When Porta Potties are serviced the waste is removed, odor neutralizing blue liquid is re-added to the tanks, and supplies like toilet paper and hand sanitizer are stocked. That’s how they’re serviced, but the question remains, how often does a portable toilet need to be pumped out?

The general rule of thumb for porta potties in consistent locations (like those on construction sites and at parks) is that they should be pumped out once a week. However, there are a few factors that can influence how often a portable toilet should be serviced.

High Traffic

High traffic restrooms may need to be serviced more frequently, while lower traffic restrooms may be able to go longer without being pumped. Depending on how many people are using the porta potties, they may need to be pumped as much as three or four times a week to keep them in good working order. Remember, your service schedule can typically be modified as needed if the original agreement isn’t working out as planned.

The risk of not getting them serviced often enough is that they can fill up. Then they’ll start to smell foul enough that people will be discouraged from using them. This can cause subsequent issues because people will need to leave to use the facilities. Or, they’ll just resort to going somewhere on the premises.

The Overall Number of Units

In areas where there are fewer portable toilets, those units will need to be pumped out more frequently. If you don’t want to have them serviced as frequently, you can rent additional units to spread out usage.

Remember, you should have one portable toilet for every 10 full-time construction employees (assuming each worker is on the job 40 hours per week). Or, you should have two portable toilets for every 50 guests at a 6 to 10-hour event. Having fewer than this can require that the units be emptied more frequently.

High Temperatures

Keep in mind that the weather can also affect how often portable toilets need to be pumped out. The hotter the temperatures are, the more likely waste is to start smelling. This will require that you get the units pumped out more frequently. Porta potties being used in colder climates or during winter months should not need to be emptied quite as often. Here the weather works in their favor.

So, how often does a portable toilet need to be pumped out? The answer is, it depends on whos’ using them, how many you have, and what the conditions look like. If you have any questions, consult with Topindus Group. For advice on how often your units should be cleaned out. Are you renting other sanitary add-ons like portable sinks or hand sanitizer stations? If so, you’ll want to determine a schedule that fits to have those restocked as well.