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FAQs
Savings / Performance


How can a single Falcon urinal save up to 40,000 gallons or more of fresh water and avoid an
equivalent amount of wastewater treatment costs per year? That seems like a lot.

Ans: First, consider there are many reports 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 to make that average 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 water flushing 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, you get 42,000 gallons. The savings are much greater when comparing against older, high water use urinals and in situations of higher usage rates. Of course, each situation is different and usage rates do vary. Your Falcon representative can help you complete a usage and water/sewer savings analysis.


How can a Falcon urinal be more hygienic than one that flushes away urine?

Ans: In a waterfree urinal, the absence of water and flush plumes reduce the creation of odor. A study conducted by Oregon State Parks determined that ammonia gas, the most distinctive and common urinal odor, in Falcon Waterfree urinals were well below the average person’s threshold for detecting ammonia. 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. Plus, 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."


You claim Falcon urinals are odor-free. How is that possible when no water flushes urine away?

Ans: First, remember that urine is essentially odorless. A "urine odor" is caused when urine reacts with water to cause ammonia gas. No water means no reaction. Next, consider that 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. Next, remember that the sealant liquid is lighter than water and creates an airtight seal, so the urine passes through it and becomes trapped beneath it. In the Falcon system, any urine in the bottom of the 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 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."


Does the sealant liquid in the Falcon cartridge pose any health or environmental concerns?

Ans: No. Test results from UCLA and LGA 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 it.


How do Falcon urinals compare with manual and automatic flush units in terms of original
purchase price and installation cost?

Ans: Falcon urinals are typically less expensive to buy and install than flush units. 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.


What type of warranty or guarantee do you offer?

Ans: We guarantee our vitreous china and stainless steel 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 flush urinal systems. 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.


Installation


What is involved in installation?

Ans: It's very simple. In new building installations there is no need for water supply piping, just a drain pipe. 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 or standard pipe connection. The average time required for a replacement installation is 1 to 2 hours per urinal, and installation for new construction requires considerably less time. Step-by-step instructions and a DVD provide easy and clear direction for installation. On-site installation training is provided at no cost for installations of 50 or more units.


What are the relevant plumbing codes that pertain to the installation of waterfree urinals?

Ans: Falcon products are approved for use in every major United States model plumbing code, which includes 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 approval from local officials. Falcon customer service is available to assist you


We have no one available to install Falcon urinals. Do you have local contractors we can call upon?

Ans: Yes. We have relationships with high quality installers around the world and will put you in touch with one nearby.


Is it cost-effective to retrofit with Falcon urinals when old style floor drain models were previously installed?

Ans: 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 installations are a little more involved since a drain pipe 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.


Maintenance

Does the Falcon urinal pose any unusual maintenance requirements?

Ans: No, just routine cleaning of the fixture with common Falcon-recommended cleansers and the periodic replacement of the cartridge, typically three to four times per year. The only different requirements are to avoid dumping large volumes of water or chemical solutions down the urinal as this may wash away the sealant liquid. Also, remember that all customers receive a step-by-step Maintenance Guide and a maintenance room poster/checklist. On-site maintenance training is provided at no charge for installations of 10 or more urinals.


How do I dispose of the cartridge?

Ans: The trap cartridge is made of recyclable ABS plastic and can be disposed of in a landfill in accordance with local regulations.


What happens if foreign matter is placed in the urinal?

Ans: 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.