Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about portable chemical toilets:

Questions & answers about the set-up, use, maintenance, cleaning,and emptying-out of chemical toilets. We also discuss portable toilet repairs and winterizing.

This article series describes use of chemical toilets, how they work, and how they reduce wastewater consumption. The photograph at page top is of the Thetford PortaPotti, a portable toilet which uses chemicals.

FAQs#2 on Buying, Using, Repairing a Chemical Toilet or Portable Toilet

These questions & answers about using, cleaning, or fixing a chemical toilet or porta potty were posted originally

at CHEMICAL TOILETS - topic home. Be sure to review the information given there.

[Click to enlarge any image]

Plans to build the wooden throne or toilet stand for the chemical toilet shown here are given at the CHEMICAL TOILETS article linked just above.

On 2019-07-20 by (mod) - how long for porta potty chemical to take effect?

Tracy:

To offer a more thorough answer to your question I'd need to know what "effect" you're asking about.

Basically the chemical treatment solution for porta-potties or chemical toilets is a combination deodorant and disinfectant whose job is to control odor and to prevent formation of dangerous (explosive) and of course smelly methane gas. That effect should be virtually immediate.

The chemical treatment may also help break down solids and toilet tissue but after decades of using chemical toilets I've never seen much waste breakdown in the toilet reservoir.

With the proper dose of chemical solution recommended by the manufacturer (that is in turn set by the size of the toilet reservoir tank in gallons) the effect of odor control and methane control should be from moments after the first use.

To improve the efficacy of the chemical toilet treatment provided by the manufacturer, and recognizing that that chemical is usually concentrated and viscous, when I have cleaned the chemical toilet and am returning it to use I add both the recommended dose of treatment chemical and also a flush or two of water so that there is a bit of water mixed with the chemical at the bottom of the holding tank.

Thetford recommends adding about 1/2 gallon of fresh water to a 5-gallon reservoir toilet when the chemical is added to the toilet.

The quantity of toilet treatment chemical doesn't have to be exact to the millileter, but you should follow the manufacturer's instructions. See details of how much chemical to add at

PORTA POTTY CHEMICAL: HOW MUCH to ADD

On 2019-07-20 by Tracy

How long does it take the blue chemical solution for porta-potties to take effect on human urine and feces?

On 2019-07-15 by (mod) - chemical toilet or porta-potty whose flush squirts up out of the bowl when flushed:

Linda:

Fixing a chemical toilet or porta-potty whose flush squirts up out of the bowl when flushed:

Thanks for asking, Linda; if you're seeing a flush-squirt problem you're probably not the only person. It'd help to know the brand and model of your toilet.

First I'd look at the flushing mechanism. The over-spray problem might be due to someone who's more aggressive than necessary when pushing the flush plunger.

Second I'd look to be sure that the trap in the bottom of the bowl is fully open before flushing; someone may be using the toilet without first opening the flusher; that can contribute to splash problems.

Third I'd check for calcium or debris deposits (remove calcium with vinegar) that could be mis-directing the porta-potty flush spray.

If those problems don't pertain, then let's look at the flush water dispensing tube as you suggested.

Typically the water dispensing spout is just a little flexible plastic tube - is that what is in your toilet? (Attach a photo so I can take a look);

It may be possible to adjust the upper portion of the tube to aim water downwards in the bowl while still washing the bowl clean; try first something trivial like jamming a toothpick between the top of the tube and the bowl plastic body to see what happens-take care not to break off the toothpick or you'll be fishing about with tweezers to get out that debris.

If that works for you we can move on to a combination of a plastic toothpick and a small dot of hot melt glue to make the modification more lasting.

On 2019-07-15 by Linda

Hi. Just wondering if the little spout where the water comes into the toilet bowl when flushing can be adjusted? Just bought a van and the water comes out and over the toilet into the shower everytime it's flushed

On 2019-07-03 by (mod) -

Kim

Thank you and accept my apology. Originally we cited the toilet as made by Century Tool - whom I also could not find, so the error slipped in. I'll delete the bad information.

