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Why does our unit smell like sulfur after a rainstorm?

Marcus B.asked 1 viewOdor, Cleaning & ChemicalsOdorDeodorizerFormaldehyde free deodorizerHolding tankRain

We have a standard portable toilet on a residential addition in Chicago. It's been there for about six weeks, used by a crew of 10 guys. The unit sits on gravel at the back of the lot, and the vacuum truck can reach it fine. Every time it rains, the unit starts smelling like sulfur or rotten eggs. It's strong enough that the guys avoid it. After a couple of sunny days, the smell fades. What's causing that sulfur smell after rain? Is it something in the deodorizer or the holding tank reacting to moisture?

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Deb K.Akron, OH

The sulfur smell in your standard portable toilet after rain is caused by hydrogen sulfide gas produced by anaerobic bacteria in the holding tank. Rainwater increases humidity inside the unit, which accelerates bacterial activity and releases the gas. The smell fades after sunny days because ventilation improves and bacterial activity slows.

Your unit's placement on gravel helps with drainage, but the holding tank isn't airtight. Moisture seeps in during rain, reactivating the bacteria. The deodorizer masks odors but doesn't stop this process. For a crew of 10, weekly service is standard, but higher humidity or use might need more frequent pumping. Ask your rental company to check the tank seal and consider a formaldehyde-free deodorizer that better controls bacterial growth.

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