Why does summer heat make a porta potty smell worse?
Heat speeds up the breakdown of waste, and that breakdown is what makes odor. Spartanburg's average July high is 90.1°F, and a plastic unit in full sun gets hotter inside than the air outside. The deodorizer in the 60-gallon tank works harder and wears out sooner in that heat.
The 90.1°F figure is the 1991 to 2020 normal for Spartanburg, listed on the Spartanburg climate table. Many July and August days run hotter. Plan for the hot days, not the average.
How often should a porta potty be serviced in July and August?
Monthly rentals include 1 service visit every week, on the same weekday as delivery. In July and August, sites with more than 10 workers or heavy public use often need a second weekly visit. Extra visits show as their own line on the 28-day invoice, and the regular visit stays put.
| Site | Spring and fall | July and August |
|---|---|---|
| Job site, up to 10 workers | 1 unit, weekly service | 1 unit; add a second visit if the tank runs high |
| Job site, 11 to 20 workers | 2 units, weekly service | 2 units; ask about a second weekly visit |
| Home repair, family of 4 | 1 unit, weekly service | 1 unit in shade, weekly service |
| 1-day party, 100 guests, 5 hours | 3 units | 3 units in shade, plus a hand wash station with food |
Event units get no mid-event service on 1-day events. For a hot party, shade and an honest guest count matter most. Job site details are on the construction porta potty rental page.
Where should a porta potty sit in the summer?
In summer, set the porta potty in afternoon shade on the east or north side of a building or tree line. Afternoon sun is the hottest part of the day. The truck still needs to park within about 30 feet, so pick the shadiest spot inside that reach.
Keep the roof clear so hot air can leave through the vent. Do not wrap the unit in tarps. A tarp traps heat and blocks air flow.
At events, shade also keeps guests from waiting in the sun. Read our tips to keep an event porta potty from smelling.
How much water does a hand wash station need in hot weather?
A hand wash station holds about 20 gallons of fresh water for its 2 foot-pump sinks. Hot days mean more hand washing and more face splashing, so the water runs out sooner. On monthly rentals the station is refilled at each weekly visit, and a second visit can be added.
The water is cold and meant for hands, not for drinking. Crews still need their own drinking water and cups. See hand wash station rental for how stations are refilled.
What else keeps a porta potty fresh in the heat?
Three habits help most in summer: keep the door shut, keep trash and bottles out of the tank, and call dispatch as soon as the tank looks high. A shut door lets the vent move air. Dispatch is open Monday to Saturday, 7 AM to 7 PM.
Ask for a service day that fits your week. A Friday visit keeps the unit fresh for weekend work. You can also see how a visit works on our rental process page.