No Flush...No Way

By Klaus Reichardt


About 15 years ago, when waterless urinals were new to the North American market, there was little resistance to the devices. They were often thought of as a novelty item and only avant-garde architects and builders and developers in such states as Arizona, California, and Texas considered them viable and valuable.
However, that has all changed, and changed rather dramatically in the past couple of years. Water concerns have spread throughout the United States even in some areas that are normally considered water-rich. But most significantly, reducing water usage is considered the “Green” thing to do and can even help facilities earn points toward LEED certification.
All is not rosy, however, and the welcome mat for waterless urinal systems is not found in every community. One of the first concerns that had to be addressed, and in some localities continues to surface, is the concern that waterless systems are unsanitary and potentially a health risk.
In fact, “there have been more studies conducted on waterless urinals than perhaps any other plumbing fixture or product,” says Winston Huff, a LEED Accredited Professional. “We know they are safe and sanitary as long as they are properly maintained.”
Not only was this concern addressed in favor of the waterless urinal systems, but some studies concluded that waterless systems are actually more sanitary and hygienic than water-based urinals. This is because no water is sprayed with the flush, which can release airborne bacteria to nearby walls, floors, and other surfaces. In addition, bacteria usually do not develop on the urinal surface because the interior walls stay dry. Further, the user never comes into physical contact with the system.
Code ConflictsPassing the health test was one hurdle; however, in some localities, others remain. Some code officials simply do not understand the technology, and in many situations, the installation of waterless urinals is simply not an item covered—resulting in rejection of their installation. In these cases, developers must apply for a variance or special concession to install waterless systems—and only after code officials have been given a detailed explanation of how they work, are maintained, and are installed.
Another road block surfaces in some cities that allow the installation of waterless systems, but only if a water line is placed behind the urinal banks should it be necessary. Other localities even require that a “roughed-in” flush valve connection be installed and ready for service above each waterless unit.
This can add to installation costs, forcing some developers to forestall the installation of no-water urinals. And in those restrooms where look and design are a key concern, having the roughed-in valve area exposed over the urinals, no matter how well concealed, distracts from the overall appearance desired.
Union ConcernsPossibly the most vocal obstacle, although it has recently dwindled significantly, has come from local plumbing unions. This came to a head in 2007 with the construction of the Comcast Center office tower in Philadelphia. The $540 million building sought to be one of the Greenest structures in the city as well as the United States. To do this, the owners wanted to install waterless systems to help save an estimated 1.6 million gallons of water per year.
However, the local union opposed the no-water systems, sometimes returning to arguments that they are unsanitary, but also indicating they required less installation time and needed fewer repairs than a conventional urinal, impacting their members’ pocketbooks.
Ultimately, a compromise was reached through negotiations with the city’s mayor, permitting the installation of the waterless systems but requiring that the water supply infrastructure also be installed behind the urinals. As part of the agreement, the developer of the tower was also prohibited from installing any other waterless urinal systems in any other city facility for five years.
Trends and DirectionNo matter the obstacles, the trends and directions are clear. Waterless urinal systems will continue to garner greater interest in years to come and be installed in many more facilities. This is evident by the fact that at one time, Waterless No-Flush® urinals were the only systems available. Today, several manufacturers are producing waterless urinals.
The best way to head off no-flush urinal conflicts and address installation concerns is by developing a building team and making sure everyone on the team is well-versed on the technology, understands how it works, and is enthusiastic about it. This includes the architect and the contractors as well as the building owners and developers, and even the key building tenants if it's an office building.
Additionally, developers should look for supportive waterless urinal manufacturers and distributors. Some manufacturers have had ample experience dealing with code and building regulators and know what issues may materialize and how to address them.
“If you are going in front of the code review board, they can be there to help state the [waterless] case,” says Huff.

Save Money & Conserve Energy with PUR Water

Save both money and conserve energy by drinking water from your tap. Replacing just two bottles of water a week with tap water can mean 500 fewer pounds of CO2 emissions over a year. Now with the PUR Flavor Options drinking water from the tap is better than ever.

Adding a splash of fruit flavor to tap water now comes at the touch of a button. Procter & Gamble is announcing today a major breakthrough in the filtered water market that will give consumers a flavorful new way to get the recommended 8 glasses of water a day. For those that want filtered water and those that enjoy flavored water this is the product for you.

