How to Keep a Porta Potty From Tipping Over in Permian Wind

Why do porta potties tip over in Hobbs?

Porta potties tip over in Hobbs because spring wind gusts across open, flat ground can catch the tall, light shell of an unanchored unit, especially right after service when the tank is nearly empty. An empty standard unit weighs about 160 pounds and stands about 7.5 feet tall.

March through May brings the strongest wind in southeast New Mexico, with dust and gusts strong enough to shove an empty unit. Summer thunderstorms add short, sharp downbursts.

How do you anchor a porta potty against wind?

Anchor a porta potty with steel ground stakes through the base on dirt or caliche, or with ratchet straps to a fence post, building or heavy fixed object on concrete. Place it in the lee of a building or trailer when possible, and face the door away from the prevailing west and southwest wind.

• Stakes on dirt, caliche and gravel
• Straps on concrete or asphalt
• Two or more units can be strapped together and to a fixed point
• Never weigh units down with loose materials that can fly

Where is the safest spot for a unit on a windy site?

The safest spot is on level ground beside a building, conex, trailer or fence that blocks the west wind, with the door facing east or north. Avoid the top of a berm, the open middle of a pad and spots near loose plywood or sheeting that can be thrown into the unit.

What should you do if a unit tips over?

If a unit tips over, keep people away, do not try to lift it alone, and call us right away. We send a truck to right it, clean any spill, sanitize the area and replace the unit if needed. Tip-overs on anchored units we placed are on us; moved or unanchored units may be billed.

Do you anchor units automatically?

Yes. Units placed on open ground in our service area are staked or strapped on delivery at no charge. If you move a unit after delivery, re-anchor it or text us and we come re-anchor it on the next service visit.

See how we handle lease pads and job sites.