If you can post photos of any of the brands, labels, tags on your toilet that'll help me research the manufacturer, as I'm nowhere near the Century toilet that we used for some photos in this article series.

On 2019-07-03 21:16:28.003918 by Kim Capasso

In reference to the suggestion to call Century Chemical (says they sell the Century portable toilet) re: 1800-348-3505, I talked to them and they do have anything to do with the toilet, they are just a chemical company.

On 2019-07-03 20:20:44.644802 by (mod) -

Pete

Try a bit of silicone spray lubricant.

If the handle is still hard to move check for physical damage such as gouges or debris jamming the moving parts.

On 2019-01-10 02:53:19.307301 by Pete

The t bar handle is very hard to push in and pull out how do I fix it?

On 2018-12-29 05:47:18.550638 by (mod) -

it's a perfectly fair question Rose,

But the answer is not from me but rather from your local building code enforcement department.

On 2018-12-28 07:07:07.318701 by Rose

I live in a studio without laboratory or running water. I am considering a portable potty and a portable shower and kitchen sink. My question is it legal to post a portable potty in yard and how often would it need to be serviced

On 2018-11-13 by (mod) - replacement waste reservoir cap for Century portable toilet

Steve

Irritating, I agree, to be unable to find a simple replacement part for a chemical toilet.

And I agree that the reservoir cap needs to be water-tight lest you spill waste when carrying the toilet to a point where it can be emptied.

There are a couple of possibilities. Sometimes we can find a standard threaded plastic cap from another container that fits - because often manufacturers are savvy enough not to design a product whose parts dimensions are unique (thus keeping the cost under control).

So I'd measure the spout diameter and scour around in hardware stores and in stores selling various plastic containers to see if I could find something that fits.

I suspect that a simple expanding rubber drain plug like the Oatey 1 1/2" "Gripper" Plastic Mechanical Test Plug #33400 sold at plumbing suppliers will work ok. Or measuring your toilet you may need a slightly different size test plug.

Century portable toilets are sold widely by Amazon, Walmart, REI, etc. but they typically don't carry spare parts.

Why not contact the company directly, giving the model number and name of your Century toilet as well as the dimensions of the reservoir tube that needs a cap - maybe even a photo?

Century Chemical in Elkhart, Indiana USA has NOTHING to do with Century Portable toilets that are most-likely an imported Chinese product. I have been unable to locate a US manufacturer so that leaves you returning to Walmart or Amazon or REI to ask about spare parts.

On 2018-11-13 by steve

I need a replacement waste reservoir cap for my century portable toilet but can't find it on the internet and no stores carry it. What can I do?

On 2018-11-13 by (mod) - replacement waste reservoir cap for Century portable toilet

Steve

Irritating, I agree, to be unable to find a simple replacement part for a chemical toilet.

And I agree that the reservoir cap needs to be water-tight lest you spill waste when carrying the toilet to a point where it can be emptied.

There are a couple of possibilities. Sometimes we can find a standard threaded plastic cap from another container that fits - because often manufacturers are savvy enough not to design a product whose parts dimensions are unique (thus keeping the cost under control).

So I'd measure the spout diameter and scour around in hardware stores and in stores selling various plastic containers to see if I could find something that fits.

Century portable toilets are sold widely by Amazon, Walmart, REI, etc. but they typically don't carry spare parts.

Why not contact the company directly, giving the model number and name of your Century toilet as well as the dimensions of the reservoir tube that needs a cap - maybe even a photo?

Century Chemical produces and sells Century portable toilets in a range of designs and applications.

Century Chemical
28790 County Road 20 West
Elkhart, Indiana 46517 USA
Tel: 800) 348-3505

Email: sales@centurychemical.com

Website: http://www.centurychemical.com/products/

On 2018-11-13 1 by steve

I need a replacement waste reservoir cap for my century portable toilet but can't find it on the internet and no stores carry it. What can I do?

