Self-contained vs Sewer Connected Portable Toilets

Portable Toilets are mandatory on most Australian construction sites, and WorkSafe regulations mandate that construction sites provide appropriate toilet facilities for workers. While permanent toilets are ideal, portable toilets become essential when there’s no viable access to them.

At Site HQ, we have two portable toilet options to consider – self-contained portable toilets or sewer-connected portable toilets.

SELF CONTAINED PORTABLE TOILET

Self-contained portable toilets are ideal for building sites in regional areas and new estates where sewer connections haven’t yet been established. These units can be set up anywhere on-site, offering flexibility.

However, they do require regular servicing. We recommend contacting your local council for guidance on septic services, where you can schedule routine cleaning or pump-outs.

Alternatively, you can manage waste disposal yourself with our rear evacuation valve portable toilet, which allows for waste removal without needing to pump through the toilet bowl. At Site HQ, we offer both Rear Evacuation Valve toilets for sale or the Rear Evacuation Valve that can be fitted to your Site HQ portable toilet.

All portable toilets in Site HQ’s range feature a large waste tank allowing for a longer period between servicing. They also have large freshwater tanks and hygienic foot-operated pumps for flushing and hand washing. All our portable toilets are engineer-certified for crane lifting and easy manoeuvrability. To combat potential odours, we also offer a range of accessories such as toilet chemicals and deodorising discs.

The benefits of a stand-alone portable toilet

Pros:

Mobility: This can be placed almost anywhere, making it flexible for various locations and events
Easy installation: No plumbing installation is required
Easy maintenance: Typically serviced on a regular schedule; users don’t have to worry about plumbing issues
No infrastructure needed: Can be set up in remote locations without access to sewage systems

Cons:

Odour management: May require more frequent cleaning and maintenance to manage odours
Limited capacity: Requires regular emptying, especially with heavy use, which can be inconvenient
User experience: May be less comfortable and less appealing than a sewer-connected toilet
Environmental concerns: If not serviced properly, they can pose sanitation and environmental issues

SEWER CONNECT PORTABLE TOILET

Sewer-connect portable toilets function just like standard toilets. Waste is flushed directly into the sewer, eliminating the need for waste tanks and preventing lingering odours.

These toilets also don’t require servicing or pump-outs, meaning no extra costs for maintenance, regardless of usage. Sewer-connected toilets are an excellent choice for bathroom renovations or new builds where sewer lines are already in place.

The benefits of a sewer connected portable toilet

Pros:

Convenience: Directly connects to a sewer system, eliminating the need for regular emptying
Hygiene: Reduces the risk of odours and sanitation issues, as waste is flushed away
Capacity: Can handle larger volumes of use without requiring frequent servicing
User experience: More similar to a traditional toilet, which may be more comfortable for users

Cons:

Installation: Requires plumbing and possibly construction work to install
Location limitations: Needs to be placed near a sewer line, which can limit placement options
Maintenance: While waste doesn’t need to be emptied, plumbing issues can arise, requiring professional maintenance
Dependency: If there’s a sewer system failure, the toilet may become unusable

Your choice of portable toilet depends on what works best for your site, if you’re after a temporary system that has the flexibility to be moved around, a stand-alone portable toilet will likely work best for you. Whereas if you’re after a portable toilet that is more like the ‘comfort of home’ and you have access to water mains and sewer lines, the sewer-connect portable toilet will be ideal for you.

To find out more about which option is suitable for your needs, speak to our friendly team today at 1300 748 347 and we’d be happy to help!