Why does our unit smell like ammonia after a few days in the sun?
Our crew of 25 guys has one standard portable toilet on a commercial job site in Phoenix. It sits on packed dirt about 15 feet from the crane pad, so…
1answer
29views
Deb K. replied
Newest questions
Backyard wedding for 100: Should we get a restroom trailer or multiple deluxe units?
We're having a wedding in our backyard for 100 guests, with a tent, dinner, and an open bar. It'll run about 6 hours. The ground is level grass, and…
2answers
28views
Jules T. replied
Holding tank looks full three days before weekly service. Can we get an emergency pump-out? ✓ Solved
Yes, rental companies offer emergency pump-outs, but you will pay extra for the unscheduled service visit. Call your provider now and explain the…
2answers
30views
Ray M. replied
What's the weirdest thing you've ever found in a porta potty during service?
Ten years on the vacuum truck, and I've pulled some strange things out of holding tanks. Last week, a full set of car keys, still on the ring. Before…
3answers
42views
Porta Potty Forum Team replied
Our site is muddy. What's the minimum ground firmness needed for the delivery truck?
We're getting a standard portable toilet delivered next week for our 8-week home renovation. The access road to our backyard is a dirt track, and…
2answers
25views
Deb K. replied
What does the PSAI actually do for operators and customers?
The PSAI (Portable Sanitation Association International) sets industry standards, provides training, and advocates for operators and customers…
1answer
29views
Ray M. replied
Month bathroom remodel with two kids: is a flushing deluxe worth it over a standard unit? ✓ Solved
Ray is right on comfort, but the deluxe unit's sink does not replace a handwash station for a family. The small sink on a deluxe unit has a limited…
2answers
31views
Sam O. replied
October 2026: Why is my monthly rental quote higher than last year?
Just got the renewal quote for my construction site's two standard portable toilets from my rental company. The monthly rate for the same service is…
2answers
25views
Owen G. replied
What's the main difference between a high-rise unit and a regular one besides the lift?
My GC just ordered a high-rise unit for the 12th floor of our project. I've handled plenty of standard units on the ground, but this is my first time…
2answers
29views
Ray M. replied
For our festival, the city permit says 'follow ADA.' What does that mean for our porta potty order?
Our food festival in the park just got its special event permit approved. The permit has a note that says 'follow ADA' but doesn't give details.…
1answer
25views
Toni S. replied
Can a standard porta potty handle 10 people for a 3-day weekend music festival?
We're hosting a small music festival on our farm with about 10 campers staying the whole weekend. Everyone will be camping, so the standard portable…
2answers
24views
Dave P. replied
Four day reroof on an occupied house: do I need a porta potty?
I'm starting a four-day reroof on an occupied house next week. My crew has six people, working eight-hour days. The homeowner says we can use their…
1answer
25views
Tyler R. replied
How do operators dispose of waste in rural areas without a treatment plant?
Operators in rural areas dispose of portable toilet waste at the nearest approved wastewater treatment facility, even if that requires a long haul.…
1answer
26views
Ray M. replied
Can a service hose reach a unit 100 feet from the truck?
A 100-foot hose run is not standard and will likely require special equipment and higher cost. Most vacuum trucks carry about 80 to 100 feet of hose,…
1answer
25views
Ray M. replied
High-rise site: what if the crane is down on service day?
We have a 20-story commercial build going. The crew is 150 to 200, depending on the day. We have a cluster of 15 standard units and one ADA-compliant…
2answers
27views
Deb K. replied
City requires a permit for a porta potty on my property. Is that legal?
We are doing a full gut of our only bathroom in a 1920s Portland bungalow. The contractor set a standard unit on the driveway for the crew and us to…
1answer
24views
Marcus B. replied
What's the 'fuel surcharge' on a porta potty invoice for?
I'm pricing a rental for a four-week residential addition project. The crew is five people, and the site is a standard city lot with a gravel pad…
1answer
27views
Ray M. replied
Why does our porta potty smell like sulfur after a few days?
I've got a standard portable toilet on a job site with 50 guys. The unit was serviced this Monday, but by Thursday it smells like sulfur. It's a…
1answer
26views
Carl D. replied
Why was our service missed when the unit was only 30 feet from access?
Our ranch has a standard unit for seasonal hands, placed on flat gravel about 30 feet from a two-track road. The vacuum truck parks right there, no…
1answer
28views
Ray M. replied
Can a porta potty serve a family of four for a month-long remodel?
Our only bathroom is getting ripped out for a month while we expand our kitchen, so we’re looking at renting a porta potty for the first time. There…
1answer
28views
Rina K. replied
80-person wedding, 70% women: are two standard units enough?
I'm planning a backyard wedding for 80 guests, and about 70 of them are women. The event runs five hours with dinner and an open bar. I'm considering…
1answer
24views
Megan H. replied
Crew dragged the porta potty a few feet with the skid steer and now there's blue water under it. Cracked tank? ✓ Solved
Yes, that's a cracked holding tank from the drag. Dragging a standard unit with a skid steer puts stress on the plastic tank, especially if the…
2answers
28views
Ray M. replied
OSHA rule for a 50-person crew on a 10-story building?
OSHA 1926.51(c) requires at least two standard portable toilets for a 50-person construction crew. The standard mandates one toilet seat and one…
1answer
28views
Brad L. replied
October 2026 wedding: Can porta potties go on a gravel driveway?
We're getting married in October 2026 at a private property with a gravel driveway that will double as guest parking. The venue has no indoor…
2answers
26views
Lisa G. replied
How do operators choose deodorizer brands for their fleet?
I'm a new operator with 12 units, mostly standard non-flushing types with holding tanks, and I'm trying to pick a deodorizer. I'm looking at cost per…
2answers
30views
Deb K. replied