Do Porta Potties Flush?

do porta potties flush

It’s no secret that portable toilets have come a long way since their inception. These days, you can find units that accommodate wheelchairs, have built-in lighting, and running water so you can wash your hands!

But, do porta potties flush? This is one of the most common questions we get asked here at Viking Rental. It all depends on the types of porta potties you’re trying to rent.

Traditional porta potties rarely flush, but there are more sophisticated bathroom trailer rentals that do flush if this is an important feature to you. You’ll have to weigh the additional cost and determine if it’s worth it.

That being said, we’ll help you make the right choice based on the type of event or job site you’re overseeing. You’ll also learn about how many units you need, finding a reliable rental provider, and maintaining the units over the course of your event/project.

For flushable and non-flushable portable toilets alike, remember that Viking Rental in Texas is the #1 choice. With more than 50 years of experience you can rest assured you’re partnering with the most trusted provider in the state. Learn more about our offerings below!

So, do porta potties flush? Given all the various styles you have at your disposal, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. We’ll discuss the different types of portable restrooms below and show you which flush and which do not.

Can You Flush a Porta Potty?

While the traditional image of a porta potty may involve a non-flushing unit, modern advancements have introduced options that offer flushing capabilities. Some can indeed flush.

These types of units offer a more pleasant and sanitary experience. But, how does a porta potty work with a flushing mechanism? They typically feature a manual foot pump, hand pump, or a gravity-fed system to flush the waste, which is then stored in a tank located beneath the toilet seat.

This setup helps control odors and maintain cleanliness within the unit, making it more comfortable for users. It’s ideal for higher-end events, such as weddings or corporate functions, where providing a more upscale restroom experience is important.

How Do Porta Potties That Don’t Flush Work, Then?

Be clear – not all portable toilets flush. In fact, the typical unit rarely has the ability to flush. This feature is reserved for more high-end styles. So, how do other types of units work without a flushing mechanism?

These still rely on a holding tank that collects waste beneath the seat – it is then treated with powerful chemicals that help break down waste, control bacteria, and minimize odors. This is that blue liquid you’re probably familiar with.

Given the stagnant waste situated much closer to the interior of the unit, ventilation is especially important in these standard facilities.

While these may not be quite as enjoyable to use as their flushing counterparts, they certainly have their place. They’re commonly used on construction sites, at festivals, and for short-term events where ease of use and affordability are priorities over user experience.

Other Portable Restroom Options That Do Flush

You came here to figure out whether or not porta potties flush, but they’re just one of the sanitation options you have at your disposal that can be equipped with a flushing mechanism.

Full-scale restroom trailers offer an experience that rivals indoor facilities, complete with flushing toilets, running water sinks, and even air conditioning. They’re ideal for high-end events, such as weddings, VIP areas, or large corporate gatherings.

Learn more about the differences between a porta potty vs bathroom trailer in our blog – we also have tips on how to build a restroom trailer if you are interested. In the meantime, we want to help you determine what type of unit is right for you below.

Tips on Choosing the Right Portable Restroom Facilities for Your Event or Job Site

Sure, the idea of having a flushable portable toilet sounds great. But do you really need it? We’ll help you find out by looking at the specifics of your event. We’ll cover a few other essential considerations in choosing your facilities as well so you can feel confident preparing your event or job site.

Do You Need a Flushable Porta Potty?

You might already be leaning one way or the other based on our breakdown of flushable vs non-flushable units above. But if not, it really just comes down to assessing your top priorities.

Flushable units offer a more sanitary experience for events where cleanliness and comfort are of the utmost importance, such as weddings, corporate gatherings, or upscale parties. They enhance the user experience by reducing odors and providing a more traditional restroom feel.

You’ll pay a bit more, which is the only downside to this option. If your event involves high-profile guests or spans multiple days, investing in flushable porta potties can be well worth the cost.

On the other hand, shorter-term projects or less formal events will be just fine with a typical unit that doesn’t flush. These are still highly sanitary and can get the job done when budget takes precedence over user experience.

Plus, you can always use our tips on how to make a porta potty look nice and how to keep porta potty from smelling if you don’t want to compromise on user experience but can’t justify paying more for flushable porta potties.

Assessing the Size and Duration of Your Event/Project

Beyond choosing a flushing vs non-flushing portable toilet, you need to think about how many porta potties per person as well. This ensures guests aren’t waiting around for the facilities while also preventing holding tanks from getting backed up.

A general rule of thumb is to have at least one porta potty for every 50-75 guests over a few hours. For events lasting all day or multiple days, you may need more units or schedule regular servicing to ensure cleanliness.

