The Sloan WES-150 WaterFree Urinal Hybrid Cartridge is a replacement kit designed for Sloan’s line of waterless urinals. It includes the cartridge itself, a wrench key for installation, a disposal bag, and a tube of blue sealant. This is not a flashy product—it is a consumable maintenance item that plays a crucial role in keeping waterless urinals functional and odor-free.
In real-world use, this cartridge is what sits inside the urinal drain, capturing urine and allowing it to pass through while blocking sewer gases from escaping. The blue sealant liquid sits on top of the cartridge’s liquid barrier, and over time it evaporates or gets flushed out, requiring replacement. The kit essentially provides everything needed to swap out the old cartridge and restore the urinal’s performance. The included wrench key is a simple but thoughtful addition, as it fits the specific locking mechanism of Sloan urinals—without it, removal can be frustrating.
Key functional features include:
- Hybrid cartridge design that uses a liquid sealant to block odors, rather than relying solely on a mechanical trap or frequent flushing.
- Compatibility with all Sloan WaterFree urinal models, which simplifies inventory for facilities with multiple units.
- Included disposal bag for hygienic removal of the old cartridge, though users should still wear gloves.
- Blue sealant that is pre-measured and easy to pour into the new cartridge during installation.
A notable limitation is that the cartridge’s lifespan depends heavily on usage volume and temperature. In busy restrooms, the sealant can degrade faster than the advertised replacement interval, leading to occasional odor issues if not monitored closely. The cartridge itself is plastic and can crack if over-tightened with the wrench key—hand-tightening is recommended, but the instructions are not always clear on this point. Additionally, the blue sealant stains clothing and surfaces if spilled, so installation requires some care.
Compared to traditional flush urinals, waterless systems like this one reduce water usage significantly, but they also introduce ongoing maintenance costs and the need for staff training. A standard flush urinal has fewer consumable parts and is simpler to maintain, but it uses water with every use. The trade-off here is between water savings and the added labor of cartridge replacement. For facilities that already use Sloan waterless urinals, this cartridge is the only practical option, as generic alternatives often do not fit or seal properly.
This kit is best suited for commercial or institutional settings—office buildings, schools, stadiums, or airports—where maintenance staff are available to perform periodic replacements. It is less ideal for small businesses or homeowners who may find the ongoing cost and effort of cartridge changes inconvenient. For a single-urinal home bathroom, a traditional flush model might be simpler, but for a multi-unit facility aiming to reduce water bills, the WES-150 is a necessary part of the system.
In summary, the Sloan WES-150 does what it is supposed to do: it provides a reliable replacement cartridge for waterless urinals. It is not a miracle solution, and it requires some attention to installation details. The inclusion of the wrench key and disposal bag adds practical value, though the sealant’s staining potential and variable lifespan are realistic drawbacks. If you already have Sloan waterless urinals, this is the cartridge to buy. If you are considering switching to waterless technology, factor in the ongoing cost and maintenance of these cartridges before making the change.