Where to Place a Porta Potty: Space, Gates & Ground
The right spot keeps the unit level, clean and easy to service. The wrong spot means a second trip, a tipped unit or an unhappy neighbor. Use these measurements before delivery day.
How much space does a porta potty need?
A standard porta potty needs a flat spot about 4 by 4 feet plus room for the door to swing open. The PolyJohn PJN3 is 43.5 inches wide and 47 inches deep. A wheelchair-accessible unit needs about 5.5 by 5.5 feet plus 5 feet of clear, level space in front.
How wide must my gate be?
A standard unit needs a gate at least 48 inches wide. A wheelchair-accessible unit needs more than 62 inches. A hand-washing station needs about 30 inches. Measure the narrowest point between the truck and the spot, including side-yard gaps and AC units.
How close must the service truck get?
Our service truck should park within about 25 feet of the unit. The pump hose reaches from the truck to the tank. If the unit is farther or behind a locked gate, the technician cannot service it, and the visit is missed.
What ground works best?
Concrete, asphalt, firm dirt and dry lawn all work. On sand, like at Oxnard Shores or Hollywood Beach, we set the unit on plywood. Avoid fresh-poured concrete, septic lids, sprinkler heads and low spots that flood when it rains.
How do I stop it from blowing over?
Strap or stake the unit on open, windy sites. Santa Ana winds can tip an empty unit. We stake into dirt or strap to a fence, post or block wall. Do not unstrap a unit to move it.