What Are Urinal Screens For? A Simple Guide for NZ Workplaces

Urinals are essential fixtures in most commercial washrooms — but without the right maintenance products, they can quickly become a hygiene and odour problem. That’s where urinal screens come in.

If you’re responsible for maintaining toilets in an office, warehouse, school, or other commercial building in New Zealand, this guide will help you understand what urinal screens are, why they matter, and how to use them effectively.

What Is a Urinal Screen?

A urinal screen is a specially designed insert placed in a urinal bowl. Typically made of flexible plastic, it sits over the drain to serve multiple functions:

• Reduce unpleasant odours

• Prevent debris (like chewing gum or paper) from blocking the pipes

• Minimise splashback

• Distribute cleaning enzymes or fragrances

Some urinal screens also have a deodorising block or enzyme cartridge built in, providing consistent freshness between cleans.

Why Urinal Screens Matter in NZ Workplaces

Without urinal screens, commercial washrooms are prone to:

• Strong ammonia smells from urine buildup

• Blocked pipes caused by hair, debris or litter

• Higher cleaning costs due to splashback and staining

• Negative staff or customer impressions due to bad odours or hygiene concerns

In busy workplace bathrooms, where use is frequent, urinal screens help facilities teams maintain better hygiene with less effort.

Enzyme Urinal Screens: The Better Choice

Many modern urinal screens now include enzyme technology, which helps:

• Break down uric acid before it crystallises in pipes

• Prevent costly plumbing issues caused by buildup

• Naturally reduce odour without harsh chemicals

These screens are ideal for environmentally conscious businesses or those wanting to reduce long-term maintenance expenses.

How to Use Urinal Screens

Urinal screens are designed to be easy to install and replace. Here’s how:

1. Remove any existing debris or old screen from the urinal

2. Place the new screen directly over the drain

3. Replace every 30 days (or as directed by the product)

Tip: Keep a monthly maintenance schedule so cleaning staff know when replacements are due.

For practical tips on keeping your washrooms fresh and hygienic, read our article: Best Practices for Urinal Screens in Schools, Offices and Public Toilets

Do I Need to Touch Them?

Most urinal screens are handled with gloves during cleaning. They’re designed to be hygienic and easy to dispose of. If using enzyme blocks, some come in touch-free refill cartridges that further reduce contact.

For a more detailed look into the hygiene aspect of handling urinal screens, check out our article: Do You Have to Touch Urinal Screens? A Hygiene Guide for Cleaners. It breaks down how modern screens are designed for safe handling and how your cleaning staff can maintain high hygiene standards with minimal contact.

Conclusion

Urinal screens may be small, but they play a big role in maintaining a clean, fresh-smelling and fully functioning commercial washroom. Whether you're managing a small office or a large facility, investing in quality urinal screens is a simple and cost-effective hygiene upgrade.

Explore Insinc’s full range of enzyme urinal screens, blocks and commercial washroom solutions — ideal for keeping Kiwi workplaces clean and odour-free.