Home » How To Install Portable Toilet
Installing a portable toilet involves carefully selecting the right location, preparing the site, unloading and placing the unit, connecting the waste tank and ventilation properly, and performing needed maintenance.
This straightforward guide will walk you through the key steps for safely and successfully installing a portable toilet.
From start to finish, we will cover everything you need to know, from the equipment required to the servicing schedule.
Follow these essential instructions to get your portable toilet up and running on any construction site, event, or remote location needing sanitation solutions.
Porta-Potty Pointers
- Carefully scout and prepare the installation site in advance for optimal placement and stability.
- Have all necessary equipment and supplies on hand before delivery to simplify setup and hookups.
- Follow detailed procedures for safe handling, securing, and servicing to maximize longevity and keep patrons happy.
Choosing the Right Location
When I install a portable toilet, the first decision I make is where to put the darn thing.
This may seem simple, but getting the location right makes the rest of the job much smoother.
Here are a few tips from an expert on picking the perfect potty spot:
- Consider accessibility. You want the toilet convenient for users, but not smack in the middle of everything. My rule of thumb is no more than a 30-second walk from the main area, but still off to the side for privacy.
- Check for level ground. Portable toilets need a flat surface to sit on, so scope out the area beforehand. If needed, lay gravel or patio stones to create an even base. Steer clear of mud or grass which can lead to tipping accidents!
- Ensure adequate drainage. Look for a spot that won’t turn into a swamp or flood. If it’s going to be a long-term installment, dig a gravel trench for wastewater runoff.
- Watch for overhead obstacles. Make sure nothing is hanging above like trees or powerlines that users could bump their heads on.
- Consider vehicle access. Pick a location with a clear path for the pump truck to drive in and service the unit.
With the right spot selected upfront, you’ll avoid headaches down the road.
Take the time to walk the site and find the ideal place to plunk that plastic throne!
Preparing the Installation Site
Now that you’ve picked the perfect potty spot, it’s time to get the site ready for installation day.
Having a proper foundation will make placing and securing the unit much simpler.
Here are the key steps I take to prep the ground:
- Clear away debris. Remove any branches, rocks, trash, or other junk from the area. You want a clean canvas before setting down the portable john.
- Level the surface. Check for dips or bumps using a long level or straight 2×4. Fill in holes with compacted dirt or gravel. Scrape down high spots.
- Add a gravel base. Spread 4-6 inches of gravel to create a sturdy, level platform. This gives drainage and prevents sinking or tipping of the unit.
- Construct a containment frame (optional). For long-term installs, bury 4×4 lumber beams around the perimeter to hold the toilet in place.
- Install a gravel drainage trench. Dig a narrow trench extending downhill from the unit’s waste tank to control runoff.
Prepping the site takes muscle but it’s worth it for stable placement.
Don’t skip this step – you don’t want your portable privy settling like the Leaning Tower of Pisa!
A proper foundation keeps your toilet grounded and your customers happy.
Equipment and Supplies Needed
Installing a portable toilet is a dirty job, but having the right tools makes it go much smoother.
Through trial and error over the years, I’ve compiled the ultimate porta-potty toolkit.
Here’s what this expert has on hand for every install:
- Lifting equipment – Portable toilets can weigh over 200 lbs. Have an equipment skid, pallet jack, prybar, or even some strong buddies to shift the unit around.
- Leveling tools – A 4-foot level, carpenter’s level, and shovel to get the toilet situated just right.
- Wrenches – Stock standard pipe wrenches, an adjustable crescent wrench, and vice grips to tighten fittings.
- Saw – For cutting vent pipes or lumber for bracing. A reciprocating saw makes quick work of it.
- Drill – Both power and manual screw-drivers to install stabilizing anchors.
- Protective gear – Steel-toed boots, gloves, and safety goggles are a must!
- Plumbing supplies – Have the connectors, seals, valves, and any parts on hand before starting.