P&G is launching PUR Flavor Options, a revolutionary product that allows consumers to choose flavored or unflavored water from their home water filter. By simply inserting a flavor cartridge into the new pitcher or faucet mount and pushing the button, you can add as much or as little fruit flavor as you like to your glass, giving everyone -- from busy moms to kids on-the-go -- a convenient, calorie-free beverage option. Now available at airdelights.com, PUR Flavor Options contains no calories, sugars or dyes and is available in three great-tasting flavors: Raspberry, Strawberry and Peach.

"PUR Flavor Options does far more than provide great taste. Most importantly, PUR filters your tap water, so your family isn't ingesting unwanted contaminants," says Beth Miles, PUR Brand Manager. "Today, we're learning our tap water is not as clean as it could be. Lead, by-products from chlorine - which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, and many other pollutants are showing up in our tap water."

PUR Flavor Options pitchers and faucet mounts use the same filter technology found in other PUR filtration systems, which are certified to remove 98 percent of lead and 99.9 percent of microbial cysts. In addition, PUR filters reduce chlorine (taste and odor) and its by-products, so your water is cleaner, tastes better, and is better for you - and now PUR let's you customize your own glass with flavors.

Available at Air delights, Inc. and AirDelights.com, PUR Flavor Options pitchers are sold at of $28.99, PUR Flavor Options faucet mounts at $39.99 and PUR Flavor Options flavor cartridges, which are sold in packs of two are $9.99.

For additional information about PUR Flavor Options, please visit www.airdelights.com.

Air Delights has added a new Honeywell Heater to keep you warm during this winter season. It is the Honeywell Cool Touch Oscillating Heater model HZ-7204U. This heater is great for medium to large size rooms and can save you up to 35% on energy bills! Other features include:



• Automatically regulates power consumption based on set temperature


• Even heating• Tip over safety protection


• Electronic controls


• 3 year limited warranty

If you have questions on this product or the products we carry please visit us online at http://www.airdelights.com/ or call toll free at 800-440-5556

Brrr…it’s getting cold outside!

The leaves are changing colors, stores have their holiday decorations out, and the season of snow days are approaching fast.

But don’t worry you can stay warm this winter with a Honeywell Space Heater from Air Delights. We have several models to choose from and they are guaranteed to meet your needs. Choose from small tabletop models you can keep in the office or larger models to heat your room. This winter you can stay warm and save energy!

Honeywell SureSet Digital Ceramic Heater with Burl Wood Finish

The beautiful burl wood finish on this ceramic heater will blend in with any home decor. Features include a large, easy to read digital display, two heat settings, an adjustable thermostat that can be set in 1 degree increments and a programmable timer for 1-10 hour auto shut-off. Additionally, the heater will oscillate to provide wide area heating. Safety features include flame resistant plastic and overheat protection. This unit also features a SafeGuard Alert badge that monitors the grille and warns when it is hot.

Honeywell Low Profile Silent Comfort

The low profile design of this silent convection heater makes it a perfect heater
for living areas. This unit features a large, easy to read digital display, an adjustable thermostat that can be set in 1 degree increments and a programmable timer for 1-10 hours auto shut-off. Safety features include a tip-over switch that disables the unit in the event that it is tipped over, flame resistant plastic and overheat protection. This unit also features a SafeGuard Alert badge that monitors the grille and warns when it is hot.




Honeywell Oil-filled Radiator with Adjustable Back-lit Controls

Built for long-lasting performance, this oil-filled heater is made of heavy-gauge steel and has a durable, rust-free enamel finish. Each metal fin is machine welded to ensure leak-free operation. The oil in this portable electric heater never needs to be refilled or replaced. Featuring back-lit controls, three heat settings and an adjustable thermostat for personal comfort, the heater has four easy-glide casters that make it easy to transport from room to room.



For further information and a complete view of our inventory visit us online at www.AirDelights.com

Water is Precious.

Water is the most valuable resource in our world. Water Efficiency is fast becoming a global challenge. How do we accept the challenge? Air Delights, Inc. and Sloan Valve Co. have joined together to introduce the Sloan Water Efficiency Division and LEED®-applicable products. Together we can help you achieve your sustainability objectives.

