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How many porta potties for a family reunion of about 80 people? ✓ Solved

Rina K.asked 53 viewsEvents & WeddingsFamily reunionStandard unitHand wash stationOutdoor eventUnit countService visit

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Two standard units plus a hand wash station held up fine for a reunion we ran around that size, as long as both toilets stayed open all afternoon and evening. Dinner is when the line shows up. If half the group hits the restrooms in the same twenty minutes, one cabin feels crowded even when Read the full answer

We are hosting a family reunion at a relative's acreage, roughly 70 to 80 people for an afternoon and evening outdoors. No indoor bathrooms guests can use, so we need to rent. The quote I got is for two standard units and one hand wash station.

Is two toilets enough for that headcount on a one-day gathering, or do people usually add a third once kids and longer visits are in the mix? I am trying to avoid a line during dinner without over-ordering. The pad would be a flat gravel strip near the barn, and we can keep a path clear for pickup the next morning.

Anyone who has rented for a reunion or similar private outdoor party: did two seats hold up, or did you wish you had ordered more? Also worth knowing whether a mid-event service visit is realistic for a same-day rental or if you just stock extra paper and hope.

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✓ Accepted by Rina K.

Dave P.Madison, WI

Two standard units plus a hand wash station held up fine for a reunion we ran around that size, as long as both toilets stayed open all afternoon and evening. Dinner is when the line shows up. If half the group hits the restrooms in the same twenty minutes, one cabin feels crowded even when the total headcount looks manageable on paper.

I would keep the two-unit quote if the gravel pad is easy to reach and you stock extra paper and soap at drop-off. Add a third seat if a lot of kids are coming, if people tend to linger outdoors late, or if one unit might get blocked by a food table or parked cars. Kids and longer visits stretch the same two toilets harder than a short cocktail hour does.

A mid-event service visit on a same-day rental is possible but not something I would count on. Most suppliers prefer to deliver clean in the morning and pick up the next day. Ask when you book; some will do a late-afternoon pump if the path stays clear and the truck can reach the pad. Otherwise plan on fresh units at delivery and a fully stocked hand wash station, not a mid-party pump.

We kept the path clear to the barn pad and had no drama at pickup the next morning.

  • Sam O. Dave's right about the dinner rush. I'd also ask the rental company what their standard [holding tank](https://portapotty.forum/glossary/holding-tank/) size is. Some units hold less, and for 80 people over a full day, two smaller tanks might fill up before the party ends.
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Owen G.Austin, TX

Two standard units for 80 people is at the limit of the common event guideline of one unit per 50 to 75 people for a four-hour event. Dave's advice is solid, but add a third unit if your event runs longer than six hours or if most guests are women. The rental company sizes the handwash station for the number of units, and one station is correct for two or three toilets. A mid-event service is rare for a one-day rental; the price is driven by the unit count and delivery, not a same-day pump. Confirm the truck access path is clear for both delivery and the next-morning pickup to avoid a missed-service fee.

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