A Home Urinal? What You Should Know

Can you put a urinal in your house? Yes, you absolutely can. Adding a home urinal might sound like a novelty. But the truth is, it can be a practical choice in basements or high-traffic areas, especially for a man cave. With benefits such as water savings, convenience, and even odor control, home urinals for the bathroom are gaining popularity.

In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of a home urinal, the types of home urinals, the installation process, and the cost of installing a urinal.

Can You Put A Urinal In Your House?

Installing a urinal in a home is typically legal. However, plumbing codes vary by region, so it’s a good idea to check local guidelines or consult a licensed plumber.

Before installing a urinal, ensure your plumbing system is compatible with it. You’ll need access to:

• A water supply (unless you choose a waterless urinal for home use)
• A proper drain line
• Adequate ventilation

Many homeowners opt for a basement urinal or add one next to the main toilet to improve efficiency in shared bathrooms.

Why Homeowners Are Installing Urinals At Home

Whether installed next to a toilet and urinal combo or in a man cave bathroom, urinals can be a modern, eco-conscious upgrade. Here’s a quick look at why more people are choosing home urinals for the bathroom, as well as a few drawbacks to consider:

Benefits:

• Water efficiency: Urinals use significantly less water than toilets. Some waterless urinals use none at all.
• Convenience: A second fixture can reduce wait times in busy households.
• Cleanliness: Properly used, urinals reduce splashback and keep bathrooms tidier.
• Space-saving: Wall-mounted urinals take up less room than full toilets.

Drawbacks

• Cost: The cost of installing a urinal can be expensive, depending on the model and labor involved.
• Limited use: Not everyone in the household may benefit from a urinal.
• Extra maintenance: Urinals require regular cleaning and occasional servicing, especially waterless models.

Choosing The Best Urinal For Home Use

You have plenty of options when narrowing down a urinal. The best urinal for your home likely depends on a few factors, including your:

• Water usage: If you’re eco-conscious or on a septic system, go for a waterless or low-flow model.
• Maintenance preferences: Waterless models save water but require sealant cartridge changes. Traditional flushing models may be easier for long-term use.
• Local plumbing codes: Some jurisdictions have rules about graywater discharge or may require a specific flushing system.
• Space constraints: Wall-mounted urinals save floor space and are great for compact bathrooms or half-baths. But if you have more room, you may prefer a floor-mounted urinal.
• Style preferences: Urinals come in sleek, modern finishes like white porcelain, stainless steel, or even matte black.
• Budget: Sensor-flush urinals can be convenient but can require electrical work, increasing the total urinal price.

Waterless Urinal

A waterless urinal for home use functions without a flushing system. Instead, it uses a trap filled with a special liquid that allows urine to pass while blocking odors.

The benefits of waterless models include:

• Thousands of gallons of water are saved per year
• Fewer mechanical failures due to fewer moving parts
• Can be used in off-grid homes

At-Home Urinal Installation Process

Installing a home urinal isn’t as complex as some plumbing projects, but it does require basic plumbing knowledge and precision. Below is a quick overview of how to install a urinal in a home bathroom.

1. Choose a location near existing drains and water lines. You’ll also need to make sure the wall can support the weight if you’re mounting the urinal.
2. Prepare your plumbing connections by installing a water supply line, a drain line, and ventilation.
3. Install the wall bracket or hanger to studs or a support frame and seal the wall with a waterproof sealant.
4. Mount the urinal onto the bracket or bolts, and use a level to make sure it’s even. Secure everything in place.
5. Connect the plumbing and test for leaks to make sure everything works.
6. Caulk and seal around the base of the urinal or wall interface to prevent drips and splashback damage.

When to Call a Plumber

Many people might find that installing their own basement urinal is above their pay grade. In particular, you’ll want to call a plumber if:

• You're installing in a location with no existing plumbing nearby.
• Your system requires venting changes.
• You're not familiar with drain slopes, codes, or pressure testing.

Maintenance and Cleaning Tips

Proper maintenance prevents clogs, extends the life of the unit, and keeps the bathroom sanitary. To keep your home urinal looking (and smelling) fresh:

• Clean daily or weekly with a non-acidic, non-abrasive cleaner.
• For waterless urinals, replace the sealant liquid every 1-3 months.
• Check for slow drainage or buildup regularly.
• Clean around the base to prevent odor-causing residue.

One final tip is to consider a routine professional maintenance inspection. The professionals at Roto-Rooter know exactly what to look for when it comes to urinals. One of our licensed plumbers can thoroughly inspect your system, unblock any clogs, and get your urinal flushing like normal. Call us today to schedule your appointment — we’re available 24/7/365 to tackle any plumbing issues.

FAQs

Can I really install a urinal at home?

Yes! As long as your plumbing can support it, installing a home urinal is perfectly doable and increasingly popular.

Why don’t most homes have urinals?

Traditionally, urinals have been commercial-only fixtures. But with growing interest in water conservation and modern home design, that’s changing.

How does a waterless urinal stay clean?

Waterless urinals use a special trap liquid that blocks odors. Regular cleaning and periodic fluid replacement help maintain cleanliness and function.

What are some alternatives to installing a urinal?

If you’re not ready to commit, consider removing your old toilet and installing a dual-flush toilet or bidet attachment. These offer efficiency without a complete bathroom remodel.