How To Pump Out a Portable Toilet

Pumping out portable toilets is a dirty job, but someone has to do it! In this article, I’ll be sharing how to pump out a portable toilet.

To pump out a portable toilet, you’ll need the right supplies and follow the proper procedures for waste removal, cleaning, and sanitizing the tank.

I’ll be covering everything you need to know, from supplies and preparation to the pumping process, cleaning, disposal, safety, and troubleshooting.

After reading, you’ll be prepared to take on this stinky but necessary task.

Portable Toilet Pumping Essentials

• Gather the proper equipment like pumps, hoses, and PPE before starting
• Prepare the toilet by adding treatments, removing solids, and mixing cleaning solutions
• Follow safe procedures for pumping out waste and rinsing the tank
• Thoroughly clean, sanitize, and replenish chemicals after pumping
• Pump frequency depends on tank size and amount of daily use
• Always dispose of waste properly at approved treatment facilities
• Take safety precautions like wearing gloves and washing hands
• Address issues like clogs calmly using systematic troubleshooting
• Regular maintenance makes pumping jobs faster and easier
• Understand all the costs involved with professional pumping service

What You’ll Need to Pump Out a Portable Toilet

Before starting the dirty work, you’ll need to gather the right supplies and tools.

Having everything prepped and ready will make the pumping process faster and easier.

At a minimum, you should have:

• A pump capable of pumping enough gallons per minute to empty the tank efficiently. Check the tank capacity to determine the required flow rate.
• Intake and discharge hoses long enough to reach the waste tank. Opt for heavy-duty sewer hoses.
• Protective equipment including gloves, goggles, face mask, and coveralls. Exposure risks include raw sewage, chemicals, and biohazards.
• Disinfectant and cleaning solutions – at least a gallon of portable toilet treatment chemicals and deodorizers. Look for EPA-registered products.
• Trash bags containing solid waste
• A towel or rags for spills and drips
• Paper towels and hand sanitizer for cleanup

Having all gear prepped before starting will make you ready to take on even the smelliest porta potty pumping job.

Preparing the Portable Toilet for Pumping

Before pumping out the waste tank, it’s important to prepare the portable toilet.

This will make the job more efficient and help avoid clogs or spills.

First, I recommend adding a deodorizing treatment to control odors and break down waste.

For a standard 60-90 gallon tank, add 2-4 quarts of a biological treatment like formaldehyde directly into the tank.

Let it soak for at least 10 minutes before pumping.

Next, remove any toilet paper or solid waste from the tank and seal it in a trash bag for disposal.

This prevents clogs and minimizes exposure.

It’s also helpful to mix up a cleaning solution to scrub down the interior after pumping.

A mild bleach or vinegar-based solution works well.

Add 1 cup bleach or vinegar and 2-3 gallons of water into a bucket.

Finally, use an enzymatic cleaner like BioZap to pre-treat any residual waste or buildup on surfaces.

Spray it generously around the tank walls and toilet. This will make post-pump cleaning faster.

Following these steps before pumping out waste will set up the porta potty for a smooth, hassle-free process.

And remember – safety first! Always wear protective gear when dealing with raw sewage.

Step-by-Step Process for Pumping Out the Waste Tank

Now comes the messy part – pumping out the waste.

Follow these steps closely for safe and effective porta potty pumping:

• First, connect the intake hose to the pump outlet and insert it into the waste tank. Make sure it reaches the bottom so you can drain all the liquid.
• Next, attach the discharge hose to the pump inlet. This hose should be long enough to reach an approved waste disposal site or storage tank.
• With the hoses secure, start the pump to begin suctioning waste. Monitor the tank level through the toilet opening. For a 60-gallon tank, this should take 5-10 minutes with a heavy-duty pump.
• Once the pump sounds like it’s losing suction, the tank is likely empty. Disconnect the hoses and cap all openings to contain odors.
• Finally, spray down the interior with your prepared cleaning solution. Let it soak for 5 minutes before scrubbing down all surfaces.

Followed properly, this pumping process will empty the tank and prepare it for the final sanitization steps.

