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What if the service truck can't reach our unit on a steep hill?

Marcus B.asked 6 viewsDelivery, Placement & ServicingTruck accessPlacementSteep slopeService visitMissed service

We're framing a house on a steep hill, and the only flat spot for the portable toilet is about 60 feet from the street, up a 30-degree grade. The rental company dropped off a standard unit there, but the driver mentioned that his vacuum truck might not be able to reach it for the weekly service visit. He needs to get the hose to the unit and says the truck can't go on that slope.

What do you do when the placement spot isn't truck accessible? Can they use a longer hose, or do we have to move the unit down to the road every week? I'm worried about the missed service charge if they can't pump it. Has anyone built a temporary ramp or pad for this?

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Deb K.Akron, OH

You move the unit to truck-accessible ground for servicing. A vacuum truck cannot safely operate on a steep slope, and hoses are typically 25 feet long for practical reasons. Longer hoses lose suction power and are prone to kinking or dragging on the ground.

The rental company will charge a missed service fee if the driver arrives and cannot reach the unit. To avoid this, plan to have workers relocate the standard unit to level ground near the street before each scheduled service. Empty, it weighs about 200 pounds, so two people can handle it. Do not build a temporary ramp or pad without the rental company's approval; uneven surfaces can damage the unit or make it unsafe.

Servicing frequency drives cost, so if your crew size requires more than weekly service under OSHA rules, discuss that with the rental company. Steep sites often need extra coordination, but moving the unit is the standard solution.

  • Tyler R. Yeah, we do the same on hillside remodels. Two guys tip the empty unit onto a dolly and roll it to the street the morning of service. Beats a missed pump fee every time.

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