5 Ways to Avoid Tipping Toilets
Although uncommon, the concern of a tipped-over portable toilet is real. Fortunately, it's simple to avoid this unhappy accident with a bit of foresight and planning when it comes to the proper placement of the portable toilet units.
1. Check the Ground Level
Always have the toilets placed on level ground. Although some units come with levelers on the bottom, these are best used sparingly for minor bumps in the terrain and not for an attempt to level the toilet on a slope. If there is no level ground suitable for the toilets, then consider trailer-mounted portable toilets. A trailer can be leveled much more safely than a single toilet unit.
2. Avoid Sandy Sites
Sandy sites may seem like a good idea at first, but sand tends to shift more easily than other types of soil. It can also be washed out easily, which can lead to an unstable base for the toilets. Instead, look for firm and well-packed ground for placement of the toilets. Bare ground is fine, although a site with some grass cover or turf will be even less likely to shift under the toilet.
3. Consider the Water Flow
A site may seem perfect until it rains. Water flow through a site can wash out the soil and lead to erosion that leaves the toilet unsteady and more likely to tip. Further, it isn't pleasant to walk through a muddy puddle to get to the toilet. Choose well drained sites that don't suffer erosion or flooding during rain.
4. Provide Protection
Wind can be a concern, and strong winds could tip over a portable toilet. Choosing a protected site addresses this concern. When possible, set up the toilets near a fence or wall that blocks the prevailing direction of the wind. Even placement near trees can help break the wind and protect the toilets. Ordering multiple toilets and installing them in a row can also help, as the side-by-side toilets help support each other during windy weather.
5. Use Anchors
Finally, don't forget to ask your rental service about anchors. Special anchoring stakes can be used to help secure the toilets to the ground. These are usually reserved for use when an ideal site in terms of stability and wind exposure isn't available. Each toilet that you rent will be individually anchored so that there is no concern of it tipping over.
Contact a portable toilet service for more assistance with toilet placement.