How to Specify Commercial Urinals
The starting point is always the expected user numbers and the type of building. For offices and workplaces, minimum provision is set by the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations. For public venues, stadiums and transport hubs, provision is calculated from peak occupancy. In both cases, getting the number right at specification stage avoids costly remediation later.
Individual urinal bowls suit settings where hygiene presentation matters and user numbers are moderate. Each bowl flushes independently and can be isolated for maintenance without taking the whole run out of service. Troughs are the more practical choice for very high footfall locations where the priority is throughput and ease of cleaning rather than individual presentation.
The flush method is the next consideration. Automatic sensor flush controls are increasingly standard as they prevent over flushing, reduce water consumption and remove the need for users to touch any surface. Manual flush valves are lower cost and simpler to maintain. Waterless urinals remove the flush requirement entirely and are worth considering on any project with a sustainability brief.
For the material choice, ceramic is the standard for most applications. Stainless steel is specified where durability in hostile environments is the overriding requirement. Both are available across bowl and trough formats and both carry the same installation footprint, so switching between them does not affect the structural or plumbing requirements of the installation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard spacing for commercial urinals?
Building Regulations Part M recommends a minimum centre to centre spacing of 600mm between individual urinal bowls. For accessible provision, a wider bay of at least 700mm is recommended. Urinal troughs remove the spacing calculation entirely as they serve multiple users from a single continuous unit. Always check the current Building Regulations and any project specific specification for exact requirements.
What is the difference between a urinal bowl and a urinal trough?
A urinal bowl is an individual ceramic unit designed for single user use. Multiple bowls are installed in a row, each with its own flush. A urinal trough is a continuous channel unit that serves multiple users simultaneously from a single flush. Troughs are more economical to install in high footfall settings as they require fewer fittings and a single supply connection per run. Bowls offer a more individual and often more hygienic appearance.
Do waterless urinals really work?
Yes. Waterless urinals use a liquid seal trap or replaceable cartridge to contain odour without any flush water. They are effective when correctly maintained. The cartridge or trap seal requires periodic replacement depending on usage levels. Waterless urinals eliminate water consumption entirely and reduce plumbing costs as no flush supply is needed, making them a practical option for buildings with sustainability targets.
How many urinals do I need for a commercial building?
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 set minimum provision levels. For male only use, one urinal is required for every 25 male employees for workplaces with up to 100 employees. Above this, additional provision is required. For public buildings and venues, provision is typically calculated based on peak occupancy rather than employee numbers. A specifier or facilities consultant can advise on the correct provision for your building type.