- Duct tape – The handiest tool for any installation! Useful for temporary seals, marking locations, and cracked pipes.
With these essential items, you’ll install portable potties like a pro.
Having the right gear ensures things go smoothly no matter the location or conditions.
Unloading and Placing the Portable Toilet
Alright, the prep work is done and you’ve got your tools ready.
Now comes the fun part – unloading this plastic porta-potty palace and putting it in place!
Having moved hundreds of johns in my day, here are my tips for safely shifting that sucker:
- Use lifting equipment. Trying to manually slide 300 lbs of molded plastic and chemicals spells injury. Securely strap the unit to equipment skids, dollies, or prybars for controlled movement.
- Clear a path. Make sure you have a wide, straight route from the delivery truck to the installation site. Remove any obstructions to prevent tipping over mid-move.
- Mind the doors! Portable toilet doors can catch the wind, so have a helper hold them shut when transporting. Nothing worse than chasing down a runaway privy!
- Lower gently. When placing the toilet in the marked spot, take it slow. Set it down squarely and gently release the lifting straps.
- Check your work. Confirm the base is supported, level, and aligned. Give an extra nudge or shimmy if needed before permanently anchoring.
With good communication and patience, you’ll have that portable john right where it belongs.
Just be sure to lift with the legs, not with the back!
Take the extra time to move it safely – your spine will thank you after years in this business.
Leveling and Stabilizing the Unit
You unpacked the portable potty – now it’s time to get it perfectly level and secure.
Trust me, you’ll appreciate getting this right upfront rather than fixing toilet-tipping disasters down the road!
Here are my steps for expertly leveling and stabilizing:
- Check the initial level. Place a 4-foot level on all sides to identify any uneven spots.
- Shim as needed. Use shims, gravel, or plastic spacers under the base to fill dips. Remove debris if any corners are too high.
- Confirm with level. Re-check for perfect level across the unit once adjusted.
- Secure frame (if installed). Anchor lumber framing into the ground with rebar stakes if present.
- Drive anchoring stakes. Hammer provided metal ground stakes deeply into the soil on at least two corners.
- Attach restraint chains (if needed). Connect chains from anchors to the unit’s pre-drilled holes for extra hold.
- Seal openings. Place foam blocks in any gaps between the toilet base and the ground. This deters rodents from crawling underneath.
With these steps, you’ll avoid porta-potty flopping over in the wind!
Take the extra time upfront to level like a librarian and your toilet will stay standing tall.
Connecting the Waste Tank
Now for the dirty work – connecting the waste tank.
Properly hooking up the plumbing ensures odors and liquids flow where they should.
After decades on the job, I’ve got tank connections down to a science:
- Inspect the fittings. Examine the inlet/outlet fittings on the tank for damage and clean off any debris. Replace if needed.
- Lube the seals. Lightly coat the seals on the tank fittings with a plumber’s lubricant to prevent cracking.
- Align connections. Mate the toilet’s drain outlet with tank inlet fitting. The vent pipe outlet aligns with the tank vent fitting.
- Tighten by hand. First, connect fittings by hand until snug. Overtightening can crack the plastic.
- Finish tightening with a wrench. Use a pipe wrench to turn 1/4 turn past hand tight. This ensures a leak-proof seal.
- Secure with clamps. Install stainless steel clamps over the rubber sleeve connections as an extra preventative measure.
- Check for leaks! Visually inspect seals for any sign of water or odors escaping. Immediately tighten or reseal any problem spots detected.
Connecting the waste tank isn’t glamorous, but do it right to avoid major headaches later.
Take it from an old pro – a leak-free install means less mess for everyone!
Ventilating the Portable Toilet
One of the most important (and smelly) parts of installing a portable john is properly ventilating it.
A well-vented privy means odor-free usage for your customers.
Here are my tips for flawless ventilation:
- Use a minimum 3-inch vent pipe. This provides sufficient airflow to release vapors from the waste tank.
