Restroom Renovation

Keeping a lid on costs while sprucing it up a bit

By Klaus Reichardt

When it comes to facility renovations in many park and recreation facilities, the one area that nearly all administrators want to upgrade is the restrooms.

© Can Stock Photo / Rigucci

However, restroom renovation remains a dream for too many administrators. The reason is simple: it can be costly. 

A full renovation involves removing floors, walls, counters, partitions, outdated restroom fixtures (toilets, urinals, faucets, etc.), lighting, and mirrors. All of these items then need to be replaced with new fixtures and fittings.

In addition, the entire restroom may need to meet new compliance regulations and access guidelines. In such cases, the whole restroom may need to be demolished and refitted, and architects may be called in to reimagine and redesign the space. 

Nevertheless, restroom renovation can still be one of the best investments administrators make. For one thing, updated restrooms create a sense of pride for park personnel, both administrators and staff. New restrooms also make a great first impression on visitors. 

Further, new products and materials have been introduced that make restrooms easier to clean and sanitize, minimize water consumption, and reduce electrical needs. That’s good for the environment, the cleaning staff, the budget, and if publicly owned and operated, taxpayer money.

And one more thing: clean and updated restrooms help reduce user complaints and increase user compliments, something everyone likes to hear. 

Renovation Specifics

Recognizing the many benefits of restroom renovations while acknowledging the price tag may be an issue, how can administrators update the restrooms and still keep costs in check? It only takes a little imagination. Among the possibilities are the following:

Install automatic sanitizers on toilets and urinals. These systems are often programmable and designed for use on many existing fixtures. They release a disinfectant after each flush of a toilet or urinal, coating the fixture and surrounding surfaces. They keep the fixtures cleaner and healthier, reduce odors, and can shorten cleaning frequencies throughout the day. 

Purchase toilet-seat cleaning systems. Taking toilet cleaning a step further, restroom users can also do their part to help keep toilets cleaner and healthier. With some systems, a wave of the hand over the toilet activates a mechanism that automatically and quickly cleans, disinfects, and dries the toilet after each use. The entire process occurs without contact, ensuring sanitary conditions. 

Use more touch-free devices. Most facilities have been going touchless for years. Toilets, urinals, and faucets no longer need to be touched for the fixtures to operate. But why stop there? Soap dispensers and paper-towel dispensers should also be touch-free. Installing these systems helps eliminate cross-contamination, making handwashing much more sanitary. What’s more, many of these systems can be adjusted so they only release a measured amount of soap or paper per user-request. This minimizes costly waste.

© Can Stock Photo / payphoto

Buy waterless urinals. Every couple of years, studies are conducted that determine the market future and positive growth of waterless urinals. No-water urinals, now available from many manufacturers, have proven to be odor-free and sanitary. Plus, many administrators select them because they cost less to purchase and install than traditional urinals that require flush valves, which can be costly and require extra plumbing, which is not needed with waterless urinals. The big benefit with no-water urinals, of course, is significant water reduction. 

Consider plastic partitions. Many older restrooms have metal partitions. These can be heavy, requiring them to be bolted to both walls and floors, which makes cleaning the floors a challenge. Soil build-up around the bolted connections is very common, as well as unsightly. Further, metal partitions can be easily scratched, which means they are more vulnerable to vandalism and graffiti. 

Plastic partitions, on the other hand, weigh less, so they need only be connected to surrounding walls, making it far easier to clean the floors. In addition, many plastic partitions are designed to be graffiti- and vandalism-resistant, so stalls and the entire restroom continue to look their best.

Install new floors. New flooring can make a big difference, not only in the appearance of the restroom but also in cleaning and maintenance. For years, many camp, park, and rec restrooms have had tile-and-grout restroom floors installed—often with small tiles. Although such floors can be attractive and provide slip-resistance, keeping them clean and sanitary is all-too-often a never-ending battle as they age. When installing new restroom floors, select seamless, one-piece epoxy flooring or a similar floor surface. These floors have waterproofing capabilities, can be pitched for drainage, are durable, and are much easier to clean and to keep clean.

Think Ahead

Whether restroom renovation involves updates and upgrades, such as those mentioned above, or an entirely new restroom, administrators are urged to think ahead. For instance, water costs—both the delivery and removal of water—are expected to increase in years to come. Installing the most water-efficient fixtures available today will pay dividends tomorrow.

Additionally, it’s a wise idea to consult with architects and contractors who are aware of building codes under consideration. It can be a cost savings to ensure a restroom meets not only today’s building codes, but also those that might be right around the corner. In the end, investing in the most thoughtful restroom upgrades, despite up-front costs, is invariably a responsible and cost-effective financial decision.

Klaus Reichardt is CEO and founder of Waterless Co, Inc, Vista, Calif. He is a frequent writer and presenter, discussing water-conservation issues. Reach him at klaus@waterless.com.