If you’ve ever passed a construction site or attended an outdoor event, you’ve likely seen or used a porta-potty. They’re the simplest way to provide bathroom facilities when permanent bathrooms aren’t available. But have you ever wondered how they work? There’s more to them than many people think. Here’s the history of the porta-potty, an overview of how they work, and what to expect when you rent one.
The History of the Porta-Potty
In the 1960s, an inventor named George Harding filed the first patent for what we now call a porta-potty. His design included a rigid plastic housing, replacing earlier wood or metal designs. It took almost a decade before the patent translated into a commercially available product. The new plastic porta-potties were lighter and cheaper to construct than previous models. As a result, moving a porta-potty between locations became easier, leading to more widespread use.
By the late 1970s, rigid plastic porta-potty designs gave way to molded fiberglass. That material kept the units light while making them more durable and damage-resistant. Unfortunately, molded fiberglass isn’t translucent, so providing adequate interior lighting proved challenging. To solve that problem, designers eventually turned to polyurethane, polyethylene, and aluminum. Unlike the earlier models, those porta-potties had semi-transparent roofs that mostly eliminated daytime lighting issues.
Today, some porta-potties include luxury features like built-in lighting, ventilation, and warm running water. You will even find porta-potties built on trailer chassis that provide all the comforts of a permanent restroom.
How Do Porta-Potties Work?
No matter their form factor, most modern porta-potties work in similar ways. They contain non-splash toilets, toilet seats, and a large holding tank. Most have holding capacities of 60 gallons or more, making them suitable for extended use. Some models feature a pressurized flushing system to provide a more sanitary experience. They also rely on a specialized chemical mixture to minimize smells and bacteria. Although there’s no standard formula, most porta-potty flushing systems contain the following:
- Water
- Dye
- Biocides
- Fragrance
- Surfactants
In most cases, porta-potty rental companies use blue dye in their units. They do this because the dye will turn green when sufficiently diluted. That provides a simple way for maintenance crews to know when to replace the chemical mixture. Some also include enzymes and microbes that break down human waste and feed on odor-causing bacteria.
Porta-Potty Maintenance Requirements
When renting a porta-potty, its owner will handle its maintenance depending on your use case. Generally, a porta-potty will require service every 100 uses or each week. A sanitation worker will arrive with a vacuum truck equipped with holding and freshwater tanks for a service appointment. They’ll use the vacuum to empty the porta-potty’s storage tank. Then, they’ll refill its fresh water and chemical supply. The worker will also spray an antibacterial cleaning solution to clean the inside of the porta-potty. Next, they’ll restock the unit’s toilet paper, paper towels, and hand sanitizer station. A porta-potty sanitation worker with a single truck might service up to 50 units per day. Finally, they’ll head to a local waste treatment facility to empty their tanks when they complete their route.
Porta-Potty Delivery and Pickup
If you need porta-potties for an event or construction site, the first thing to consider is how many you’ll need. You should plan for a single porta-potty for 40 to 60 guests at outdoor events. On a construction site, you will need one per 20 workers. You should consult the relevant OSHA guidelines to ensure regulatory compliance.
Expect your porta-potties to arrive on a flatbed truck or trailer on your delivery day. You should prepare an installation location with a flat surface in a convenient spot. The driver will bring your units to that location and handle the setup process. That will include staking the unit down to ensure the safety of users.
On pickup day, the process is a little more involved. It begins with a thorough inspection of the porta-potty. A service worker will note any signs of damage or wear and tear that require repair. Then, a maintenance worker will empty and clean the unit. Once complete, the service worker will load the porta-potty onto their truck or trailer. They’ll bring the unit back to a maintenance facility if it needs repair. Otherwise, it may go straight to the location of the next renter.
Your Reliable Porta-Potty Service
When you need a Porta-potty in Salina, KS, Salina Septic Service is the place to call. We provide long and short-term rentals for weddings, outdoor events, and construction sites. We also offer handwashing stations and complete septic system services. Our team performs more than 35,000 portable bathroom maintenance visits each year. With roots dating back to 1952, you won’t find a more experienced company in the area. We’re also a member of the Portable Sanitation Association, symbolizing our commitment to excellence. So, for your porta-potty needs in Salina, call Salina Septic Service today!