Just be sure to dispose of the waste appropriately afterward.

Cleaning and Sanitizing the Portable Toilet After Pumping

Once the waste tank is fully pumped out, it’s time for a deep clean and sanitization.

This is critical for controlling odors and preventing disease.

Start by scrubbing down all interior tank surfaces with a brush and your cleaning solution.

Give extra attention to the toilet bowl, urinal, corners, and crevices where waste accumulates.

Next, thoroughly rinse the tank with clean water multiple times to flush away any cleaning residue.

You may need 20-30 gallons for a complete rinse.

Follow up with disinfectant sprays containing sodium hypochlorite or quaternary ammonium.

Completely coat all surfaces and let sit for 10 minutes before wiping dry with towels.

Finally, replenish your portable toilet chemicals like formaldehyde or bio-enzymatic treatments.

Add 2-4 quarts directly into the tank and swish around.

This will control odors and prevent buildup before the next use.

Take your time with this sanitization process.

A sparkling clean tank will provide a better experience for the next event or job site.

Just remember to dispose of all used cleaning supplies properly after finishing the dirty work.

Frequency of Pumping Out Portable Toilets

So how often should you plan to pump out your portable toilet? This depends on a few key factors:

• Tank capacity – Smaller tanks like 15-30 gallons will fill faster with waste and need more frequent pumping. Standard 60-100 gallon tanks can go longer between pump outs.
• Amount of use – Porta potties at a heavily trafficked event or construction site will need more frequent pumping than a toilet used occasionally. Figure out your expected ‘visits’ per day.
• Type of waste – Liquid waste will accumulate faster than solids. Urine-only tanks or urinal tanks need more frequent pumping.

Here are general recommended pumping frequencies based on daily usage:

• Light use (1-20 users per day): Every 4-8 weeks
• Moderate use (20-60 users per day): Every 2-4 weeks
• Heavy use (60-100+ users per day): Weekly
• Very heavy use (100+ users per day): 2-3 times per week

Track toilet usage with a logbook and schedule pump outs before tanks reach 50-75% capacity.

This will prevent overflows and maximize the time between costly service calls.

Consider more frequent pumping for urinals or special events.

Proper Waste Disposal After Pumping

Once you’ve emptied the portable toilet’s waste tank, proper disposal is critical.

Improper disposal can lead to health hazards and environmental damage.

First, know your local regulations for septic waste disposal. In most cases, you should:

• Transport waste to an approved septage receiving station or wastewater treatment facility. These are equipped to handle and process raw sewage. Expect fees for drop-off and treatment.
• Avoid illegal dumping! Never dispose of waste in storm drains, sewers, drainage ditches, or directly on the ground. This can contaminate water sources and spread disease. Penalties can be steep.
• Contain splashes and spills during transport with tarps, lids, and tie-downs. Use an enclosed trailer if possible.
• Dispose of used accessories like gloves, coveralls, and deodorizers in sealed bags. These may also contain hazardous waste.

Proper waste transport and disposal maintains public health while limiting environmental impact.

Be prepared with spill containment supplies just in case.

And know the emergency procedures for your area if any leaks or accidents occur.

Following regulations carefully protects both the community and your business.

Safety Precautions When Pumping a Portable Toilet

Pumping portable toilets involves dealing with raw sewage which carries health risks.

Follow these safety precautions:

• Wear protective equipment – gloves, boots, overalls, protective eyewear, and masks to guard against exposure. Change gloves frequently.
• Ventilate the area and work upwind when possible to minimize inhaling gases.
• Use spill containment-like absorbent pads under hoses to limit exposure.
• Wash hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap after finishing, even if wearing gloves. Consider using a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Change clothes and launder separately after pumping. Dispose of any clothes contaminated by spills.
• Keep open wounds, food, and smoking materials away from waste to avoid infection.
• Use care when climbing ladders or working on uneven terrain. Tanks can be heavy after filling.
• Follow guidelines for safe chemical handling when using cleaners and deodorizers.

Staying diligent about safety gear and hygiene protects pump operators from illness.

It also prevents the spreading of germs to others.

