Page 18 - GRIHA Manual Volume IV - Introduction to National Rating System
P. 18
Building planning and construction 9
Urinals
Urinals have high potential of water efficiency as they consume a lot of water. Conventional urinals
use 7.5–11 litres of water per flush. Urinals can be a multi-user trough or individual wall hung pods.
Flushing mechanism of urinals can be as follows.
a) mechanically operated cistern (concealed push button or exposed overhead chain-pull)
b) lever operated flushometer,
c) timed flush systems that flushes automatically at regular intervals
d) electronic automatic flushes with a movement sensor controlled solenoid valve
These flushing mechanisms can reduce the flow of water to 0.4 litres per flush. Low flow units
coupled with automatic sensors further increase the water savings.
Furthermore, waterless urinals, which do not use water are now available in the market. Many
such systems utilize a trap insert filled with sealant liquid instead of water. The lighter-than-water
sealant floats on top of the urine collected in the U-bend, preventing odour from being released
into the air. The cartridge and sealant need to be periodically replaced. Another improved version
of such systems employ a special liquid trap incorporated into the urinal rather than a replaceable
cartridge. The trap lets urine go into the sewer but acts as a seal to block odour. The biodegradable
odour-blocking fluid is poured into the waste trap and floats on the surface of the urine to create a
perfect seal, blocking any urine odour. The blocking fluid remains effective for approximately 5000–
7000 visits.
Figure 3 A waterless Figure 4 Cartridge Figure 5 A waterless urinal
cartridge free urinal
Kitchen and lavatory faucets
Conventional faucets use 15 litres of water per minute and, therefore, have high potential for bringing
in water efficiency. A leaking faucet dripping one drip per second can waste 136 litres of water per
day. Instead of conventional lavatory faucets, new low flow faucets are available with a flow rate as
low as 2 litre per minute. Depending upon the application type, one can choose the appropriate
faucet. Alternatively, as a lower cost option, aerators could be used with the faucets. Aerators screw
onto the faucet head and add air to the water flow while reducing the water flow. Flow rates, as low
as 1.8 litres/minute, are adequate for hand wetting purposes in a bathroom setting. Flow regulators
can also be used where aerators cannot be used or where there is faucet abuse.
Urinals
Urinals have high potential of water efficiency as they consume a lot of water. Conventional urinals
use 7.5–11 litres of water per flush. Urinals can be a multi-user trough or individual wall hung pods.
Flushing mechanism of urinals can be as follows.
a) mechanically operated cistern (concealed push button or exposed overhead chain-pull)
b) lever operated flushometer,
c) timed flush systems that flushes automatically at regular intervals
d) electronic automatic flushes with a movement sensor controlled solenoid valve
These flushing mechanisms can reduce the flow of water to 0.4 litres per flush. Low flow units
coupled with automatic sensors further increase the water savings.
Furthermore, waterless urinals, which do not use water are now available in the market. Many
such systems utilize a trap insert filled with sealant liquid instead of water. The lighter-than-water
sealant floats on top of the urine collected in the U-bend, preventing odour from being released
into the air. The cartridge and sealant need to be periodically replaced. Another improved version
of such systems employ a special liquid trap incorporated into the urinal rather than a replaceable
cartridge. The trap lets urine go into the sewer but acts as a seal to block odour. The biodegradable
odour-blocking fluid is poured into the waste trap and floats on the surface of the urine to create a
perfect seal, blocking any urine odour. The blocking fluid remains effective for approximately 5000–
7000 visits.
Figure 3 A waterless Figure 4 Cartridge Figure 5 A waterless urinal
cartridge free urinal
Kitchen and lavatory faucets
Conventional faucets use 15 litres of water per minute and, therefore, have high potential for bringing
in water efficiency. A leaking faucet dripping one drip per second can waste 136 litres of water per
day. Instead of conventional lavatory faucets, new low flow faucets are available with a flow rate as
low as 2 litre per minute. Depending upon the application type, one can choose the appropriate
faucet. Alternatively, as a lower cost option, aerators could be used with the faucets. Aerators screw
onto the faucet head and add air to the water flow while reducing the water flow. Flow rates, as low
as 1.8 litres/minute, are adequate for hand wetting purposes in a bathroom setting. Flow regulators
can also be used where aerators cannot be used or where there is faucet abuse.
