For WEp1 the reference guide states, "All newly installed toilets, urinals, private lavatory faucets, and showerheads that are eligible for labeling must be WaterSense labeled". I am involved with a project that has existing urinals to remain that may not be WaterSense labeled. Since the urinals are within the LEED Project Boundary, if they &/or the flush valves are not WaterSense labeled would they need to be changed out to meet the prerequisite or to attempt points in the indoor water use reduction credit?
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Michelle Rosenberger
PartnerArchEcology
519 thumbs up
May 19, 2022 - 11:17 am
Hi Allen,
No they do not need to be changed to meet WaterSense since they are not newly installed, but they would be included in the water calculations.
Allen Cornett
Sustainable ConsultantINSPEC Sustainability Group LLC
49 thumbs up
May 19, 2022 - 11:33 am
Thank you for the quick response. The existing urinal flush valves are anticipated to be 1.0 gpf. If they are would changing out the component that makes it 0.5 gpf kick in the WaterSense label requirement? We were hoping to avoid damaging or performing selective demolition of the wall and surrounding tile to replace the entire flush valve assembly in an effort to increase the water use reduction.
Michelle Rosenberger
PartnerArchEcology
519 thumbs up
May 19, 2022 - 11:43 am
Hi Allen,
Ouch that hurts. Urinals really are one of the best delta opportunities in the water calcs. We typically use 0.125gpf. And yes, changing the flush valve to get a better flow rate would make the WaterSense requirement kick in.
Allen Cornett
Sustainable ConsultantINSPEC Sustainability Group LLC
49 thumbs up
May 19, 2022 - 12:11 pm
Thanks for the additional information. Yes we typically use 0.125 gpf also, but if the specified urinal from the circa 2007 project was installed it can only be changed to a 0.5 gpf flush valve. Still trying to avoid the added cost of new urnials, wall demolition, and tile replacement.
Michelle Rosenberger
PartnerArchEcology
519 thumbs up
May 19, 2022 - 12:29 pm
Yep, understood. I have only had this situation once. Existing core restrooms on two separate floors. We retrofitted flush valves in both WC and urinal fixtures on one of the floors but not the other.