Can a standard unit survive a Montana winter at a hunting camp?

Question

I run a hunting camp on my ranch near Bozeman. We have a standard portable toilet that serves about a dozen hunters over a few weekends in the fall. After the season, the unit sits for weeks at a time, sometimes with temperatures dropping to -20°F. It's on a flat patch of gravel that my service truck can reach without a problem.

My worry is the holding tank. If any liquid is left inside when it freezes solid, will the plastic crack? I know the rental company adds deodorizer, but I'm not sure if that acts as antifreeze. Do we need to do something special to winterize a standard unit that won't be used for long stretches in the cold? Or is it built to handle that?

Sam O. · Answer

A standard portable toilet can survive a Montana winter if the rental company follows winterization procedures. The holding tank is the main concern because water expands when it freezes. The deodorizer added by the rental company is not antifreeze by itself. It is a chemical mix for odor control and breaking down waste.

For long stretches of cold with no use, the rental operator should add a brine solution or a non-toxic antifreeze to the holding tank to prevent freezing. This is standard practice for winter service. The plastic tank is durable but can crack if the contents freeze solid. You should confirm with your rental company that they are providing winter service.

Since your unit sits unused for weeks in sub-zero temperatures, you need a service visit before the deep cold sets in to add antifreeze. A standard unit on level gravel with good truck access is fine. Just make sure the service is scheduled for winterization. If the unit is used during freezing weather, the waste and added liquid help prevent a solid freeze, but for extended idle periods, the antifreeze is critical.

Can a standard unit survive a Montana winter at a hunting camp?

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