Temporary Toilet Options When Your Septic Backs Up or Water Is Off
A septic backup or a water shutoff turns into a toilet problem within hours. Here is how a temporary unit at home works, how fast it can get there and which one a family will be glad they picked.
How fast can a temporary toilet arrive when the septic backs up?
A temporary toilet can arrive the same day when you call by 12 PM on a weekday. A same-day fee applies. Calls after noon get a delivery first thing the next morning. Delivery routes run from 7 AM to 5 PM, and the driver calls about 30 minutes before arriving.
Our same-day porta potty rental page lists everything to have ready. You do not need to be home. Mark the spot with a cone or ribbon and text us any gate code.
What should you tell us when you call about a home toilet problem?
Tell us 5 things: the address, how many people live in the home, how long the repair may take, where the unit should sit, and anything that blocks the truck. That last one covers gate width, steep drives and low wires. With those answers, the quote takes about 5 minutes.
- Address and ZIP code, so we can confirm delivery is included
- People in the home, including kids and older adults
- Expected repair length, even a rough guess
- Spot for the unit: level, firm, within about 50 ft of the driveway
- Gate code, gate width (48 in. or more) and any steep grade
Should a family pick a standard or a deluxe flushing unit?
A family of 3 or more usually prefers a deluxe flushing unit, because it has a foot-pump flush and a sink with soap inside. A standard unit costs less and holds about 200 uses between services. Both need no water hookup or power, which helps when the house water is off.
| Feature | Standard | Deluxe flushing |
|---|---|---|
| Flush | None | Foot pump, about 20 gal fresh water |
| Hand washing | Sanitizer dispenser | Foot-pump sink, soap, paper towels |
| Uses between services | About 200 | About 150 to 200 |
| Mirror | No | Yes |
| Needs water or power | No | No |
See the deluxe flushing porta potty rental page for photos and sizes. A family of 4 can reach 150 to 200 uses in about a week, so weekly service matters on longer repairs.
How long do home toilet rentals usually last?
Home toilet rentals run on a 28-day billing cycle that renews until you call for pickup. Billing stops the day you call. A short septic pump-out may need only a few days, while a drain field repair or sewer line job can take 2 weeks or more, so the cycle covers most surprises.
Rentals longer than a few days get a weekly service visit: pump-out, scrub, fresh deodorizer and new toilet paper and sanitizer. For pricing, see the porta potty rental cost guide.
Does a restroom trailer work when the water is shut off?
A restroom trailer does not work when the house water is shut off, because the trailer needs a garden hose connected to a spigot within about 100 feet. It also needs a 110-volt, 20-amp outlet. Standard and deluxe units carry their own supply, so they work with no hookups at all.
If the water is off for a long stretch, a hand washing station next to the toilet gives the family a real place to wash with soap. It holds about 34 gallons, roughly 500 hand washes.
Where should a temporary toilet sit at a home?
A temporary toilet at a home works best on a level, firm spot near the driveway, within about 50 feet of where our truck parks. Many families pick a side yard or the edge of the driveway. Keep it clear of the septic tank lid and drain field, since repair crews need room to dig.
More tips for homes and remodels are on our residential porta potty rental page.
More questions on this topic
Can I keep the temporary toilet until the plumber signs off?
The rental renews every 28 days until you call for pickup, so there is no need to guess an end date. Call once the house toilets work again and billing stops that day.
Is a porta potty safe for kids and older family members at home?
Set the unit on flat, firm ground near a lit path. A deluxe unit with a sink is easier for kids. For anyone who uses a wheelchair or walker, ask about a wheelchair-accessible unit with a ground-level floor and grab bars.
Will a temporary toilet smell near my house?
Units get fresh deodorizer at every service. Place the unit a short walk from doors and windows and out of full afternoon sun when you can. Weekly service keeps odor down on longer rentals.
Can you deliver on Saturday if the septic fails on a weekend?
Our office is open Saturday from 8 AM to 2 PM. Call as early as you can and we will tell you the soonest delivery we can run. Weekday orders placed by noon go out the same day.
Do I need permission from my HOA for a temporary toilet?
Some neighborhoods have rules about what sits in a yard or driveway. Check your HOA rules if you have them. A short-term unit for a repair is usually easy to explain to neighbors.