Using Portable Toilets in the Winter?? ? You Bet!
Here's a portable-toilet fact most people might find surprising: Portable toilets can be used in the winter! The big question would be: Wouldn't the water freeze? Portable toilets can brave the cold ? thanks to some ingenious interventions we'll cover, in a bit.
Whether one thinks of winter construction sites, ice fishing, outdoor skating rinks, cold-weather marathons, winter camping, or other winter scenarios, having portable toilets on hand is a huge amenity and convenience ? not to mention, keeping the area free from illness-causing pathogens.
Cold-Weather Maintenance = Cold-Weather Use
Making sure the portable-toilet water remains fluid is, obviously, paramount for portable toilets to function during cold spells. The solution? ? mixing anti-freeze with the deodorizing water in the tanks ? it works like a charm! Anti-freeze is used for RVs, boats, winterized vacation homes, etc. where protection from bursting pipes is ensured when temperatures plummet to minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Fortunately, eco-friendly varieties of anti-freeze are available that are compatible with waste-water facilities. When using anti-freeze, adding a half-cup of it for every 5 gallons of water works well. The mixture is either flushed or agitated to ensure the anti-freeze reaches the entire plumbing system.
A second cold-weather-maintenance option involves one-half cup of rock salt flushed into the tank. The salt in the water will keep tanks from freezing, down to 26 degrees Fahrenheit. A brine solution where 2 pounds of rock salt is added for each gallon of water will protect the tank from freezing in conditions where the temperature is down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another alternative to eliminate any cold-weather restrictions for portable toilets is to use magnesium chloride. Two pounds of MgCl2, per gallon of water, will offer protection to 20 degrees Fahrenheit ? below zero. Once warmer weather arrives, maintenance workers, simply, service the portable restrooms, as usual.
Luxury Portable Restrooms are Automatically Heated
If you're planning on using one or more luxury restrooms for a special winter event, the need for anti-freeze or salts is not necessary. These 'just-like-home' restrooms are self-contained with foot-flush commodes, sinks with running water, and a host of other detailing that separates this 'breed' from the rest of the pack. Water-dependent features will continue to function during cold weather since luxury portable restrooms are climate controlled ? AC for hot spells and heating systems for cold spells.
So, the bottom line is: Yes, portable toilets are just as usable in the winter as they are in the spring, summer, and fall. And that means, you shouldn't allow colder weather to dampen your spirits when it comes to planning outdoor activities!
Planning an Outdoor, Winter Event?
If you are planning a winter gathering or special event, having one or more portable toilets, available, would serve as an appreciated convenience for your guests. Give Chem Cans a call and we'll work out all the details! If you are in the early stages of planning your event and just need questions answered, we'll be happy to oblige!
Call our Fort Worth office at 817-568-2333 or our Dallas office at 214-935-9017