FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Have questions about renting portable restrooms, luxury restroom trailers, or shower and laundry units in Louisiana or Mississippi? You’re in the right place. Below, we’ve answered the most common questions about delivery, setup, maintenance, ADA options, and event recommendations to help make your rental experience easy and stress-free.
Sizing & Quantity
How many portable restrooms do I need for my event?
You need one standard portable restroom for approximately every 50 guests for a four-hour event, but this number should increase if alcohol is served, if the event lasts longer than four hours, or if you expect more females or older guests.
How do I calculate the correct number of toilets per guest?
To calculate the correct number of toilets, use the rule of 1 toilet per 50 guests for every 4 hours of an event, adjusting for longer events by increasing the ratio (e.g., 1 toilet per 40 guests for events over 8 hours) and for factors like alcohol service, which increases restroom usage, requiring additional units.
Do I need separate units for men and women?
Whether you need separate units for men and women depends on the context; public restrooms require privacy and specific facilities that often necessitate separation, while portable toilets for construction sites or military housing can be unisex if they are single-occupancy and lockable, though often they are separated for cultural and practical reasons. Gender-specific units are not always legally required but are common to accommodate different needs, such as women’s grooming habits or men’s use of urinals, and to address comfort and safety concerns.
Event Types & Suitability
Are portable restrooms appropriate for weddings and upscale events?
Yes, portable restrooms are appropriate for weddings and upscale events, but only if they are high-end, luxury restroom trailers. Standard plastic portable toilets (“porta-potties”) are generally considered unacceptable for formal occasions. Luxury restroom trailers are designed with upgraded interiors and amenities to provide a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing experience for guests.
What’s the difference between a standard porta potty and a luxury restroom trailer?
A standard porta potty is a basic, self-contained unit with minimal amenities, while a luxury restroom trailer is a larger, more elaborate unit featuring flushable toilets, running water, air conditioning, spacious stalls, and an elegant interior for added comfort and hygiene. The main differences lie in the type of toilet system, the availability of handwashing facilities, climate control, the overall user experience, and the cost.
Can portable restrooms be used for multi-day events like festivals or fairs?
Yes, portable restrooms are commonly used for multi-day events like festivals and fairs. Rental companies are experienced in providing sanitation solutions that ensure attendee comfort and hygiene throughout the entire event. To prevent unsanitary conditions, rental companies provide regular, scheduled maintenance for multi-day events, including waste removal, cleaning, and restocking of supplies. For large festivals, some providers service units daily.
Are there ADA- compliant or handicap-accessible options?
Yes, you can request or look for options that are ADA-compliant or handicap-accessible. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires facilities to be physically accessible, meaning they have features like ramps, wide doorways, accessible restrooms, and accessible parking to ensure people with disabilities have equal access to goods, services, and facilities. You can ask specific businesses or venues if they have ADA-compliant features or if they can provide accommodations for your needs.
Delivery & Set Up
How far in advance should I book a portable restroom for my event?
You should book a portable restroom for an event as soon as your event date is confirmed and you have booked your location, but at a minimum, 2-8 weeks in advance for most events. Book 4+ weeks in advance for large events and 2-3 months out for festivals or events in peak seasons to secure units during high demand. For urgent needs, some companies may offer same-day service for an extra charge. Stagecoach has ADA units in Premium Portable Toilets and Luxury Restroom Trailers.
How close can restrooms/toilets be placed to my event space/venue?
Restroom placement for an event space is primarily governed by building codes, which mandate a maximum travel distance for attendees, often 300 to 500 feet. Additional factors, including accessibility regulations (ADA), event type, and guest experience, also influence how close they should be.
What kind of access is needed for delivery trucks?
The path to the drop-off site must be clear of construction materials, vehicles, debris, and low-hanging tree branches. These delivery trucks require a large turning radius to safely navigate in and out of a site. A front-load waste truck may need a 40-foot turning radius. Any on-street parking or other obstructions can prevent the truck from making a turn. Tight, congested areas should be avoided. The delivery company should be consulted to ensure the unit will fit through any gates or other narrow passages.
How long does set-up and removal take?
