Do porta potties freeze in a Nebraska winter?
A porta potty's waste tank can freeze below about 20°F without treatment. From November through March, our drivers add a non-toxic antifreeze brine to each tank at every service, so the unit keeps working through Lincoln cold snaps. Standard and accessible units work all winter.
The deodorizer also changes to a cold-weather mix, because the standard blue liquid thickens in the cold.
Which units should I avoid in freezing weather?
Avoid deluxe flushing units and hand-washing stations when nights drop below freezing. Both carry fresh water in small lines that freeze and crack. In cold months, choose standard units with hand sanitizer, which work at any temperature and cost less than flushing units.
Restroom trailers can work in winter only with power for heat tape and a heated water source. Ask before booking a winter event trailer.
How do I keep the service truck able to reach the unit?
Keep a clear, plowed path at least 10 feet wide from the street to within about 25 feet of the unit. Service trucks are heavy and cannot climb icy slopes or cross deep drifts. If the driver cannot reach the unit, service moves to the next safe day.
- Place the unit near the driveway, not across the yard.
- Keep the door facing away from the north wind so snow does not drift in.
- After a storm, shovel the door clear so crews can get in.
Where should a winter porta potty be placed?
Place a winter porta potty on the south or east side of a building or trailer, out of the north wind, on a hard surface near the drive. Sun on the walls keeps it warmer, and a wind break stops it from tipping in a blizzard.
On open lots, ask for stakes or straps. See our placement guide for spacing and gate widths.
Does winter rental cost more?
Winter rental does not cost more with us. The antifreeze treatment is included in weekly service from November through March. Extra visits after big storms are billed at the normal extra-visit rate only if you ask for them.
See current ranges on the porta potty cost guide or set up a long-term rental.