaction. Next, the materials of the Falcon fixture are non-porous and designed to funnel virtually every drop of urine through the sealant layer in the cartridge and down the drain. The Falcon sealant liquid is lighter than water and creates an airtight seal, so the urine passes through and is trapped. In the Falcon system, any urine in the bottom of the waterless urinal cartridge or drain is sealed from the restroom's atmosphere. This has been proven in highly controlled comparative tests by UCLA. Plus, testing conducted by the California Institute of Technology concluded that "the dual barrier system provided in the Falcon Waterfree Technology urinals are predicted to be 500 times more effective against the back migration of sewer gases as compared to conventional P-trap water barriers."
Yes. The life cycle savings provided by Falcon urinals make these situations economical, particularly when there is a history of frequent valve repair and/or replacement due to wear or vandalism. Granted, the waterless urinal installations are a little more involved since a drainpipe must be routed to the wall-hung unit and cosmetic floor repairs must be made. There may also be some cosmetic repair to walls required.
Yes. We have relationships with high quality installers around the world and will put you in touch with one nearby.
Falcon products are approved for use in every major United States model plumbing code, (International Plumbing Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, and National Standard Plumbing Code) and most international plumbing codes. However, if your local code has not been updated to follow these major model-plumbing codes, you can typically request and receive a variance approval from local officials. Falcon customer service is available to assist you.
It's very simple. In new building installations there is no need for water supply piping, just a drainpipe. In replacement applications, the existing water supply is shut down and the waterfree system is mounted on the wall like other urinals and is connected to the drain/sewer pipe using a gasket/flange connection provided by every flush urinal or standard pipe connection. The average time required to replace a flush urinal with a waterless urinal is 1 to 2 hours. Installation for new construction requires considerably less time. Step-by-step instructions provide easy and clear direction for installation. On-site installation training is provided at no cost for installations of 50 or more units.
No, just routine cleaning of the fixture with common Falcon-recommended cleansers and the periodic replacement of the cartridge. You should avoid dumping large volumes of water or chemical solutions down the waterless urinal as this may wash away the sealant liquid. All customers receive a step-by-step Maintenance instructions and a maintenance room poster/checklist. For large installations, Falcon can provide on-site maintenance training.
The (trap) cartridge is made of recyclable ABS plastic and can be disposed of in a landfill in accordance with local regulations.
First remember that it's less likely for debris to clog a Falcon urinal due to the small size of the drain holes in the cartridge. If clogging should occur, debris should be removed from the urinal bowl and the cartridge should be replaced.
Many local governments are sponsoring incentive programs for water-saving devices. Contact your Falcon representative to see if there is a program in which you can participate. Or, we can work with you and your local water provider to establish a rebate program.
It is quite simple when you account for all the costs associated with flush urinals that are eliminated by Falcon fixtures. Estimate water costs based on usage for each urinal. Add the cost per gallon of wastewater charged by your local water utility. Add the savings that come from eliminating odor control products (cakes, misters, etc.) that aren't needed with Falcon products. Estimate the average maintenance cost per fixture for valve/sensor repairs and replacement (found to be as high as $1,000 per year for just three units at one U.S. Army Research Lab installation). Offset these savings by the cost of replacement cartridges (typically two to four times per year) and your savings/payback analysis is complete. Finally, remember that all of the costs associated with flush urinals will rise in the future.
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