Where do these porta potty questions come from?
Every question on this page comes from real calls. We reviewed 185 recorded calls from people renting porta potties in 2026 (172 reached a live conversation). We kept the words callers used, like "porta john," "handicap one" and "does that include pickup?" Then we answered each one in under 70 words.
The largest group, 33% (56 of 172), were planning home parties and backyard gatherings. Another 20% were community, church, corporate or park events, and 15% were construction jobsites.
Remodels, broken plumbing and failed septic systems made up 11%. Weddings were 5%.
What do callers worry about most?
Three worries came up again and again: the price, the timing and surprise fees. In our 2026 calls, 64% asked the price first, 19% needed delivery today or tomorrow, and the most common complaint was an invoice higher than the quote. Our itemized, out-the-door quote answers all three.
Long-term renters had a fourth worry: 28-day billing and pickup that is not automatic. We explain both below and on our cost guide.
Need same-day help? See how same-day orders work.
How is this FAQ organized?
This FAQ has 40 questions in 8 groups: ordering and delivery, placement, units, cleaning, pricing and billing, payment and cancellation, rules and permits, and local details. Each answer starts with the direct answer, then the conditions. For sizing, use our calculator; for unit specs, see the rentals page.
Jump to our unit comparison for sizes and specs, or the sizing calculator for counts. Planning a group event? Read our event planning guide.
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Call (972) 812-6200Get quoteCommon questions
Ordering & delivery
How soon can you get a porta john out to me?
Most orders go out the next business day. Same-day delivery is possible Mon–Sat when a truck and unit are free. Call early, since we confirm same-day on the phone before you pay. A rush charge may apply and shows on the quote.
Do I need to be there when the porta potty is delivered?
No. Mark the spot with a cone, flag or ribbon, and leave the gate open or give us the code. The driver calls 30 to 60 minutes before arriving, so you know when to expect the truck.
Can you give me an exact delivery time?
No. Drivers cannot promise an exact arrival time because traffic and earlier stops shift the day. That is why we deliver event units the day before, and the driver calls 30 to 60 minutes ahead.
My party is Saturday. When will the unit show up?
Usually Friday, sometimes Thursday, with pickup on Monday. Those extra days cost nothing extra. We drop early so the truck never arrives in the middle of your party. Book weekend events by Wednesday.
Another company didn't show up. Can you help today?
Often, yes, when a truck and unit are free. Many callers reach us after another vendor failed to show. Call (972) 812-6200 as early as you can, Monday through Saturday.
Placement & site
Can you put the porta-potty in my backyard?
Yes, if the gate is at least 48 inches wide and the ground is level and firm. A standard unit is 43.5 inches wide. The driver rolls it on a dolly about 15 feet from where the truck parks. Otherwise, we set it in the driveway or side yard.
What kind of ground does the unit need?
Level, firm ground: grass, gravel, concrete or packed dirt. Avoid slopes, soft mud and low spots that hold water. After a rain, clay soil gets slick, so a driveway or gravel pad is often the safest spot.
Can the unit go on the street in front of my house?
We place units on private property by default, like a driveway or lawn. A unit in a public street or right-of-way may need city approval, so check with your city before asking for street placement.
Will my HOA care about a porta potty in the driveway?
It might. Many Plano-area subdivisions have HOA rules on visible items. Ask your HOA about time limits and placement before delivery, especially for long remodel rentals.
Where should I put it so it doesn't smell near the food?
Set it downwind and across the yard from food tables, on level ground, with the door facing a clear path. A fence, hedge or garage between the unit and the food helps a lot.
Units & features
What comes inside a standard porta potty?
Our standard unit is a PolyJohn PJN3. It has a toilet seat, a urinal, 2 tissue holders, a mirror, a translucent roof, a vent, an anti-slip floor and a hand sanitizer dispenser. The holding tank holds 60 gallons.
Do you have the one with a sink?
Yes. Our deluxe unit is a PolyJohn Fleet with a foot-pump flush and a built-in sink. The 20-gallon sink tank is rated for about 400 uses. Gray water drains into the 60-gallon holding tank.
Do you rent a handicap one?
Yes. Our wheelchair-accessible unit is a PolyJohn Comfort XL. It is 62 inches wide and deep, with a 32-inch door, a ground-level floor, handrails and over 16 square feet inside.
What is the nicer trailer option?
That is a restroom trailer, in 2-stall or 3-stall sizes. Trailers have flushing porcelain toilets, vanity sinks with running water, mirrors, lights and climate control. Trailers need a standard 110V/20A outlet or a generator (tell us if you supply one or want one quoted) plus a hose hookup or onboard tank.
Can I get a hand wash station by itself?
Yes. Our two-station sink is a PolyJohn Bravo with foot pumps, soap and paper towels. It holds 22 gallons of fresh water and gives about 350 uses per fill. Plan 1 sink for every 4 toilets.
Cleaning & service
Will the unit be clean when it gets here?
Yes. Event units arrive cleaned, sanitized and stocked with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. We keep an event fleet of newer units separate from our construction fleet, so party guests don't get a jobsite unit.
