Porta Potty Forum
Log inAsk a question

Weekly porta potty service is not keeping up. When should we go twice a week? ✓ Solved

Carl D.asked 46 viewsConstruction & Job SitesConstruction siteServicingWeekly serviceOdorStandard unitHeat

Accepted answer

Weekly service is the baseline for a crew of 18, but you should switch to twice-weekly service immediately. The heat is driving the problem. A standard unit holds 50 to 70 gallons, and 90-degree heat accelerates bacterial growth and odor. The deodorizer breaks down faster, and paper runs out quicke Read the full answer

We are three weeks into a frame job with about 18 guys on site most days. The rental came with weekly service and that was fine the first week. By Wednesday of week two the paper was gone and the tank was getting rough, and this week the smell hits you before you open the door by Friday morning.

Is weekly the normal baseline for a crew this size, or do most sites with near-20 people run twice a week from the start? Heat has been in the 90s. We can ask for an extra stop, but I want to know what actually drives the switch so I am not just guessing.

Anyone here bump frequency mid-job and have it stick, or did you add a second standard unit instead?

2 answers

Accepted answer first, then by votes
1✓

✓ Accepted by Carl D.

Hector V.Phoenix, AZ

Weekly service is the baseline for a crew of 18, but you should switch to twice-weekly service immediately. The heat is driving the problem. A standard unit holds 50 to 70 gallons, and 90-degree heat accelerates bacterial growth and odor. The deodorizer breaks down faster, and paper runs out quicker with heavy use.

OSHA 1926.51 requires one toilet for 20 or fewer workers, so your count is legal. But the standard assumes normal conditions. In Phoenix heat, I run twice-weekly service for any crew over 15 from May to September. It costs more, but it keeps the crew from complaining and avoids missed work breaks.

Adding a second unit is an option, but it doubles your rental cost. Twice-weekly service is usually cheaper than a second unit. Call your rental company today and schedule an extra midweek pump. They will adjust your contract. Do not wait, the smell means the unit is already over capacity.

3
Ray M.Dallas, TX

Weekly service is the baseline, but 18 framers in 90-degree heat will overload a single unit. Hector is right about switching to twice-weekly service, but call your rental company and ask for a service visit audit first. The driver can check the actual fill level and deodorizer condition and confirm the midweek schedule. If your site layout blocks truck access on certain days, that can force a specific service day change. Adding a second standard unit spreads the use and gives you a backup, but the rental and delivery costs are higher than the extra pump trip.

Your answer

Log in or create a free account to answer this question.

Related questions