- Run the vent straight up. Install the vent pipe in a vertical orientation for ideal upward airflow.
- Extend vent above roof height. Position the vent discharge at least 16 inches above the toilet roofline to dissipate odors.
- Clear debris from vent openings. Remove any obstructions so odors can freely escape.
- Install screen cap on vent pipe. A screened cap prevents pests from entering while still allowing air to flow.
- Position the unit to maximize airflow. Situate the toilet strategically so prevailing winds carry odors away from high-traffic areas.
- Supplement with air fresheners. Provide external deodorizing products for that extra fresh insurance.
Take the time to ventilate right, and everyone will breathe easier – especially your nose!
Now, let’s plug our noses and tackle the water supply connections…
Hooking Up Water Supply (For Deluxe Units)
If you splurged for the deluxe model with running water, it’s time to get the H2O hooked up.
Having water on hand makes the experience much more civilized for users.
Here are my techniques for flawless water supply installation:
- Locate water source. Determine the nearest spigot, hydrant, or lateral line to tap into. Ideal if within 25 feet of the toilet site.
- Gather plumbing supplies. You’ll need a garden hose, backflow preventer, hose clamps, and any connectors to mate with the water source.
- Run a hose to the toilet. Securely connect the hose from the water source to the inlet on the back of the toilet. Watch for kinks!
- Install backflow preventer. Attach a backflow prevention device to the hose per code to avoid contamination risk.
- Adjust float valves. Make sure the internal float valves are set to proper fill levels to prevent overflows.
- Check for leaks! Turn on the water source and visually inspect all connections for drips or ruptures. Tighten as needed.
- Consider insulation. For cold climates, wrap hose connections in insulating foam to avoid freezing.
With running water ready, your guests will be flushing and washing hands in no time.
Just be sure to insulate those lines in cold weather – nobody likes an icy toilet surprise!
Connecting to Drainage or Sewer (If Possible)
If you hit the jackpot with access to drainage or sewer lines onsite, take advantage!
Hooking up the waste tank eliminates the need for the pumping service.
Here are my best practices for draining directly:
- Locate drainage access point. Survey the site to find the nearest sewer cleanout or viable ground drainage area.
- Ensure a downhill slope. Confirm the drainage access sits lower than the waste tank outlet for proper downhill flow.
- Gather parts. Collect any adapters, piping, clamps, and elbows to connect the tank outlet to the drainage inlet.
- Run drainage pipe. Securely install rigid drainage pipe from tank discharge to inlet using proper fittings.
- Anchor drainage pipe. Bury or stabilize the pipe to prevent dislodging. Gravel around the pipe for extra drainage.
- Flush connections. Pour water through to test flow and check for any leaks or clogs. Tighten fittings as needed.
- Install effluent filter. Attach an effluent filter to the tank outlet to catch solids and comply with codes.
Draining to sewer is a luxury, but take precautions for clogs and leaks.
If accessible, this method really simplifies maintenance!
Servicing and Maintenance
Installing the portable toilet is a big job, but maintenance is key for the long haul.
A well-serviced privy means happy customers and minimal headaches.
After decades on the job, I’ve got a rock-solid toilet servicing routine:
- Pump waste regularly. The average pump-out frequency is every 7 days. More often for large events or if the toilet seems full.
- Replenish supplies frequently. Check daily and replace toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and seat covers as needed.
- Clean surfaces. Wipe down the exterior and interior with a disinfectant cleaner to keep grime at bay.
- Check for leaks. Inspect plumbing connections, valves, and seals for any drips or ruptures needing repair.
- Ensure stability. Confirm the anchors are firmly in the ground and chains are secured to prevent tipping.
- Keep the vent clear. Remove any debris obstructing the vent pipe. Critters love to nest in there!
- Record service schedule. Log each maintenance task completed and when the next service is due.
Staying on top of privy maintenance keeps things hygienic for patrons and prevents big-time problems down the road.