Take your time and focus on doing the job safely – it’s the best way to complete this dirty job.

Troubleshooting Tips for Portable Toilet Pump Outs

No pumping job goes perfectly every time.

Here are some troubleshooting tips for common portable toilet pumping issues:

• Pump loses suction before tank is empty – Check for obstructions or kinks in the intake hose. You may need to physically enter the tank and clear any blockages.
• Waste overflows from the tank – Immediately turn off the pump! Overflow means the discharge hose is clogged. Disconnect and clear clogs before carefully resuming pumping.
• The pump won’t start – Check power connections, and reset circuit breakers if needed. Bring a backup pump if issues persist.
• Leaks around tank fittings – Tighten connections with a wrench and check the condition of gaskets. Consider replacing damaged gaskets or fittings.
• Lingering odor after pumping – Scrub the tank again with enzymatic cleaners and refill the water in the toilet to dilute any residue. Double-check cleaning steps.

If issues continue, call a professional pumping service for assistance.

For next time, prevent problems by screening the tank for debris before pumping and using recommended chemical treatments.

Remaining calm and troubleshooting methodically makes resolving problems manageable.

Making the Pumping Process Easier

Pumping out porta potties doesn’t have to be an awful chore.

Keeping a few best practices in mind can help make the process smoother:

• Perform regular waste tank cleaning and maintenance between pump outs. This prevents buildup that causes clogs or difficult removal later.
• Add enzymatic treatments and deodorizing chemicals 1-2 times per week to control odors and break down solids. Well-maintained tanks pump out easier.
• Screen and remove all toilet paper and debris before pumping. This takes a few extra minutes but prevents potential clogs.
• Bring all necessary tools and supplies to the site in one trip. This includes hoses, disinfectants, gloves, and other gear. No need to run back and forth.
• When possible, pump waste downhill using gravity to improve flow rates and speed up the process.
• If using a truck, position it as close to the toilet as feasible to simplify hose connections.
• Communicate a realistic timeline to any site managers or clients so expectations are set.
• Bring a change of clothes, soap, and towels to freshen up after finishing the dirty work.

Staying organized, having a plan, and taking preventative measures make portable toilet pump-outs quicker and cleaner.

And taking pride in doing a job well will leave the site and client satisfied.

Costs Associated With Pumping Out a Portable Toilet

Pumping out porta potties isn’t free – it comes with a variety of costs.

Being aware of these expenses can help you plan and budget accordingly:

• Service fees – Rates from pumping companies range widely based on tank size, waste type, frequency, and region. Expect to pay $75-150+ per single toilet pump out.
• Transportation – Fees for mobilizing equipment and driving to and from a site. Mileage rates or fuel surcharges may apply.
• Disposal charges – Wastewater treatment facilities charge per-gallon fees for accepting and processing septic waste. This ranges from $0.05 – $0.15 per gallon.
• Equipment costs – Expenses of purchasing, maintaining, and storing pumps, hoses, trucks, and other gear. Proper equipment represents a significant investment.
• Supplies – Cleaners, disinfectants, deodorizers, gloves, hoses and replacement parts. Supply costs add up over time.
• Labor – For companies, the man hours and staff wages spent performing pump-outs.

While not the most glamorous job, professional pumping keeps sites clean and compliant.

Understanding the costs involved helps set competitive but profitable rates that keep the service sustainable.

FAQS

What type of pump should I use?

Opt for a high-quality macerator pump that can handle at least 60 gallons per minute flow rate to quickly empty waste tanks.

How do I unclog a blocked hose or toilet?

Turn off the pump immediately, then disconnect the hose and manually clear any solids or debris causing the clog before carefully resuming.

Can I empty waste into my septic system?

No, raw sewage from porta potties should only be disposed of at approved treatment facilities capable of handling and processing the waste.

How long does it take to pump out a toilet?

For an average 60-100 gallon portable toilet tank, pumping out all waste should take 5-10 minutes with a properly sized heavy-duty pump.

What chemicals help break down toilet waste?

Look for EPA-approved deodorizers and treatments containing formaldehyde, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, or bio-enzymes designed specifically for portable toilets.