You’ve likely seen enough port-a-potty units in your lifetime to recognize them at first glance. They’re everywhere from outdoor weddings to summer music festivals to construction sites. Although they tend to blend into the background of an event, the truth is that they’re invaluable to guests and workers. How exactly do these functional pieces work when they aren’t connected to any on-site plumbing systems? Here’s a look at the intricacies of portable toilets.

Behind the Scenes: How a Port-a-Potty Works

1. What Are Its Components?

To best understand how a port-a-potty works, it’s important to recognize its core parts. Portable toilets are extremely strong yet surprisingly lightweight. They’re made primarily with sturdy plastic and feature a traditional-looking toilet and a holding receptacle.

2. How Does It Operate?

After the port-a-potty is flushed, waste is deposited in the holding tank. The tank includes a variety of chemicals, including blue dye to conceal waste, chemicals to minimize odors, and biocides to help break down the waste material and kill microbes and bacteria. This helps the portable toilet stay functional for a longer period.

3. How Is It Emptied?

Eventually, a port-a-potty rental technician will come out and remove the waste through a vacuum attached to a truck that holds a large waste receptacle and a freshwater tank. As the waste is removed from the port-a-potty through the vacuum, the tank is refilled with fresh water and additional blue dye.

4. What Happens Next?

The technician is usually tasked with cleaning the inside of the unit, too, and making sure that the exterior is in good condition and not impeding the functionality of the toilet rental in any way. Finally, the waste-filled tank is delivered to a municipal wastewater plant.

If you’re seeking a reliable portable toilet for your next event, you can rely on the team at Econ-O-Johns in Waterloo, IL, to deliver. The team provides clean, well-maintained port-a-potty rentals for any occasion. Each unit includes toilet tissue, paper towels, hand sanitizer, and trash receptacles. Visit their website to learn more, or call (618) 939-3001.