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Our rented porta potty barely smells since the nights hit freezing. Normal, or is something off?

Lisa G.asked 0 viewsOdor, Cleaning & ChemicalsCold weatherOdorService frequencyStandard unit

We've had a standard unit beside the garage for our addition since September. All summer you could smell it from the driveway by midweek. Since the nights dropped below freezing the smell is almost gone, even at the end of the week, and I can't tell if that's just the cold or if something changed inside the tank.

The seat looks fine and the door latches. Four of us still use it daily. Is there anything worth checking, like the level in the tank, or is a quiet unit in cold weather just how it goes? I'm also wondering if the cold changes how often it really needs servicing, or if I should keep the same schedule.

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Deb K.Akron, OH

Yes, a quiet unit in cold weather is normal. Cold air holds less odor, and freezing temperatures slow the bacterial activity that causes smells in the holding tank. Your unit is working as expected.

Check the tank level by looking down the toilet opening. A full tank will show waste near the top. If it is low, the cold has reduced evaporation and usage might be lighter. The deodorizer still works, but cold makes it less volatile so you smell it less.

Keep the same service schedule. Weekly service is the norm for a reason: it prevents overflows and ensures the deodorizer is replenished. Cold weather does not change the need for regular pumping. If you skip a service, the tank will fill up and eventually cause problems, especially when it thaws. Your driver will handle any winterization like adding antifreeze to the tank if needed.

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