Buying Portable Toilets: A Complete Guide to Purchasing Porta Potties

Portable toilets provide a convenient sanitation solution for outdoor events, construction projects, and other locations lacking permanent restroom facilities. Instead of renting porta potties, some organizations prefer to buy units outright to have on hand long term. Here is a comprehensive guide to purchasing portable toilets.

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Reasons to Buy Instead of Rent Porta Potties

Some situations where buying makes more sense than renting portable toilets include:

• You host frequent outdoor events throughout the year.
• Your organization owns multiple lands or venues lacking restrooms.
• You have an ongoing construction project lasting years.
• You want branded toilets matching your organization's colors and logo.
• You need specialty toilets like wheelchair accessible units onsite at all times.

Buying your own porta potties provides convenience, customization, and cost savings on recurring rental fees.

Types of Portable Toilets for Purchase

Several options exist when buying portable toilets:

Standard Portable Toilets

The standard blue plastic porta potty is likely the most common purchased unit. Economical and portable, standard units work for most basic needs. Limitations are no running water and no flushing mechanism.

ADA Compliant Handicap Toilets

For wheelchair accessibility, ADA compliant porta potties are required at events and jobsites. These have wider doors, grab bars, raised seats, and lower sinks to enable use by disabled persons.

Luxury Restroom Trailers

Upscale portable toilet trailers provide bathroom amenities closer to fixed bathrooms. Look for flushable toilets, stainless steel fixtures, hot water sinks, and sometimes air conditioning. Useful for commercial facilities lacking permanent restrooms.

Mobile Shower Trailers

Companies needing portable showers for events, construction villages, or disaster response may choose to buy their own shower trailer. These can include private shower/changing areas and propane water heaters.

New vs Used Portable Toilets for Purchase

Porta potties are available new or used:

New portables cost more but come with full warranties. You can pick custom colors or graphics. New units are most reliable.

Used portables are more affordable but may have wear and tear. Refurbished used units in good shape offer an alternative to brand new. Check for any leaks or corrosion before buying used potties.

Evaluate how often units will get used and your budget when deciding between new or used.

Where to Buy Portable Toilets

You can purchase porta potties from:

• Local distributors - Dealers for top porta potty manufacturers are located in most areas. Offer sales and service.
• Online retailers - Websites like PortableSanitation.com sell new and used units shipped nationwide.
• Rental companies - Larger rental firms may sell retired units from their fleet.
• Government auctions - Search for used portables sold by cities, schools, military, etc.

Shop around to find the best pricing. Consider delivery costs if buying from an online or non-local seller.

Key Specifications When Purchasing Toilets

Consider these key criteria when selecting units:

• Tank capacity - Larger capacity equals fewer pumpings needed. Minimum 20-30 uses between emptying.
• Durability - Commercial grade polyethylene stands up to weather and heavy use. Avoid consumer models.
• ADA compliance - For wheelchair accessibility if needed. or purchase separate ADA units.
• Extra features - Doors, ventilation, fittings, tank gauges, etc.
• Brand reputation - Select proven brands like PolyJohn, Satellite, Shorelink, Five Peaks.

Talk to sales reps about how you intend to use the units. They can guide you on ideal specs.

Average Purchase Prices for Porta Potties

New portable toilet prices typically range:

• Standard unit: $1,200 - $2,500
• ADA handicap unit: $2,500 - $4,000
• Luxury restroom trailer: $8,000 - $15,000
• Shower trailer: $10,000 - $20,000

Used prices can be 50% lower, starting under $1,000 for basic units.

Expect delivery fees of $100-$300 unless you can pick them up. Some dealers include delivery with purchase.

Operating and Maintaining Purchased Units

After purchasing portable toilets, you’ll need to operate and service them:

• Schedule qualified pumping companies to empty waste regularly. This is required for health and odor control.
• Perform any minor repairs like fixing toilet paper dispensers or door locks.
• For trailers, test and service plumbing systems seasonally. Winterize units not used year-round.
• Clean and sanitize interiors regularly. Stock with toilet paper, soaps, etc.
• Empty tanks completely before transporting units to avoid spills.

Or hire an experienced portable toilet company to handle pumping, cleaning, repairs, storage/transport, etc.

Buying your own porta potties allows you to save on rental costs and always have units on hand. With the right upfront investment and ongoing maintenance, they provide restroom access for the long run.