If there’s one thing you want to avoid when hosting a large event or project, it’s a lack of bathroom space. Large outdoor gatherings like weddings, festivals, or construction sites quickly become miserable when there’s only one bathroom, or the nearest one is half a mile away, or, worst of all, there are simply none at all. Portable toilets are a great solution to these issues, but beware—it might not be as simple as you think. Let’s take a look at the top five mistakes when renting porta potties and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Not Knowing How Many Units You Actually Need
One porta potty is better than none at all, but if you want to avoid long lines, quickly overfilled toilets, and unsanitary conditions, you’re better off having the right amount for the number of people at your gathering.
How Do You Determine the Number You Need?
There are a couple of things that decide how many units you need. First off, what occasion are you using them for? Attendees at a wedding or festival tend to use the bathroom during breaks or all at once, so the number of units should be enough to account for that. People who work on ongoing projects like construction, however, will be more spaced out in their usage and are less likely to cause a pileup at the door. The number of attendees will also be a deciding factor, as well as the duration of the event. Whether food or alcohol is being served also makes a big impact on how many of the bathrooms are used and how often.
Here’s a quick reference table:
| Number of People | 4 Hours | 8 Hours |
| 50 | 1 unit | 2 units |
| 100 | 2 units | 3–4 units |
| 250 | 3–4 units | 6–8 units |
Construction sites must also meet OSHA rules for sanitation facilities. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, you must provide“1 toilet per 20 workers for 40-hour workweeks,” and “units must meet sanitation standards and be serviced regularly.”
Mistake #2: Forgetting About ADA Compliance
Ignoring ADA requirements is not just inconvenient, it’s illegal. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), accessible units are required in public settings. These ADA-compliant portable restrooms must include extra-wide doors with no steps, grab bars on walls, enough interior space for a wheelchair to turn, and a display of the international symbol of accessibility. As a rule of thumb, at least 5% of your portable toilets should be ADA-compliant for public events.
Mistake #3: Renting the Wrong Type of Unit
Not all portable restrooms are created equal. Choosing the wrong type can lead to dissatisfaction, especially if you’re hosting a formal event or expecting long use durations.
Types of Porta Potties
- Standard Unit: Basic, no-frills toilet facility
- High-Rise Units: Compact models for elevators or tight construction sites
- ADA-Accessible / Handicap Compliant Units: featuring wider access, grab bars, and designed for use by individuals with disabilities.
Additional Options to Consider
Though they’re not required, we strongly recommend also setting up handwashing stations, sanitizer dispensers, lighting for evening use, and mirrors or coat hooks. The option to clean your hands is very much appreciated in any setting, and accessibility items like coat hooks or mirrors help events such as weddings feel more classy and comfortable.
Mistake #4: Not Thinking Through Placement and Access
How Close Can a Porta Potty Be to a House or Building?
Where you put the unit is just as important as which one you rent. While there’s no universal law, a common guideline is to keep units at least 50 feet away from food areas or permanent residences. Always check local health department rules.
Tips for Placement
When placing a porta potty, choose a flat, level surface to prevent tipping or shifting. Ensure there is sufficient truck access for delivery and pumping; this includes room for the service vehicle to maneuver and back in if necessary. Avoid areas with tight corners, narrow gates, or overhead obstructions that could make servicing difficult. Porta potties should be visible and easy to find for guests or workers, but not positioned directly in high-traffic visual areas where they detract from aesthetics. Poor placement can complicate servicing and quickly lead to sanitation issues.
Mistake #5: Skimping on Service and Odor Control
Few things ruin an event or workday like a smelly, disgusting porta-potty.
How to Keep a Porta Potty From Smelling
Keeping a porta potty fresh requires regular servicing that includes pumping out waste and restocking supplies. Using blue chemical deodorizer blocks inside the holding tank helps control odor, while adding ventilation flaps, if the unit does not already have them, can improve airflow and reduce the buildup of unpleasant smells. Clear signage reminding users of proper use can also go a long way in preventing misuse that leads to faster odor development.
Managing a Porta Potty for Multi-Day Use
For multi-day events or extended projects, it’s important to arrange for service every one to two days, depending on the level of use. In some cases, renting separate units for high-traffic areas and VIP sections can help maintain cleanliness and comfort. Providing exterior handwashing stations improves hygiene and helps keep the interior of the units in better condition over time.
Tips for a Smooth Rental Experience
Ask Questions Before Renting
- What’s included in the rental (delivery, pickup, servicing)?
- What types of units are available?
- Are the units suitable for people with disabilities?
- How soon can they be delivered?
- Is emergency servicing available?
Look for Local Expertise
A local provider understands Olympia’s terrain, permitting process, and climate. This ensures better placement recommendations and fewer delays.
Don’t Let Portable Toilet Problems Ruin Your Event or Job Site
Renting a porta potty may not be on the top of your list when thinking about how to make an event or project comfortable and enjoyable, but it will certainly blow everything else out of the water if it isn’t done right. When you take care to plan carefully, ask the right questions, and consider working with a local provider, your event (and the renting process) don’t have to be unnecessarily uncomfortable.
Why Choose Goebel Septic Services for Porta Potty Rentals?
Since 1979, Goebel Septic Services has helped homeowners, event organizers, and construction professionals across Western Washington get the portable sanitation solutions they need quickly and cleanly. As a locally owned and family-operated business, the team offers friendly, knowledgeable service backed by decades of experience. They provide ADA-compliant units along with custom rental options to fit unique needs, and their responsive scheduling and reliable delivery ensure that rentals are in place and ready when needed.
Need help planning your porta potty rental? Whether it’s a backyard birthday or a commercial build, the Goebel team can help you get it right. Contact Goebel Septic Services today for expert advice and a no-obligation quote.