If a hired toilet overflows or leaks waste, stop using it and keep people away from the affected area. Contact the hire supplier with the address, unit location and what has happened.
Stop adding to the problem
Do not keep flushing, add more water or try to move the toilet. Mark the unit out of use and direct users to other suitable facilities. If the spill creates a wider site hazard, notify the person responsible for site or venue management.
Avoid contact with waste. Do not hose it into stormwater drains, onto soil or through a public area, and do not open or try to pump the holding tank yourself.
What information helps the supplier?
Explain whether waste is rising inside, leaking outside or backing up from a connection. Tell us when it started, how heavily the toilet has been used and whether there are other facilities available. Photos taken from a safe position can help explain the fault.
Confirm whether a service vehicle can reach the toilet. Locked gates, parked vehicles and ground conditions can affect the response. We will confirm the available timing and any applicable service charge; a specific emergency response time is not guaranteed.
What can cause an overflow?
Heavy use may exceed the agreed service plan. Wipes or rubbish can obstruct the system, and damaged fittings or a plumbing blockage can also cause trouble. The cause needs assessing rather than assuming every problem is a full tank.
A sewer-connect toilet can also back up if the plumbing is obstructed. Contact the supplier and the responsible plumber as appropriate; connection to the sewer does not make the toilet immune to faults.
Returning the toilet to use
Keep it out of use until the fault and affected area's cleaning have been addressed. Agree who is responsible for the cleanup and follow the site manager's arrangements. Review the number of toilets and service frequency if attendance or workforce has increased.
For prevention, read how often toilets need emptying and routine hygiene during hire.
About the author
Doug, Owner & Director
Doug and Deb purchased Poles and Holes in 2002 as its third owners. Doug is the owner and director of the Capalaba business, which was established in 1960 and supplies temporary power poles, portable toilets and site security cameras.
