Plumber: Yearning for a home urinal

Q: Hi Ed, I am a loyal reader and have learned a lot about plumbing from you. So much so that I know it is possible to have a full bathroom installed in my new basement recreation room. One fixture that must be included is a urinal. What type of urinal do you think would work well in a residential basement bathroom.

Peter, Indiana

A: I do get a lot of questions about installing urinals in residential settings. Sadly though, most of these plans get shot down due to spousal support for this idea. So, if you've got the "green light" to go ahead and install a home urinal, here's what I recommend you check out. There are new style waterless urinals on the market that can be used in residential settings. Since these urinals are "waterless" you can pick up two big advantages over traditional urinals. No. 1, the installation costs can be cut down because no dedicated water line is needed. No. 2, you can lower your water bill since you'll be saving water by not flushing a toilet every time the urinal is used. As far as cleaning goes, the ones I've worked with use special sprays along with a liquids seal in the fixture trap to absorb odors. Just follow the manufacturers regular maintenance schedule. Bottom line: If you want to be a "stand-up guy" and help the environment by saving water, installing a waterles urinal can be the way to go.

Master Contractor/Plumber Ed Del Grande is known internationally as the author of the book "Ed Del Grande's House Call," the host of TV and Internet shows, and a LEED green associate. Visit eddelgrande.com or write eadelg@cs.com. Always consult local contractors and codes. or write eadelg@cs.com. Always consult local contractors and codes. Distributed by MCT Information Services.

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Plumber: Yearning for a home urinal