Having a urinal in your home can offer some advantages, but also has some downsides to consider. This comprehensive guide examines the pros and cons of installing a urinal at home to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your needs.
What is a Urinal?
A urinal is a specialized sanitary fixture designed exclusively for urination while standing up. Urinals are commonly found in commercial bathrooms and public restrooms.
Unlike a toilet, a urinal does not have a seat or lid and is installed at a height ideal for quick visits. The design allows for more efficient and hygienic urine collection and drainage.
Modern urinals for home use can have similar features to commercial urinals but are scaled down in size. They come in a range of styles, shapes, and sizes to suit residential bathrooms.
Pros of Installing a Urinal at Home
Installing a urinal in your home bathroom offers some potential benefits:
Convenience
For men, a dedicated urinal can offer added convenience for quick bathroom visits to urinate. Using a urinal is generally faster than using a toilet since it eliminates the need to lift or lower a seat.
It also keeps the toilet itself cleaner and free of accidental splashes for other bathroom users.
Water Conservation
Urinals use significantly less water per flush than toilet systems. Typical urinal flush volume ranges from 0.5 to 1 gallon, whereas toilet flushes use 1.6 gallons or more per flush.
Having a water-efficient urinal can help conserve household water usage, which is especially beneficial in drought-prone areas.
Space Saving
In a small bathroom, a urinal takes up less space than adding a second toilet. This can allow more efficient use of limited space.
Added Resale Value
Some higher-end homes feature urinals as an added convenience. This may potentially enhance property resale value if you later choose to sell.
Reduced Cleaning
With designated urination fixtures, there may be less mess and odor build-up on the toilet bowl itself. This can minimize cleaning time spent scrubbing the toilet.
Lowered Seat-Related Conflicts
For households with male/female or children/adult users, debates over leaving the toilet seat up or down are eliminated. The urinal resolves this issue.
Health Benefits
For men suffering from prostate enlargement conditions, using a urinal can sometimes provide a more comfortable urine flow position compared to a seated toilet.
Potential Downsides of a Home Urinal
While urinals offer some upside, there are also some factors to weigh when deciding if installing one at home makes sense:
Higher Upfront Cost
Urinal fixtures, plumbing and installation costs will be an added expense versus retaining your existing single toilet. This investment may or may not pay off long-term depending on how much the urinal gets used.
Loss of Resale Value
Alternatively, some homebuyers may see a urinal as superfluous, outdated or undesirable. This could work against you if trying to maximize resale appeal.
Limited User Base
Urinals serve a primary purpose for standing male urination only. Women and seated bathroom users gain little benefit from a urinal taking up space in a residential bathroom.
Odor Potential
Like any bathroom fixture, urinals require cleaning to limit odors. Infrequent flushing or cleaning can allow urine odor to build up over time.
Increased Water Spots/Stains
The exposed porcelain surface of a urinal, especially around the drain, is prone to unsightly mineral deposits and staining. This requires diligent cleaning.
Regularity of Use
A urinal installed in a home bathroom may see infrequent use depending on the number of male occupants. Irregular flushing can allow odor and hygiene issues to develop.
Future Removal Difficulty
If you later choose to remove a urinal, the plumbing modifications make this a more involved (and expensive) endeavor.
Lack of Dual Functionality
Unlike a toilet that serves dual #1 and #2 functions, a urinal is limited to just #1. The toilet still needs to exist and function properly.
Key Factors to Consider Before Installing a Urinal
If you’re still undecided about adding a urinal at home, think over these key considerations first:
Bathroom Size & Layout
A urinal requires extra space – will this work with your existing layout or require modifications?
Number of Male Occupants
Frequent urinal use makes it more worthwhile. Infrequent use risks odors.
Water Access & Plumbing
Consider access points for the water supply and drainage requirements.
Cleaning Commitment
Extra cleaning is needed to prevent odors and buildup. Are you prepared to take this on?
Cost vs. Benefits
Do the pros outweigh the extra upfront investment and loss of space?
Future Plans
If you may sell soon, a urinal could be deemed less desirable by potential buyers.
Multi-Purpose Function
Remember that a toilet still serves seated urination and bowel movements.
