Porta potties can be a great option for events and outdoor activities in the wintertime, but there are some things you need to keep in mind in order to make sure they stay usable during cold weather. In this guide, we will give you some tips on how to use porta potties in the winter without running into any problems.
Tips for using porta potties in the winter
Keep them clean
You’ll need to be prepared for the winter weather when it comes to porta potties. This will be your only bathroom break on-site during long cold nights, and you’ll need to keep them clean.
Here are a few tips for keeping your porta potties clean:
- Don’t let them sit in the sun, as the seats will quickly become dirty and unappealing. They’ll also destroy their self-cleaning capabilities.
- Make sure they’re out of direct sunlight and away from overly warm areas.
- Use sunlight reflective paint or a clear plastic cover over the seats so they’re not sitting in direct sunlight all day.
- Wipe down the seats and lids after each use with a bleach solution.
- Be sure to have plenty of hand sanitizer on hand for people to use after they’ve used the porta potty.
Inspect them regularly
You should also inspect your porta potties regularly to make sure they’re in good working order. If there is an issue, the porta potty rental company should replace it for you. Here are a few things you should look for:
- Check the toilets for any leaks or clogs.
- Make sure there’s no standing water in the bottom of the unit.
- Clean out any debris that may have accumulated in the porta potty.
- Ensure that all doors and latches are working properly.
- If you find any problems, be sure to fix them right away.
Keep them warm
Another thing to keep in mind when using porta potties in the winter is that you need to keep them warm. Otherwise, the pipes and holding tanks will freeze and the porta potty will be unusable.
Here are a few ways to keep your porta potties warm:
- Place them on a raised platform so they’re not sitting directly on the ground.
- Insulate the bottom of the unit with straw or hay.
- Use a space heater inside the porta potty (just be sure to keep it away from any flammable materials).
Limit your time inside to just what’s necessary
You don’t want to spend more time than absolutely necessary in a freezing-cold portable toilet, especially if you’re wearing gloves or mittens that make it difficult to handle toilet paper or apply hand sanitizer.
Don’t flush until you’re finished with your business
Flushing early will waste heat generated by your body, as well as heat from any electrical or propane heater inside the unit.
Bring hand warmers
If you’re going to be outdoors for an extended time and you know that there won’t be any permanent restrooms available, make sure to bring chemical hand warmers along with you. These will ensure that your hands stay warm and dry even after touching wet or frozen surfaces in the portable toilet.
Be sure to have a plan for disposing of waste
If you’re using porta potties at an event, you’ll need to have a plan for disposing of the waste. The best option is to have a septic tank that can be emptied on-site. However, if this isn’t possible, you’ll need to arrange for someone to come and empty the tanks regularly.
Bring disinfectant wipes or gel
Many portable toilets don’t have any running water or soap inside, so if you want to clean up before leaving, it’s best to bring disinfectant wipes or hand sanitizer along with you.
Take steps to prevent freezing
If you don’t want to use a heated toilet but still want to avoid problems associated with porta potties in the winter, you can take steps to prevent the waste from freezing. Here are a few ideas:
- Add antifreeze to the holding tanks.
- Use RV-type toilet paper that dissolves quickly in water.
- Install a tank heater kit (available at most camping stores) in the porta potty.
Maximize the sun
Porta potties should be placed somewhere where the sun shines most of the time. If there is no other option, then they should be placed under a tent or shed. This will ensure that they don’t freeze and people can easily use them even when it is snowing outside.
Have proper ventilation
Porta potties should have proper ventilation. They should have locks on their doors, and there should be some small holes so that air flow is maintained inside the unit. Ventilation will keep them warm and people will not have any trouble using them.
Conclusion
Don’t forget these important tips when using porta potties in the winter! By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your porta potties are clean, functional, and comfortable for everyone to use.