The client reported a leak from the urinal in the gents toilet—notably expressing concern that this issue had previously been addressed just six months earlier. Recurring leaks are frustrating for facilities managers, and understanding why they return is essential to preventing future occurrences.
Urinal waste systems operate in demanding conditions. The combination of constant moisture, cleaning chemicals, and the corrosive nature of urine itself creates an environment where standard plumbing components degrade faster than in other applications.
Site Investigation
Our plumbing engineer attended the Gerrards Cross premises and conducted a thorough inspection of the urinal installation. The investigation quickly identified the source of the leak: the bottle trap and waste connection had failed.
Bottle traps serve two functions in urinal installations. They maintain a water seal that prevents drain odours from entering the washroom, and they provide a point of disconnection for maintenance access. However, the seals and connections on bottle traps are subject to wear, particularly in commercial settings with high usage.
The Repair
The engineer supplied and fitted new bottle trap and waste components, ensuring proper sealing at all connection points. Following installation, comprehensive leak testing was conducted with the system under normal operating conditions.
| Component | Condition Found | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Bottle Trap | Leaking at seal | Replaced |
| Waste Connection | Degraded | Replaced |
| Urinal Bowl | Functional | Inspected |
| Water Supply | Functional | Checked |
The checks confirmed no leaks were present following the repair, ensuring successful resolution of the issue.