Just be sure to have an air freshener on hand when pumping the tank – phew!
Relocating the Portable Toilet
Sometimes you gotta pick up and move that portable potty to a new locale.
Whether it’s a construction site reconfiguration or an event layout change, relocation takes finesse.
Based on plenty of practice, here is my roadmap for smooth toilet transportation:
- Prep the new site. Be sure to prepare the new installation area just like the original site (level ground, gravel base, etc).
- Disconnect plumbing. Detach waste tank, water, and ventilation connections. Cap all open fittings.
- Release anchors. Remove ground stakes and chains securing the unit.
- Recruit help. Enlist at least two able-bodied helpers to assist with moving the weight.
- Lift safely. Use lifting bars, dollies, or equipment to raise the unit fully off the base. Lift with legs – not back!
- Haul carefully. Keep the unit balanced and be sure the route is clear during transport to a new locale.
- Reinstall securely. Follow original procedures to get unit level, anchored, and plumbed at the new home.
With the right equipment and help, relocating portable potties is no sweat.
Just be cautious – one wrong move can lead to a real mess!
Safety Precautions
Installing privies may not seem dangerous, but take it from me – this work can turn hazardous without the right precautions.
After dealing with my share of porta-potty fiascos, I make safety my top priority on every job now.
Here are the key precautions I take:
- Use lifting equipment. Don’t be a hero trying to muscle these units solo. Call in an extra set of hands or break out the dolly to avoid injury.
- Wear protective gear. Gloves, steel-toed boots, goggles, and possibly even a respirator are a must when dealing with waste.
- Control waste leaks. If disconnected from the tank, keep the toilet upright and fittings capped to prevent spills.
- Anchor securely. Check anchors and stabilization daily to avoid tip-overs, especially on windy sites.
- Monitor for hazardous gases. Be aware of risks from sewer gases like hydrogen sulfide and methane in confined areas.
- Ensure adequate ventilation. Never block vents or work inside privies without air movement.
- Use the buddy system. For any hazardous tasks, have a coworker present to respond in case of emergency.
Don’t learn safety the hard way like I did – take precautions upfront and avoid portable potty disasters!
Securing the Portable Toilet
I learned the hard way that unsecured potties attract trouble – namely theft and vandalism.
But not to worry, this old pro has plenty of tricks up his sleeve to protect portable privies:
- Use tamper-proof fasteners. Install tamper-proof screws and locks on access panels to deter trespassers.
- Chain it up. Wrap sturdy chains through handles and around anchors to secure the unit overnight or during off hours.
- Install motion lights. Position battery-powered spotlights to illuminate the toilet at night. They deter mischief.
- Hire security. For large events, have staff or guards monitor the toilet area and report suspicious activity.
- Locate intelligently. Tuck the unit just out of view from crowds and high traffic to avoid attention.
- Camouflage. Use temporary fencing or tarps around the toilet when unattended for stealth.
- Add signage. Post warning signs that the area is under surveillance to make pranksters think twice.
Securing potties requires both brawn and brains.
Take multiple precautions to outsmart vandals and keep your units protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do portable toilets need to be serviced?
On average, portable toilets should be pumped out every 40-60 uses, or 1-2 times per week for heavy use. This prevents waste tank overflow.
What size ventilation pipe is recommended?
Use a minimum 3-inch vent pipe to provide adequate odor-control airflow for portable toilets.
How much weight can a portable toilet support?
Standard portable toilets can support over 400 pounds of weight, allowing safe usage for most patrons.
How far should portable toilets be placed from event areas?
Ideally, portable toilets should be located no more than 125 feet from main event areas for convenient access.
How are portable toilets cleaned?
Thorough interior and exterior cleaning with a disinfectant cleaner should be done daily to weekly to maintain sanitation.
How are portable toilets secured against theft?
Chains, tamper-proof locks, anchoring stakes, and motion-sensor lights help deter potential thieves targeting portable units.