On 2018-10-24 by (mod) - stiff T-handle on chemical toilet

Chuck

First: take apart the upper and lower toilet halves, empty and clean both, thoroughly to be sure there's no paper or waste stuck in the sliding door assembly. Open, spray, close half way, spray, etc.

Then wipe the accessible (upper) area dry with some clean paper towels or a cloth that you'll throw away.

Then spray some sililcone lubricant onto the closed slider, then pull it open and spray the exposed open part of the slider on both upper and underside.

Try moving that back and forth a couple of times.

Providing you don't see actual broken or gouged parts lubricating should work.

Let me know if that's successful for you.

On 2018-10-24 by Chuck McConnel

Pulling and pushing back the flushing T handle seens to be getting stiffer. What should be used to lubricate it and the flushing diafram?

On 2018-10-01 7 by (mod) -

Portable Outdoor Toilet said:
I would like to say that this blog really convinced me, you give me best information! Thanks, very good post.

On 2018-09-15 by (mod) - frequent emptying of a chemical toilet

For frequent dumping or large volumes you would want to find an r v dumping station.

For very light use and only occasional dumping of a small chemical toilet, I think there's little harm in emptying it into a septic tank

On 2018-09-10 0 by Bill

Wjhereb can we go to empty our toilets ?

On 2018-05-07 by (mod) - gas venting on chemical toilets

Jim and Dana,

Porta potty toilets typically have a one-way vent valve to permit gas venting should pressure buildup in the holding tank.

Before drilling another vent, which risks perhaps spraying liquid waste where you don't want it, I would take a look at the specific brand and model toilet, find the instruction book, and see where the manufacturer describes any events that might require cleaning.

Or if you let me know the brand and model of your toilet I'll help look for that information.

On 2018-05-07 by Dana

@Eric,
Mine is doing the same thing! It's like pressure builds in the holding tank and explored when flushed. I didn't see an answer to your question.

I have notice on the seat part under the handle it says vent hole. I'm thinking maybe I'll drill a small hole there and see if that helps.

On 2017-07-21 by (mod) - Can you empty a chemical toilet into your sewerage system?

At occasional use, yes.

On 2017-10-31 by steve

Can you empty a chemical toilet into your sewerage system?

On 2017-07-21 by (mod) - On 2017-07-21 by (mod) - Can you empty a chemical toilet into your sewerage system?

You may need to replace the pump plunger assembly.

Give me the brand and model of your porta potty and I can help locate the manufacturer and parts supplier.

On 2017-10-06 by Eric

Porta potty not pumping water

On 2017-07-29 by Jim

Has anyone had a chemical toilet blow matter out when flushed? The toilet my daughter has was used once (urine only) without chemicals.

Two weeks later, she added the chemicals and when it was used, it spewed out when flushed. Could it have been a chemical reaction between the old urine and the newly-added chemicals?

On 2017-07-21 by (mod) - Leaks from left side buckle top storage toilet tank

I assume you're saying a portable chemical toilet top reservoir tank is leaking.

You can - slap an ugly temporary patch over the leak area using duct tape or plumbers leak patching tape that's used to wrap leaky pipes
or
dry the reservoir and patch the leak with epoxy or even silicone sealant - let it dry 12 hours or longer if you can.
or
buy a new portable toilet

On 2017-07-20 by Geraldine

Leaks from left side buckle top storage tank. Leaks on floor. Not into black water tank. Bad when dry camping. Seller would not replace since "used" . Told me to contact company. Frustrated since I will be dry camping this weekend 7/21 to 7/25. What to do ???

On 2017-05-14 by (mod) -

Matt,

You will w as nt bbq to read Habana to marine toilets in our article at

https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Marine_Toilets.php

On 2017-05-14 by (mod) - The Camco 2.6 porta potty

Matt,

The Camco 2.6 porta potty and similar model is a portable camping toilet that is designed to be emptied manually by separating the holding tank from the upper portion of the toilet. It's not amenable to connection to a pumping system.

