When the Septic or Plumbing Fails: A Temporary Toilet Plan
A septic failure or broken main line can leave a house with no working toilet in an afternoon. A temporary toilet bridges the gap until the plumber or remodel crew finishes. Here is how to get one fast, how long to rent it, and how billing works.
What should you do first when your septic or plumbing fails?
Stop running water into the system first, then call a licensed plumber or septic company. Next, call for a temporary toilet. If you call us by 12 noon Monday through Saturday, same-day delivery is possible. Many septic and plumbing emergencies get a unit the same afternoon.
- Stop the water.Hold off on laundry, dishes and showers so waste does not back up.
- Call the pros.A plumber or septic company can tell you what failed and how long repair takes.
- Call for a toilet.Give your address, a spot near the driveway, and your best guess on timing.
- Clear the spot.Move cars and bins so the driver can set the unit on arrival.
Call by 12 noon, Monday through Saturday, for same-day delivery. Calls after noon usually get a unit first thing the next morning.
How fast can a temporary toilet be delivered?
Call by 12 noon Monday through Saturday for same-day delivery. A temporary toilet arrives between 7 AM and 6 PM. If a truck must be re-routed to reach you, a same-day dispatch fee of $75–$125 applies. The driver calls 30 to 60 minutes before arriving.
Calls after noon go on the next route. Saturday calls after noon roll to Monday, since we do not deliver on Sunday. Read more on our same-day porta potty delivery page.
How long will you need a temporary toilet?
Homeowners need a temporary toilet for anywhere from a few days to a few months, based on the repair. Ask your plumber or contractor for a timeline in writing. Past about 1 week, a 28-day rental with weekly service is usually the better value.
| Your contractor says | Rental that fits | Service |
|---|---|---|
| A few days | Short-term rental | Usually none needed |
| 1 to 4 weeks | One 28-day cycle | Weekly |
| More than 4 weeks | 28-day cycles that renew | Weekly |
| Not sure yet | Start a 28-day cycle, renew if needed | Weekly |
Bathroom remodels often run longer than planned once walls open. Inspections, tile and fixture delays can add weeks. Plan for the longer number.
How does 28-day billing compare with a short-term rental?
A 28-day rental costs $199–$285 with weekly service, plus $45–$95 for delivery and pickup on the first cycle. Each renewal then costs $185–$245 per 28 days. Short rentals are quoted by the job, so ask for both prices if your timeline is unclear.
| Rental length | What you pay | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| 28 days | First cycle plus delivery and pickup | $244–$380 |
| 56 days | First cycle plus 1 renewal | $429–$625 |
| 84 days | First cycle plus 2 renewals | $614–$870 |
Estimates exclude tax and any same-day dispatch fee. The 28-day cycle is billed as a block, so read our rental terms on early pickup. Details on longer jobs are on our long-term porta potty rental page.
Which unit works best at home during a repair?
A standard porta potty works for most homes during a repair. The unit is about 44 inches wide and 88 inches tall, so it fits beside most driveways. Add a hand wash station if the kitchen sink is also off. Choose a wheelchair-accessible unit for anyone with limited mobility.
- Standard unit: seat, urinal and toilet paper, serviced weekly. See our standard porta potty.
- Hand wash station: a foot-pump sink with fresh water, set beside the toilet.
- Wheelchair-accessible unit: ground-level entry, grab bars and room to turn.
How is a bathroom remodel different from a septic repair?
A bathroom remodel is planned, so you can book the porta potty 1 day before demolition starts. The crew is often on site 5 or 6 days a week. One standard unit with weekly service on a 28-day rental usually covers a small crew and the household together.
Ask your contractor who books the unit. Some remodel crews include a toilet in their bid, and some leave it to the homeowner. If you book, put the rental in your name so service questions come to you.
One-bathroom homes feel the loss most. Plan for the longest step, which is often tile or a back-ordered fixture. See how crews use units on our construction porta potty rental page.
Where should a temporary toilet go at a house?
Put a temporary toilet on flat ground near the back door. Keep it within about 15 feet of where the truck can park. That 15-foot reach lets the weekly service happen without trouble. Keep the unit away from the septic tank, drain field and any spot the repair crew must dig.
- A driveway edge or side yard is often best.
- Light the path with a solar lamp for night trips.
- Give the HOA a heads-up if the unit is visible from the street.
Remodels and plumbing repairs in Mesquite often need a city permit. Check the City of Mesquite permit process, or call Building Inspection at 972-216-6212.
Bottom line: stop the water, call your plumber, then call Gregory at (361) 213-6286 before noon for same-day delivery. We will help you pick short-term or 28-day billing.
Planning something in or near Mesquite?
Call (361) 213-6286 for an itemized quote. Same-day delivery when you call by noon, Mon–Sat.
Questions readers ask
Can I keep the unit past 28 days?
Yes. The rental renews in 28-day cycles at $185–$245 each, with weekly service, until you call to end it.
Do I need to be home for delivery?
No. Mark the spot and leave a clear path. The driver calls 30 to 60 minutes ahead in case you want to meet.
Will my home insurance pay for the toilet?
That depends on your policy. Ask your insurer, and we will send an itemized invoice you can submit with your claim.
Can I rent a unit with a sink for the house?
Yes. A flushing unit with a sink or a separate hand wash station both work. Ask which fits your space and budget.
What if the repair finishes early?
Call us to schedule pickup. Our rental terms explain how an early end works within a 28-day cycle.