On the other hand, recommendations are a bit different for job sites. You still need to ensure you’re meeting OSHA guidelines, but this typically calls for just one toilet for every 10 workers. You may consider investing in more units for longer projects.

Speaking of guidelines, make sure you’re providing ADA facilities if necessary. We have resources on ADA porta potty dimensions and porta potty size requirements.

Picking a Rental Partner Near You

Once you have a better understanding of what exactly you need, it’s just a matter of finding someone who can deliver. Choosing where to rent a porta potty shouldn’t be taken lightly, as this greatly impacts the quality of your units and the rental experience you have.

Look for a company with positive customer feedback and a track record of providing excellent service. Online reviews and testimonials can give you insight into their reliability and the quality of their units.

Make sure the provider has the specific options you’re interested in, too, especially if you want a flushing porta potty. There are other options too, like bathroom trailers and VIP solar restroom facilities.

Take note of whether or not the provider helps service your units throughout the course of your rental window, too. This will take a huge load off your shoulders so you can remain focused on what matters most to your event/project.

As we said from the start, you can count on Viking Rental to provide the world-class experience you deserve. We’ll show you what makes us the #1 choice shortly.

Considering Location and Placement Logistics

You want to make sure the units are easily accessible to guests and employees, but you also want to keep them (and more specifically, their odors) out of the way.

Position units near high-traffic areas like entrances, food and drink stations, or main event spaces. However, avoid placing them too close to areas where people congregate to minimize exposure to odors.

Make sure ADA-compliant units are situated in areas where they can be easily reached by those with disabilities.

It’s also important that the ground where the units will be placed is stable and level to prevent tipping or other issues. Consider using towable porta potties or high-rise portable toilets for job sites with difficult terrain or multi-story access needs. We have tips on how to transport porta potty if necessary.

Maintenance and Servicing Needs

Even if your unit has a flushing mechanism it’s imperative that you’re scheduling regular cleaning and servicing – especially if you’re renting porta potties for an event.

The frequency of servicing depends on the number of units and the duration of your event or project. High-traffic events or long-term projects may need daily servicing to maintain hygiene standards.

You can learn how to clean a porta potty, including the messy work of portable toilet emptying, in our blog. But trust us, you’re far better off paying a professional the cost to clean a porta potty. It’s not something you want to waste your time on when there are more pressing matters to deal with.

Remember that it’s not just about cleaning the unit and emptying the holding tank but also replenishing essentials like toilet paper, hand sanitizer, paper towels, and air fresheners if applicable.

Budgeting for Your Portable Restroom Facilities

Finally, you’ll need to account for the cost to rent porta potty and make sure it fits your budget. Be sure to not only factor in the cost of renting a unit but also additional fees for delivery, setup, and servicing.

Make sure the rental company you choose clearly outlines all costs from the start to avoid surprises. This can otherwise be very frustrating. The good news is you won’t have to worry about it when you partner with us here at Viking Rental!

Partner With Viking Rental for Flushing or Non Flushing Portable Toilets!

Whether you choose to go with a flushable portable toilet or the standard style of unit, you still need to take the time to research your rental options nearby to ensure a smooth experience. Those in the Lone Star State can count on Viking Rental for all the different types of units, including:

We bring more than 50 years of experience to the table and have earned a reputation for consistently exceeding our customer’s expectations. You can trust us to help you pick the right unit for your specific job site or event – just reach out.

You’ll also love how seamless the rental experience is with us, from your initial inquiry to routine servicing to pickup. We handle everything so you can keep your focus on running your event or job site.

On top of portable restroom facilities, we also have everything from temporary fencing to dumpsters, storage containers, and more.

This is your one-stop shop for all your rental needs, so what are you waiting for? Reach out today and see firsthand why we’re the #1 choice in Texas!

Closing Thoughts on How to Flush a Porta Potty

That does it for our guide on how to flush a porta potty! So, do porta potties flush? Not all of them do, but you can definitely invest in a more sophisticated flushable unit if your specific event or job site calls for that type of restroom experience. Such is the case for weddings, VIP areas of festivals, and more long-term job sites.

However, many situations will be perfectly suited to a traditional portable toilet without a flushing mechanism. It’s just a matter of weighing your budget and needs and making the choice accordingly.

But no matter your choice between a non-flushing or flushing porta potty, remember that Viking Rental in Texas is the #1 choice for companies and individuals alike. With the top-tier sanitation solutions and exceptional customer service throughout the process, it really doesn’t get any better!

Let us help you choose the perfect portable toilet for your unique needs. Reach out today!