The process for setting up or removing a standard portable toilet typically takes around 5 to 15 minutes per unit, not including travel time. For large, multi-stall restroom trailers, the process is more complex and can take significantly longer, up to an hour.
Utilities & Features
Do Luxury Portable Restrooms and Premium Portable Toilets need water and power hookups?
Premium Portable Toilets, (porta-potties), do not require water and power hookups as they are self-contained chemical units that operate without external connections, while luxury restroom trailers do require them for functions like flushing, sinks, and HVAC. If a portable toilet or trailer lacks a convenient hookup, options like generator rentals and freshwater delivery or self-contained units with onboard tanks can provide the necessary services.
Can units be climate controlled (A/C or heat)?
Yes, portable restroom units, particularly upscale restroom trailers, can be climate-controlled with options for both air conditioning and heating, offering a more comfortable and sanitary experience for workers and event attendees in extreme weather conditions. These units often feature insulated construction and dedicated HVAC systems, though they typically require a power source, which can sometimes be provided by an optional generator for off-site use.
Do portable toilets and portable restroom trailers have running water and sinks?
Yes, all of our units have sinks and running water.
Are Stagecoach restrooms stocked with extra toiletries? (toilet paper, soap, paper towels)?
Yes, Stagecoach restroom rentals are stocked with toiletries, including toilet paper, hand soap, and paper towels. The level of service, including restocking, depends on the company and the length of your event.
Cleanliness & Maintenance
How are portable restroom and toilets cleaned and sanitized before delivery?
Stagecoach’s Portable restrooms are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before delivery through a systematic, multi-step process. Our service professionals use specialized equipment and chemicals to ensure every unit arrives in pristine, hygienic condition.
Will Stagecoach be servicing during my event?
Generally no, it depends on the event. If the event is an all-day affair with a large attendance, it may be necessary. It also depends on having the correct number of restrooms to accommodate guests.
Pricing & Requirements
How much does it cost to rent a porta potty vs. restroom trailer?
Renting a standard porta potty typically costs $150 to $350 for a weekend, while a basic restroom trailer can start around $500 to $1,000 for a weekend rental and goes up for larger units with more features. The significant difference in price reflects the restroom trailer’s premium amenities, such as flushing toilets, running water, air conditioning, and mirrors, compared to the simpler facilities of a porta potty.
Are there delivery, set-up, or cleaning fees for a portable toilet or restroom I should know about?
Yes, you should anticipate potential fees beyond the base rental cost for a portable toilet, including separate charges for delivery and pickup, and for regular cleaning and maintenance. Costs can also be affected by taxes, environmental surcharges, and potentially a non-refundable damage waiver. Be sure to clarify the specifics of what your rental includes, as costs vary significantly by vendor and location.
Is there a minimum rental time (day, weekend, week) for portable restrooms or toilets?
Yes, rental providers offer various minimum rental times for portable restrooms, with popular options including three-day weekend periods for events and longer weekly or monthly cycles for construction projects. While one-day rentals are sometimes possible, they might be priced similarly to a multi-day rental. The minimum duration depends on the provider, the type of event or project, and sometimes includes regular servicing and supply restocking.
Do I need to put down a deposit for a portable toilet or restroom trailer?
Stagecoach does not require a deposit but other vendors do. It is an important question to ask before renting.
Regulations & Requirements
Are portable restrooms required by law for certain event sizes?
Yes, portable restrooms are required by law for public events and large gatherings, though the specific regulations vary by location. Federal laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), set minimum standards for public spaces, while local city and parish codes determine the number of units required based on factors like event size, duration, and alcohol consumption.
Do city permits apply for placing restrooms in public spaces?
Yes, a city permit is almost always required for placing restrooms in public spaces like parks, streets, or sidewalks. The specific regulations and permit process will depend on your local municipality, but the requirement is standard for controlling public property use.
What are the ADA compliance requirements for portable restrooms?
At public events, ADA-compliant portable restrooms require a wider door (minimum 32 inches), a minimum 60-inch turning radius inside for a wheelchair, ramps for access, grab bars for support, a toilet seat height of 17-19 inches, and sufficient clear floor space around fixtures. At least 5% of portable restrooms at an event must be handicap-accessible units, and they must also meet standard accessibility building requirements.