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The WC (with urinial)
(Adding a Urinal to the Bathroom)

A different type of WC houses a urinal, which is a must have if there are men or boys in the household.

Urinals are easier for males to use; generally use less water than a toilet, 1/2 gal to 1 gal depending on the manufacturer and model, and have several flushing options available. They can be mounted on the floor or wall-mounted. Wall mounted are easier to use and clean.

Space Allocation:

• The interior room dimensions should be at least 36" wide x 66" long.
  
• Most building codes require minimum room dimensions of at least 30" W x 60" L.
  
• Wheelchair access requires a minimum width of 48" for the WC.
  

Placing the urinal in a separate WC minimizes traffic bottlenecks and allows for increased storage/closet space. Having the sink visible when the door opens, provides children with a gentle reminder to wash their hands.
Using a urinal requires a minimum level of privacy. A door is not required, as long as the urinal and its users are out of view. If a wash down (flush) model is used, others will only hear the flush. A waterless model has no flush, but must be wiped down daily - a chore which sounds worse than it actually is.

 
Design Considerations:

Wall hung urinals typically range in height from 20" to 34". The standard installation is to place the fixture so that the top of rim is 24" from the floor. (17" for ADA specifications).

Depending on the brand and/or model, the flushing mechanism may be located on top of the fixture, located on the wall above the fixture, or may be automated using infrared sensor device.

Waterless models have no need for a flushing mechanism.

White is the most popular color, but other colors are available. When choosing a colored fixture, it is a good idea to remember who will be using it. Even though it might go with the over all color scheme, not many men would appreciate using a pink urinal.

Structural:
A wall mounted urinal must be attached to special hangers/brackets mounted to a carrier or to wall studs.

The rim height of the urinal must be determined before the piping is put in place, and before the urinal is installed.

Plumbing:
Most homes have 1/2" water supply lines. Depending on the model, a Wash Down (flush) model urinal requires either a 1/2" or a 3/4" water supply line. Waterless models need only a drain line connected to the soil stack.

Wall Height:
Wall height needs to be considered only if it differs substantially from the norm, as is the case with sloped ceilings.

A height of at least 80" is required for standing, with at least 24" of floor space in front of the urinal to maneuver around (60" for Universal Design).

If there is not enough ceiling height when the urinal is placed on the short wall, consider boxing in the area behind the urinal. This will move the fixture forward to allow for the needed head room, and provide additional shelf and/or storage space.

Flooring/Walls:
As with any room where water is present, floors should be slip resistant and made of materials appropriate to wet areas.

Light colored floors are easier to clean, since dirt, drips and "misses" are more visible.

If there are children in the household, the wall area behind the urinal should be waterproof. This does not mean the area must look utilitarian. The same material used on the floor (marble, stone, etc.) can be used on the wall.

A chair rail, border of tile or wall paper, or wainscoting can be placed 6" over the fixture with plaster or wallpaper above.

Mirrors/Art Work/Storage:
Mirrors expand space in every direction, making the room appear larger. If there is no window in the room, a painting or photograph reflected in the mirror can give the room depth.

If the Water Closet does have a window, position the mirror so the sunlight doesn’t hit the surface directly or create glare.

Teenagers will appreciate a full-length mirror opposite the entrance of the WC, or a wall mirror above the fixture..

This WC can take some of the storage burden off of the main sink area. Using a full-length mirrored recessed cabinet, can provide storage space for cleaning supplies, toilet paper, etc. Robern’s Fairhaven model (shown at the right) includes two interior electrical outlets and an optional full-width safety lock-box for prescription medicines or sharp items.

Lighting/Electrical:
Water Closets tend to inhabit the interior regions of a house, lacking windows or other sources of natural light.

Where it is impossible to add a skylight, window, or glass block wall, adequate artificial lighting is critical.

Avoid placing a single light fixture in the middle of the room. Instead, consider recessed spot lighting, which is both visually appealing and has a low profile that’s perfect for a small space.

Ventilation:
Even though moisture and condensation are generally not a concern in a Water Closet, adequate ventilation is important. Sounds seem louder in a tiny room, so choose an exhaust fan with the lowest sone rating.

 
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