Questions to Ask When Renting Portable Toilets
If you’re looking into renting a porta potty, you’ve probably already nailed down the basics. You know you need one (or a few) and you’ve got a rough idea of the dates. Now it’s just time to work out the details, and this is the point where asking the right questions is important. That’s because getting it right isn’t only about booking a unit. You also have to make sure that it actually works for your event and your location as well as the people using it.
How many units will you actually need?
First things first, work out what you actually need before renting portable toilets because it’s surprisingly easy to get this wrong. One or two units might sound fine in your head (especially if the event doesn’t seem that big on paper), but the number of people, the duration of the event, and whether food and drink are involved can significantly affect how many units you'll need. With events like outdoor weddings, community festivals or even construction sites with a large crew you’ll usually need more than you think. Most providers will give you a rough ratio to work from, like one unit per 50 people for a few hours, but that’s a guideline. If your event runs all day or lasts for multiple days, it will be worth adjusting based on what you need.
What type of porta potty fits your situation?
Some people assume that when you rent a porta potty you just get a plastic box with a seat inside but that’s not always the case. Depending on who’s attending and how long they’ll be around you might need something a bit better, like a luxury restroom trailer. There are upgraded versions with portable sinks, hand sanitizer dispensers, lighting, and even flushing options. You can also get trailer style restrooms with proper lighting, running water and more space inside. These are often the better choice for weddings or longer term events where your guests will expect a bit more comfort. It’s also worth checking if accessible units are available and how many you might need to meet regulations.
Is delivery, setup and pickup included?
Some companies will spell this out clearly but others don’t, so it’s something to ask straight away. What’s actually included in the quote? Are they bringing the unit to the exact spot you want it or dropping it near the entrance and leaving you to shift it? Ask if they drop off the units where you need them, or is there a limit to how close they can get? Are they going to set them up and check that they’re stable and usable, or do they just unload and go? Also, find out how quickly the units can be collected once your event is over. The last thing you want is to be left chasing down a contact number on a Monday morning because the toilets are still sitting in the middle of a field.
How often will they be serviced?
If the portable bathrooms are in use for more than a day or lots of people are using them, you’ll need them serviced. This includes emptying the waste tank, refilling supplies, and giving everything a basic clean. This keeps them looking and smelling fresh, and ensures they remain hygienic for your guests or team. When you’re renting a porta potty, be sure to ask how often they service the units, whether it's daily, weekly, or on request. And be clear on whether that’s something they’ll automatically schedule or if you need to call them in.
Do you need any permits?
If the porta potty’s going on private land, you're probably fine. But the second you're placing anything on a public space (even a verge or pathway) you might need a permit, even if you think you’re covered, it’s so worth double checking. A good rental company will tell you upfront if a permit is needed and might even handle it for you, but if you’re not sure then ask. The last thing you want is for the unit to be removed mid event because it wasn’t authorized.
What sort of access is required?
When you’re considering what you’ll need, have a think about the type of ground, the size of the delivery truck and whether it’s possible to get onto the track or into the field where you want them delivered. Depending on where you’re going to be located there might be issues physically getting the units to you, so this is well worth thinking about ahead of time.
Can you see photos of the actual units?
This might not sound important but for some events it really will be. If you’re planning a wedding or a public event then you’ll probably want to see what the units look like in real life. Even on a building site, a clean, well maintained unit is just way better for morale so ask about the condition. A reputable company should be able to show you recent photos or at least give you a sense of what to expect so there’s no surprises on the day.
Are there any extra fees?
Quotes don’t always tell the full story. There might be extra costs for weekend delivery, cleaning mid event, or last minute bookings, and it’s better to know before you agree to anything. And if you’re comparing companies, it gives you a proper way to weigh up costs, the pros and cons of each and make your decision easier.
Rent A Porta Potty With Go Potties!
Renting a porta potty might seem like one of the more practical parts of planning an event or managing a construction site, but the small details can easily catch you out. The more questions you ask upfront, the smoother things will run. If you're at the final stages and ready to rent a porta potty, make sure you’ve ticked off all of these points. You can even contact us or visit us at gopotties.com for more information on your porta potty rental.