How often do you clean a long-term unit?
Weekly. Rentals on a 28-day cycle get weekly service: we pump out waste, clean and sanitize surfaces, restock toilet paper and hand sanitizer, and refill deodorizer.
Can I get an extra cleaning before a big weekend?
Yes. Extra service visits are available Monday through Saturday, quoted before they are scheduled. Call or text a few days ahead so it fits a route.
What if the unit runs out of toilet paper mid-party?
Event units arrive fully stocked for the expected crowd. For long or multi-day events, add a mid-event service. Keeping a spare roll or two in the house is a smart backup for a big party.
Can you service units during a multi-day event?
Yes, within our service hours, Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 7 PM. We pump out, clean, restock and refill sinks between event days. We do not offer night service; Sunday service is quoted separately on request.
Pricing & billing
How much does a porta potty rental cost?
In 2026 calls we reviewed, a standard event unit for a day or weekend was mostly quoted $249–$350 all-in. That is what callers were quoted in the calls we reviewed; your itemized quote from us is the price you pay.
Is it per day or for the whole time?
Short rentals are one flat rate per drop-off and pickup for a day, weekend or week. Long-term rentals bill on a 28-day cycle, with weekly service included.
Does that include pickup?
Yes. Our itemized quote lists the unit, rental period, delivery, pickup, servicing, tax and any rush charge. Pickup is its own line, and the total is the out-the-door price.
Will there be a fuel surcharge on my bill?
No fuel surcharge is added after our quote. The most common complaint we heard in 2026 calls was an invoice higher than the quote. Every charge is on our quote before you pay.
Why is my monthly bill on a different day each month?
Long-term rentals bill every 28 days, not by calendar month, so the date moves earlier each month. A year has 13 cycles. The first cycle includes delivery, and later cycles cost less.
Payment & cancellation
How do I pay for the rental?
Pay by card at booking: Visa, Mastercard, Amex or Discover. We send a text or email invoice link with e-signature. Contractors can apply for a business account.
Can I cancel if it rains?
Yes. Cancel or reschedule free until 7 PM the business day before delivery. After that, a trip fee may apply. Same-day orders cancel free until the truck is dispatched.
Our church is tax-exempt. Do we still pay sales tax?
Not with a valid certificate. Churches, schools, government agencies and qualifying nonprofits with a valid Texas sales tax exemption certificate pay no sales tax. Send the certificate before you pay. Email the certificate to info@markrentalworks.com or text a photo after you call.
Do you stop billing when I'm done with the unit?
Yes, once you ask. Pickup is not automatic on long-term rentals. Call or text to request pickup, and billing stops the day you request it.
Can my contractor set up a business account?
Yes. Contractors can apply for a business account for repeat jobsite orders. Call (972) 812-6200 or email info@markrentalworks.com to start. Event customers pay by card at booking through a text or email invoice link.
Rules & permits
Do I need a permit for a porta potty at my event in Plano?
The City of Plano asks for a Special Event Permit for events with 100 or more people per day, among other triggers. Check the city permit page and confirm restroom counts with the permit office. This is not legal advice.
How many toilets does OSHA require on a job site?
Under OSHA 1926.51 Table D-1, 20 or fewer workers need 1 toilet. Over 20, plan 1 seat and 1 urinal per 40 workers. Over 200, plan 1 seat and 1 urinal per 50.
Do events need a wheelchair-accessible unit by law?
Under ADA 213.2, at least 5% of clustered portable toilets must be accessible, with a minimum of 1 per cluster. Confirm your event's needs with the venue or permit office.
What are the rules for farm crews in the field?
OSHA 1928.110 calls for 1 toilet and 1 handwashing facility per 20 employees within a quarter-mile walk, when 11 or more hand laborers work in the field.
Are the units ADA-compliant?
We call our PolyJohn Comfort XL wheelchair-accessible. It has a 32-inch door, a ground-level floor and handrails. ADA compliance depends on the whole site, including the path and placement.
About us & local
Are you local?
Yes. Mark Rental Works runs from our yard at 6000 Split Trail Rd in east Plano, TX 75074. Mark, the owner, answers many calls himself.
What are your hours?
Our office and phones are open Monday through Saturday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Central. We are closed Sunday. Call (972) 812-6200 or email info@markrentalworks.com.
Can you lock the porta potty so neighbors don't use it?
Yes. We add a free hasp and padlock on request. Locks are common for parks, jobsites and front-yard remodel units. The driver leaves the key or code with you, so only your guests or crew get in.
Do you deliver outside Plano?
Yes. We deliver to Plano and nearby cities in Collin, Dallas, Denton and northeast Tarrant counties. Far cities such as Denton, Irving, Grand Prairie and Arlington should book at least 1 business day ahead. Distance from our east Plano yard is one of the price factors on your quote.
How many units should I order for my party?
Start with 1 standard unit per 50 guests for an event of 4 hours or less. Add units for longer events and alcohol. Our calculator does the math for you.
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