20 Questions to Ask Before Renting a Porta Potty

Not all porta potty rentals are created equal. The difference between a great experience and a disaster often comes down to the questions you ask before signing the contract. The right questions can save you money, prevent surprises, and ensure your event or project runs smoothly.

Here are the essential questions every first-time renter should ask - plus the answers you should expect from a reputable provider.

Pricing Questions

1. "What is the total cost, including ALL fees?"

Why it matters: Many providers quote low base prices but add fees for delivery, pickup, fuel, environmental charges, and more. Get the complete number.

What to expect: A reputable provider will give you an itemized quote that includes:

• Unit rental (per day/week/month)
• Delivery fee
• Pickup fee
• Servicing fees (if applicable)
• Any environmental or disposal fees
• Taxes

2. "Are there any potential additional charges I should know about?"

Common extras to ask about:

• Damage fees: What happens if the unit is damaged?
• Cleaning fees: Is there an extra charge if the unit is left extremely dirty?
• Extended rental: What's the cost if you need it longer?
• Weekend/holiday surcharges: Is delivery more expensive on weekends?
• Fuel surcharges: Do they add fuel costs separately?
• Minimum rental periods: Is there a minimum charge?

3. "Do you offer package discounts?"

If you need multiple units or longer rental periods, ask about:

• Multi-unit discounts
• Monthly vs. weekly rate savings
• Returning customer discounts
• Off-peak season rates

Service & Maintenance Questions

4. "What does servicing include, and how often?"

Standard servicing should include:

• Pumping out waste
• Cleaning interior surfaces
• Restocking toilet paper
• Refilling hand sanitizer
• Adding fresh deodorizer
• Checking for damage or issues

Ask: Is one weekly service included in my rental? What's the cost for additional services?

5. "What day and time will servicing occur?"

For construction sites, you may need servicing early morning before workers arrive. For events, ensure service won't happen during your event hours.

6. "How do I request an extra service if needed?"

Know the process before you need it:

• Is there a phone number for same-day requests?
• How much advance notice is required?
• What's the cost for emergency/rush services?
• Is after-hours or weekend service available?

Delivery & Pickup Questions

7. "What time will delivery and pickup happen?"

Providers often give wide windows ("between 7 AM and 5 PM"). If you need a specific time - like before an event starts or after it ends - negotiate this upfront. Some providers charge extra for guaranteed time windows.

8. "What are your access requirements?"

Confirm the provider can actually get to your location:

• Road width: Can a delivery truck navigate your streets?
• Gate access: Will you need to provide keys or codes?
• Ground conditions: Can the truck handle gravel, mud, or uneven terrain?
• Distance from truck: How far can they carry a unit from the truck?

9. "What if I need to change my delivery date?"

Life happens. Know the policies:

• How much notice is required to reschedule?
• Are there fees for date changes?
• What's the cancellation policy?

Unit Questions

10. "What types of units do you offer?"

Understand your options:

• Standard: Basic construction-style units
• Deluxe: Upgraded with mirrors, hand sanitizer, better ventilation
• Flushable: Units with flushing toilets
• ADA-accessible: Wheelchair-accessible, larger units
• Restroom trailers: Multi-stall mobile bathrooms
• Handwashing stations: Standalone sinks

11. "Can I see a photo of the actual unit I'll receive?"

Stock photos on websites don't always match reality. Ask for photos of their actual fleet. For luxury trailers or weddings, request to see the specific unit in person.

12. "How old are your units?"

Newer units are generally cleaner-looking and better maintained. Many providers rotate out units after 5-7 years. If appearance matters (weddings, corporate events), ask about unit age and condition.

13. "What's included with the unit?"

Confirm what comes standard:

• Toilet paper (how much?)
• Hand sanitizer dispenser
• Mirror
• Coat hook
• Ventilation type
• Interior lighting

Logistics Questions

14. "How many units do I need for my situation?"

A good provider will help you calculate based on:

• Number of people
• Event duration
• Alcohol service
• Male/female ratio
• Type of event (wedding vs. construction vs. festival)

15. "Where should I place the units?"

Ask for placement recommendations:

• Distance from food service areas
• Access for service trucks
• Ground surface requirements
• Wind direction considerations
• ADA requirements for accessible units

16. "What happens if a unit tips over or gets damaged?"

Understand liability:

• What's covered by their insurance?
• What are you responsible for?
• Are wind/weather events covered?
• What's the process for reporting damage?

Company & Reliability Questions

17. "How long have you been in business?"

Experience matters. Established companies are more likely to have reliable equipment, trained staff, and backup capacity if issues arise.

18. "Are you licensed and insured?"

Reputable providers should have:

• Business license
• General liability insurance
• Vehicle insurance for their delivery trucks
• Environmental permits for waste disposal

19. "What's your backup plan if something goes wrong?"

Things happen. Ask about:

• What if a unit is damaged before my event?
• What if the truck breaks down on delivery day?
• Do you have extra inventory?
• What's your emergency contact number?

20. "Can you provide references?"

For large events or long-term construction projects, ask for references from similar customers. A confident provider will happily share them.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious if a provider:

• Won't give you a written quote
• Can't answer basic questions about their units
• Has consistently negative online reviews
• Requires full payment upfront with no refund policy
• Won't provide proof of insurance
• Gives vague answers about delivery times
• Doesn't mention servicing as part of longer rentals

Quick Reference Checklist

Before you call:

• Number of expected users
• Event/project dates and duration
• Delivery location and access information
• Any special requirements (ADA, luxury, handwashing)

Questions to ask:

• Total cost including all fees
• What's included (delivery, pickup, servicing)
• Delivery/pickup timing
• Unit types available
• Servicing schedule
• Change/cancellation policy
• Emergency contact process
• Damage/liability policies