Porta Potty Forum
Log inAsk a question

What's the worst November weather you've serviced porta potties in?

Deb K.asked 1 viewGeneral DiscussionService visitWinterizationVacuum truckTruck accessPlacement

I'm heading into my first winter driving a vacuum truck, and the forecast already has me thinking about what's ahead. Last week I serviced a cluster of standard units on a muddy construction site where the truck couldn't get closer than 30 feet. Had to drag the hose through ankle-deep slop, and the units were caked. I've heard stories about frozen tanks and icy steps, but I haven't seen it yet. What's the worst November weather you've serviced porta potties in? Did you ever have a unit tip over in high wind? How do you handle a service visit when the ground is pure ice?

1 answer

Sorted by votes
0
Porta Potty Forum Team moderatorUnited States

The worst November weather I serviced portable toilets in was a sleet storm with 40 mph gusts and black ice underfoot. We had a construction site with 80 workers under OSHA 1926.51, so they had two standard units and one ADA-compliant unit. The vacuum truck slid trying to reach them, and I had to chip ice off the latches. Yes, I've seen a unit tip in high wind, it was on a ridge with poor staking and tie-downs. On pure ice, I spread sand for traction, use a shorter hose run, and sometimes postpone if it's unsafe. Weekly service is the norm, but winter demands more frequent checks for freezing. The cold drives up costs because service takes longer and antifreeze is added.

Your answer

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

Related questions