Initial product cost

Base for comparison

Highest (often 2X manual cost)

Lowest

Installation Cost

High due to plumbing of water supply and valve

Highest (due to electrical sensor in addition to plumbing of water supply and valve)

Lowest-just connect to drain

System complexity

Water supply piping, valve, handle, drain

Water supply piping, valve, electric automated sensor, drain

Replaceable cartridge, drain

Flushing reliability

Dependent on users to operate handle. Many will not.

Senses body position, often triggers extra flushes

No flushing required

Fresh water consumed

151,000 litres/year typical (or less due to missed flushes)

151,000 litres/per typical (or more due to extra flushes)

Zero

Discharge to sewer

151,000 litres/year of water, plus actual volume of urine

151,000 litres/year of water, plus actual volume of urine

Actual volume of urine

Potential for odor problems

Highest, due to missed flushes and chemical reaction between urine and water

High, due to chemical reaction between urine and water

Lowest, since no water is present and urine is completely trapped below the patented sealant liquid

Operating costs

High due to water purchases, sewage treatment costs, and odor control products

High due to water purchases, sewage treatment costs, and odor control products

Lowest due to lack of water consumption, negligible sewer charges, and no need for odor control products

Maintenance costs

High due to valve leaks and failures, and pipe scaling from hard water

Highest due to sensor malfunctions in addition to valve leaks and failures, and pipe scaling from hard water

Lowest. Cartridge replacement is quick and easy, maybe 4X per year depending on usage

Susceptibility to vandalism

Highest due to prominent handle and valve

High, because sensor and valve can still be targeted

Lowest due to complete absence of hardware

Potential for plumbing emergencies

High due to common incidence of valve sticking open. Continuous flushing can waste thousands of litres before discovery and create flood of drain is plugged

High due to sensor failures. Continuous flushing can waste thousands of litres before discovery and create flood if drain is plugged

Lowest due to complete absence of valve and water supply

Environmental impact

Negative due to fresh water consumed, energy required to move water and process water and sewage, and use of de-scaling chemicals, detergents, strong cleaners and acid treatment materials

Positive, reduced energy use and reduced CO2 emission, conservation of water, and reduced need for harsh cleaners.