Water efficient products offered at Air Delights include the WaterFree Urinal, Low-Consumption Showerheads, Solar Powered faucets, and High Efficiency Hand Dryers.


Waterfree Urinals provide 100% water savings, are easy to install and create a more hygienic, odor-free restroom. The wall-hung Sloan Waterfree Urinals eliminate water and sewer costs from urinals; reduces maintenance and repair bills; and creates hygienic, odor-free restrooms.


2.0 gpm Act-O-Matic showerhead features unique Self-Cleaning action that eliminates clogging particles after each use. Fingertip Control allows users to adjust Act-O-Matic to a water flow that meets their individual comfort needs. The Sloan Act-O-Matic showerhead delivers an invigorating "cone-within-a-cone" spray that has become synonymous with luxury. The Act-O-Matic is crafted for performance, quality and durability.


Sloan's SOLIS™ EAF-275 solar-powered faucet incorporates the latest advancements in solar-powered technology and leading-edge electronics for energy and water savings. The faucet works with ambient light, like a solar-powered calculator. The SOLIS faucet with its integrated Power Plant storage cell, transforms light from any source into electrical energy. Besides solar power, the SOLIS EAF-275 faucet offers many advantages including a 0.5 gpm aerator to help regulate water flow and an electronic sensor that automatically turns water on/off.

The XLERATOR is the first hand dryer ever to be awarded GREENSPEC™ designation by the editors of Environmental Building News. XLERATOR meets a number of GREENSPEC™ standards; it conserves energy, has low maintenance requirements and reduces waste. More simply put, by eliminating the need for paper towels, which saves trees and reduces waste, and by using 80% less energy than other dryers, XLERATOR makes your restrooms better for the planet.




For more information on these products and what you can do to help conserve our natural and precious resources please visit us online at http://www.airdelights.com/ or call 1-800-440-5556.

GOJO CXi Touch Free Foam Hand Soap Dispenser

GOJO Industries and Air Delights, Inc. take cleanliness to a whole new level with the introduction of the CXi Touch Free Counter Mount Dispenser, which features a SANITARY SEALED refill. Above the sink, it helps make drips, soap scum and surface contamination a thing of the past; below the sink, it helps eliminate soap overflow, contaminated reservoirs and time-consuming refilling.

Below the counter, the SANITARY SEALED refill and snap-in cartridge system help eliminate soap overflow and contaminated reservoirs. This is a vital component of sink sanitation; a recent study by the University of Arizona on refillable bulk soap reservoir systems showed that 25% contained potentially harmful bacteria. Each SANITARY SEALED refill comes with a fresh dispensing nozzle and has a high capacity of 1500 mL, so there's less chance it will be out of soap. When it is time to refill the dispenser, a snap-in cartridge system makes it quick, easy and sanitary, minimizing labor costs. An audible click signals proper bottle installation.

Features:

• Luxurious foam soap



• Three year guarantee



• 1,500 mL refill - more hand washes between refills



• Designed to help eliminate drips



• Sanitary sealed refill and new pump with each bottle



• 20,000 uses from four standard D-size alkaline batteries



• Sanitary-sealed collapsible-bottle refill keeps germs out



• Fresh dispensing tube with every refill
  

Click here for Specification Sheet

To learn more about this product and the other products we carry please feel free to call our customer service at 800-440-5556 or visit us online at http://www.airdelights.com/

GOJO foam soaps...the new standard for handwashing.

Our most popular wall mount automatic foaming hand soap dispenser now on sale!

When people want to get their hands clean, the last thing they need is to touch a dirty soap dispenser. With the GOJO TFX Touch Free Dispensing System, there's nothing to touch - just place hands below. The future of hand hygiene is touch free.

Item GOJ2740

On Sale at $39.99 each

That's $10.00 off the regular price of $49.99

Features:

• 1200mL high-capacity refill
• Skylight makes it easy to see when it's time to reload
• LED light shows when battery charge is low
• 30,000 uses from three standard C-size alkaline batteries (included)
• Fully ADA compliant, UL/CE registered
• 3 year performance guarantee
• Refill snaps securely into place with an audible click
• Sanitary-sealed collapsible-bottle refill keeps germs out
• Fresh dispensing valve with every refill

Click Here for more Automatic and Manual Soap Dispensers