On 2017-05-14 by Matt Anderson

I have a camco 2.5 Porta potty and live on a boat can this toilet be pumped out and is there a specific part/hose I need to buy to do so?

On 2017-04-21 by (mod) - silicone spray moving toilet parts

Bill

If a bit of silicone grease or spray on the handle AND on the gaskets and moving parts that open and close the opening into the toilet base doesn't fix the problem then I suspect the handle is damaged. Try silicone spray on clean dry gaskets and moving surfaces first.

On 2017-04-21 by bill

my t handle is very hard to pull out and push in to flush

On 2017-04-09 by (mod) - how much fluid do you put in camping porta potty

Anon:

The portapotty's water chamber is filled to near the fill opening

The treatment chemical that you buy will have, on the bottle, a chart of how much of that liquid to use for a given volume of wastewater.

Usually what you need to put into the portapotty, since its volume is quite small, just a few gallons, is less than an ounce.

On 2017-04-09 by Anonymous

how much fluid do you put in camping porta potty

On 2017-02-23 by (mod) -

Thanks Pierre. We work hard to provide authoritative and unbiased data so I'm really happy when you find it useful. We also very much welcome content criticism, suggestions, corrections - working together makes us smarter. Daniel

On 2017-02-23 by Pierre

Thanks for a great and thorough post. I am new to the chemical toilet thing and this article answered all questions small and larger that I had.

On 2017-02-09 by (mod) -

Sisa.

Chemical toilets needed to be emptied.

But search inspectApedia.com for INCINERATING TOILETS for an alternative that may meet your needs.

On 2017-02-09 15:27:57.520053 by sisa cingo

Hi
I am looking for the chemical to remove or burn toile for the rural toilets, they are full.
Staying at Lusikisiki ,Eastern Cape

On 2016-12-09 by (mod) -

Amanda

Regrettably, Campmaster toilets are made in China, marketed by AHM Group in Australia and New Zealand so you may have to contact the marketer directly. Contact Campmaster in Australia at tel: 03 9799 9940 or in New Zealand ask the Kiwis at 09 251 1300

If you live in a different country than those two, try the company's website www.campmaster.info

On 2016-12-09 by Amanda

I have a campmaster cm6010 10l portable toilet and the 2 clips that hold the waste tank onto toilet have broke.where can I purchase some new replacement clips from and how much?

On 2016-06-07 by (mod) -

Allen I think that West Marine no longer sells Headzyme though the company does offer a range of chemical toilet treatments and deodorants. You might want to contact the company directly to ask about the Headzyme shelf life. Call West Marine at Call (800) 262-8464, or send an email query to the company at productadvice@westmarine.com

On 2016-06-07 by Allen

I bought some West Marine Headzyme several years ago. I was wondering drying if it is still good. It had no alchol. Thank you.

On 2016-03-29 by sahada

What is the price and where can I get some to buy

On 2016-03-14 by (mod) -

C

As these toilets are temporary, portable, and if properly maintained, sanitary, it may be ugly or inconvenient but surely temporary and not a health concern. I don't know about regulations on placement of temporary port-a-johns, but you might want to ask your local building or health department if they have a position; I'd be surprised. Do let me know.

On 2016-03-13 by C

Is there a law to how far away from a residential building a chemical toilet is put, we're having work done at the flats where I live and they have put a chemical toilet outside of my
Living room window.

...

Continue reading  at CHEMICAL TOILETS - topic home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see CHEMICAL TOILET FAQs - older questions and answers on Chemical Toilets

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• ALTERNATIVE & WATERLESS TOILETS and also WATERLESS URINALS
• CAMPING & EMERGENCY USE TOILETS
• DISABLED or ELDERLY-USE TOILETS
• INCINERATOR TOILET SYSTEMS
• RV HOLDING TANK DUMP INTO SEPTIC TANK?
• TOILET TYPES, CONTROLS, PARTS - home
• WATERLESS URINALS

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