Resource Hub • Troubleshooting
Portable Restroom & Trailer Troubleshooting Guide (NJ)
Fast, field-tested fixes for portable toilets, handwash stations, and restroom trailers — written for job sites, event planners, and property managers across New Jersey.
If you only do 3 things:
- Keep units within 20 ft of hard surface (pavers/pavement/stone). We don’t drive on lawns/grass.
- Plan for 10' width and 12' overhead clearance for trucks & trailers.
- Text us 2 photos: access path + placement spot to prevent delays and repeat trips.
Need servicing help? Use the Service Frequency Estimator to avoid overflow/odor complaints.
Quick Triage: What to do right now
This guide is designed to be read aloud by a foreman or coordinator on-site. Start here:
- Unit tipped over
- Leaking blue fluid / waste
- Overflow or tank breach
- Electrical burning smell (trailers)
- Door won’t latch / shows occupied
- Odor spike (sun/vent/pyramiding)
- Trailer GFCI trip
- Sink won’t dispense
- Paper/soap restock
- Minor light bulb issue
- General refresh request
- Preventive deodorizer request
If this problem keeps repeating, it’s usually a placement or usage issue. See: how often should porta potties be serviced and how to avoid failed delivery / redelivery fees.
Access rules that prevent 90% of problems
- Service distance: Units must be within 20 ft of a hard surface (pavers, pavement, stone). No lawns/grass driving.
- Truck clearance: Minimum 10' wide access and 12' overhead clearance.
- Good placement: Level ground, away from runoff, not under low branches or wires.
🚽 Standard Porta Potties
Door won’t latch / shows “occupied”
Cause: Unit is unlevel, twisting the door frame.
Fix: Shim the front corner opposite the hinge (flat rock/wood). Then reset the occupied indicator from outside using a coin if needed.
If it keeps happening after rain, the unit may be settling in soft ground.
Strong odors (especially midday)
Common causes: Roof vent blocked, “pyramiding,” unit in direct sun, or service frequency too low.
- Check vent for leaves/debris.
- Use a stick to break up waste pile down into the liquid.
- Move to shade if possible.
- If odors return fast, increase service frequency: use the estimator.
Hand sanitizer “empty” but bag is full
Cause: Airlock in nozzle.
Fix: Open cover. Squeeze bag while pumping lever to push air bubble out. Wipe nozzle with a warm wet towel.
Clog / slow drain
Cause: Paper buildup or foreign objects.
Fix: Use the “stick method” to break up the obstruction. If it doesn’t clear quickly, request service to avoid overflow.
Prevent repeats: provide a trash can for wipes and packaging on site.
🚛 Restroom Trailers
No power / lights out
Most common causes: GFCI tripped, breaker tripped, or shared circuit overload.
- Confirm shore power cord is fully connected.
- Press RESET on the internal GFCI outlet.
- Use a dedicated circuit (avoid sharing with DJ gear, heaters, food warmers).
Toilets won’t flush
Common causes: Low water pressure, kinked hose, pump sensor.
- Open spigot fully. Check hose for kinks.
- Toggle water pump switch OFF for 10 seconds, then ON.
- If freezing conditions exist, stop and call for winter protocol.
“Sewer smell” inside trailer
Cause: Dry P-traps or a flush pedal not returning fully.
Fix: Run water in every sink for 30 seconds. Check that flush pedals return to neutral.
A/C running but it’s not cooling
Common causes: Doors propped open, blocked vents, or low power supply.
Fix: Keep doors closed when possible, clear vents, and ensure proper power supply (dedicated circuit).
🧼 Handwash Stations / Portable Sinks
No water dispensing
Cause: Loss of prime/vacuum.
Fix: Step on the foot pedal rapidly 10–15 times. Confirm intake tube is seated at the bottom of the tank.
Soap pump not working
Cause: Pump airlock or dried residue.
Fix: Pump 15–20 times. If still stuck, wipe nozzle and try again. Request restock if empty.
Water smells “stale”
Cause: Heat exposure and long dwell time.
Fix: Shade the unit and request a refresh on the next route. For events, consider adding a second unit rather than stretching one sink.
Planning an event? Estimate service needs and avoid surprise issues.
🚨 Emergency Decision Tree (simple & direct)
Use this to decide what’s urgent vs what can wait for the next scheduled service.
| Issue | Urgency | Required Action |
|---|---|---|
| Unit tipped over | Critical | Call immediately. Keep people away. Do not lift it yourself. |
| Leaking blue fluid / waste | Critical | Call immediately. If safe, keep runoff away from drains and foot traffic. |
| Trailer power repeatedly trips | High | Move to dedicated power. Reset GFCI. If it continues, request service. |
| Clogged/slow unit | High | Try quick on-site fix. If not resolved fast, request service to prevent overflow. |
| Out of paper/soap | Standard | Use store supplies temporarily; request restock for next service route. |
| Minor latch alignment | Standard | Level the unit using a shim. Monitor after rain or ground settling. |
Voice-friendly answers (for foremen & coordinators)
Short, direct responses that work well for voice search and AI summaries.
How close does a porta potty need to be to the road for service?
Keep the unit within 20 feet of a paved or hard surface (pavers, pavement, stone). Our service trucks do not drive on lawns or grass.
What clearance do your trucks need?
Plan for at least 10 feet of width and 12 feet of overhead clearance for trucks and trailers.
How do I stop odor complaints mid-week?
Odor is usually service frequency + sun exposure. Move the unit to shade, keep the vent clear, and increase service. Use the Service Frequency Estimator.
What’s the fastest way to get a “yes/no” on an issue?
Text a photo of the unit and the surrounding area. Include the address and the problem (door, odor, power, leak). We’ll advise the next best step.
Serving NJ job sites & events
Pottys Plus supports portable restroom rentals New Jersey customers statewide — from North Jersey corridors (NJ Turnpike / I-95 / I-78 / I-280 / Route 440) to Central and South Jersey projects.
Prevent delivery problems before they happen: avoid failed delivery / redelivery fees + Delivery Access Checker.
FAQs
Do you offer emergency portable restrooms in NJ?
Yes. For emergencies, storm response, or urgent job site needs, call or text us with the address and situation so we can advise the fastest next step.
How do I know if I need weekly porta potty service or more?
It depends on use intensity, weather, and duration. Use our Service Frequency Estimator for a suggested schedule and warning signs you need extra service.
Are you an ADA portable restroom rental company?
Yes — we provide ADA compliant porta potty and wheelchair accessible portable restroom options for job sites and events.
What’s the fastest way to prevent repeat problems on long-term rentals?
Confirm correct placement (level, shade, within service distance), set a service schedule that matches usage, and text photos early when conditions change (rain, mud, snow, site layout changes).