When you are planning an outdoor event, you need to make sure that everyone has access to a bathroom. This can be a challenge if the event is in a remote location, or if there are not enough indoor bathrooms available. That’s where portable toilets come in.
Portable toilets, also known as porta potties, are temporary toilets that can be set up anywhere. They are perfect for outdoor events, construction sites, and other places where traditional bathrooms are not available. In this guide, we will discuss how porta potties work and answer some common questions about them.
How does a porta potty work?
Porta potties are small, portable bathrooms that can be installed anywhere. Many of us have used porta potties, but not all of us know how they work. Here is an inside look at portable toilets.
The main function of a porta potty is to hold waste until it can be disposed of properly.
A porta potty has two tanks – one for fresh water and one for wastewater. There is also a special chemical inside the waste tank that helps break down and deodorize the waste. The chemical solution in the waste tank makes it easier to transport and dispose of human waste.
The tank is located underneath the toilet seat and is connected to it by a small pipe. The waste that goes into the toilet falls into the tank below it. The tank can hold up to 60 gallons of waste, which is then pumped out when full.
Because there is no water source in the portable toilets, there is only one way for the human waste to go – down a pipe that leads directly from the toilet to the holding tank below.
The waste then flows into this tank through gravity and remains there until it’s pumped out at regular intervals by portable sanitation companies that have trained personnel who specialize in cleaning and pumping out these tanks.
If you have ever used a porta potty, you know that they can be smelly. This is because the waste is not diluted with water like it is in a flush toilet.
The ventilation pipe on the porta-potty helps to vent some of the odor out of the unit, but it’s not perfect. That’s why most portable toilets have a deodorizer in the form of a drop-in tablet that goes into the holding tank. These tablets help to neutralize some of the odor from the waste.
How do you use a porta potty?
Using a porta potty is very similar to using a toilet at home or in an office building. Simply open the door and enter the small space created by the walls of the unit. Close the door behind you, use the toilet, and then flush it with water from the tank inside the unit.
Some portable toilets have automatic flushing features that flush each time someone opens or closes the door. Other units have foot pedals that make flushing easier for people who are already seated on the toilet seat. The typical porta potty doesn’t have a lever to flush it. You just leave it in the blue chemicals.
After flushing, exit through the door and close it behind you. That’s all there is to it. Portable toilets are a great option for events or construction sites where traditional toilets are not available.
Types of porta potties
There are three types of porta potties: the flushable type, the chemical type, and the composting type. There some other porta potty rental options. Each type has its own method of waste disposal.
- The flushable porta potty is connected to a water supply and sewer system. When you flush the toilet, the water will carry the waste away.
- The chemical porta potty uses chemicals to break down the waste. The chemicals are usually found in a holding tank under the seat. When you flush the toilet, the chemicals will mix with the water and break down the waste.
- The composting porta potty does not use any water or chemicals. The waste is broken down by bacteria in a process called composting. Composting porta potties are usually more expensive than the other types.
Now that you know the different types of porta potties, you can decide which one is right for you. If you need a porta potty for a short-term event, the flushable or chemical type would be fine. But if you need a porta potty for a long-term event, such as a construction site, the composting type would be a better choice.
How safe is the porta potty?
Porta potties are actually pretty safe. They’re made with non-toxic, food-grade plastics that are easy to clean. The main thing you need to worry about is making sure the porta potty is emptied regularly. Depending on how often it’s used, a porta potty should be emptied every three to five days.
If you’re a mobile entrepreneur, you might be surprised to learn that there are a number of potential liabilities that can come with this type of business. These include:
- Health and safety considerations: The major risk in using portable toilets is disease outbreaks. When people use portable toilets, they spread dangerous pathogens through their waste. You can minimize the risk by washing your hands after using the toilet, but if someone with a resistant strain of norovirus sneaks in, you could still face serious illness or even death.
- Liability for damage to property: Portable toilets aren’t just for emergencies — they’re often brought out for special events and sporting events that require the use of multiple portable toilets. If someone has to call an emergency plumber because he’s been left high and dry from an overflowing portable toilet, you could be left holding the bag.
What are the best practices for using a porta potty?
If you’re using a porta potty for the first time, it’s important to know the proper way to use one. Here are some tips on how to use a porta potty:
- Always flush the toilet after each use. This will help keep the porta potty clean for the next person.
- If there is no flush handle, you can pour a small amount of water into the bowl to rinse it out. Just be sure not to overdo it – too much water can make things messy!
- Use paper towels or sanitary wipes to clean up any spills. Never try to cleaning anything with your bare hands.
- Be considerate of others and try not to make too much noise. Porta potties can be quite loud, so try to keep your voice down.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the porta potty. This is one of the most important things you can do to prevent the spread of germs!
By following these simple tips, you can help keep the porta potty clean and sanitary for everyone to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do pee and poop go in a porta potty?
The waste goes into a holding tank that is typically located underneath the porta potty. When the tank is full, it will need to be emptied by a professional septic company.
How are porta potties cleaned?
Porta potties are usually cleaned with a power washer. The machine pumps cleaning solution into the porta potty and then sucks it back out, along with all the waste. Some companies also use manual scrubbing to clean the porta potties by hand.
How often do porta potties need to be serviced?
This depends on how many people are using the porta potty and how often it is being used. A general rule of thumb is that the porta potty should be serviced once a week.
What are some of the most common problems with porta potties?
The most common problems with porta potties are clogged toilets and bad odors. Both of these problems can usually be fixed by servicing the porta potty more often.
How can I prevent my porta potty from getting clogged?
There are a few things you can do to prevent your porta potty from getting clogged:
- Don’t put anything other than human waste and toilet paper in the porta potty.
- Have the porta potty serviced more often.
- Use a porta potty with a larger holding tank.
How can I prevent my porta potty from smelling bad?
Don’t put anything other than human waste and toilet paper in the porta potty. Have the porta potty serviced more often. Use a porta potty with a ventilation fan. Place some air fresheners inside the porta potty.
Do porta potties dissolve poop?
No, porta potties do not dissolve poop. The waste goes into a holding tank that is typically located underneath the porta potty. When the tank is full, it will need to be emptied by a professional septic company.
What are some of the other uses for a porta potty?
A porta potty can also be used as a shower stall or changing room. It can also be used as a storage shed for small items such as gardening tools or sports equipment.
Conclusion
Porta potties are a great way to provide sanitation facilities in areas where there is no plumbing. They are simple to use and can be emptied and cleaned easily. When using a porta potty, it is important to remember to keep the lid closed when not in use to prevent odors from escaping.