Aesthetic Appeal
Will a urinal suit the look and decor of your bathroom? Or clash?
Carefully weighing these factors will determine if a home urinal is right for your particular situation and bathroom needs.
Urinal Designs for Residential Use
If moving ahead with a home urinal, there are a few design styles to consider:
Wall Mount
The most common. Mounted vertically on the wall like commercial urinals. ADA compliant models available.
Floor Mounted
Stand freely on the floor. Often triangular shaped stainless steel fixtures.
Corner Mounted
Configured to tuck discreetly into a bathroom corner. Conserve space.
Countertop
Compact models designed for placing on sink countertops. Easily removable.
Touchless Flush
Automatic sensors detect use and initiate flushing. More hygienic, less maintenance.
Waterless
Uses liquid sealant instead of water. Reduces use, prevents odors & stains.
Consider the design that best matches your bathroom space while delivering the features you need.
Choosing the Right Urinal Location
Proper positioning is key to ensure comfortable use and efficient drainage:
- Allow 12-24 inches of clearance in front for standing access
- Keep 24-48 inches from the center to adjacent walls
- Install at ideal height for users, typically 24-36 inches above floor
- Situate near the bathroom entrance for convenience
- Place away from ventilation ducts to prevent odor spreading
- Avoid locations with high risk of splashing onto walls or cabinets
Having the urinal in a practical location will maximize utility.
Estimated Costs of Installing a Urinal
Here are typical ranges for urinal purchase, preparation and installation:
- Urinal unit: $200 – $1000
- Drainage plumbing: $200 – $500
- Water supply plumbing: $50 – $250
- Installation labor: $200 – $500
- Total cost range: $650 – $2250
Extra expenses may apply if bathroom modifications are needed to accommodate the urinal layout.
Higher-end urinal fixtures, extensive plumbing changes or complex installation needs will also increase costs.
FAQs About Installing Urinals at Home
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about adding a urinal to your residential bathroom:
Is a permit required to install a urinal?
In most cases, yes. Building codes usually require permits for new bathroom fixture installations to ensure proper plumbing, drainage and spacing requirements are met. Always check your local regulations.
What plumbing is needed for a home urinal?
Urinals require a water supply line (cold water only), drain line, and vent stack tied into the existing plumbing to function properly and meet code.
Do urinals need a water source to flush?
Most urinals utilize water for flushing. Some newer waterless models rely on liquid sealant cartridges instead. Water supply availability is usually simpler for installation.
Where does the urinal drainage go?
The urinal drain ties into the main wastewater stack and flows into the building drainage system, just like other fixtures.
How much clearance should be around a urinal?
ADA standards advise at least 36 inches of clear width for forward approach urinal use by wheelchair users. Ambulatory users need 24 inches of clearance in front.
How do you clean a home urinal?
Periodic scrubbing with a urinal cleaning brush and urinal puck or in-tank cleaner helps control odors and stains. Bleach-based cleaners also sanitize effectively.
Can urinals be installed in residential code?
Yes. The International Residential Code (IRC) includes provisions for the installation of urinals within dwelling units, provided all code requirements are followed.
How much water do urinals use?
While toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush or more, the average urinal flush volume ranges from 0.5 to 1 gallon. Some ultra low-flow models can use as little as 0.125 gallons per flush.
Are urinals allowed in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado has adopted the model IRC code which allows urinals in residential dwellings when installed per code requirements. Some jurisdictions may limit urinals to only certain room classifications.
Do you need an exhaust fan for a urinal?
Exhaust fans are not strictly required by code but are highly advisable. Proper ventilation removes odors and moisture. Fans should be humidity-sensing and ducted outside.
Final Thoughts on Adding a Urinal at Home
Installing a urinal in your bathroom comes with both advantages and disadvantages to weigh. A urinal can offer convenience for male users, save water, and free up toilet space. However, higher costs, limited appeal, and extra cleaning are downsides to consider.
Thinking critically about your specific bathroom needs, user habits, plumbing layout, and design preferences will determine if the benefits of a home urinal outweigh the sacrifices. If moving forward, be sure to obtain qualified professional installation tailored to your residential bathroom requirements. With mindful planning and use, a home urinal can be a handy addition.
