Temporary Toilet While Your Septic Is Replaced

Updated October 11, 2026

When the septic tank backs up or a sewer line breaks, the house toilets are off limits. Your family still needs a bathroom while the crew digs. A rented toilet in the yard covers the gap for days or weeks.

What should I do first when the septic or plumbing fails?

Stop running water into the drains first. That means no flushing, showers, laundry or dishwasher. Call a licensed plumber or septic contractor to find the problem. Then call us for a temporary toilet. Call by 12 PM Monday through Saturday for the best shot at same-day delivery.

1. Stop the water

   Every flush and shower adds water to a tank that cannot drain.

2. Call your contractor

   Ask what failed and how long the repair may take.

3. Order a toilet

   Tell us how many people live in the home and where the unit can go.

4. Add hand washing

   If the kitchen sink is off too, add a hand wash station.

How long do septic repairs usually take?

Septic repair time depends on the problem. A pump-out or a cleared line can take a day or two. A new tank or drain field can take weeks, since permits, inspections, dry weather and crew schedules all play a part. Ask your contractor for a start date and an end date.

Plan for the long end. Repairs often run past the first guess, and rain can stop digging. Monthly billing means you do not need to know the end date today.

Ask your contractor three questions: Where will the machines drive? Which part of the yard gets dug up? Will water be shut off to the kitchen too? The answers tell you where the toilet can go and whether you need a sink.

Should my family get a standard or deluxe unit?

A standard unit works well for adults and short repairs. A deluxe flushing unit adds a flushing toilet and a sink with a foot pump, soap and paper towels. Families with young kids or older parents often pick deluxe. Anyone using a wheelchair needs a wheelchair-accessible unit.

Compare both on our deluxe flushing porta potty page. If the kitchen sink is out too, a freestanding hand wash station gives the family a place to wash up.

How does billing work if I do not know the end date?

A home toilet rental bills on a 28-day cycle. Each cycle includes weekly service: we pump the waste, clean, sanitize and restock toilet paper and sanitizer. Delivery and pickup are charged once. We do not pick up on our own. Call when the repair is done, and billing stops that day.

That setup fits repairs with no firm end date. Read more about our monthly porta potty rental with weekly service.

Where should the toilet go at the house?

Put the temporary toilet close to the back or side door, on level, firm ground. The spot needs to sit within about 25 feet of where our truck parks. Keep the unit well away from the dig area, the septic lids and the path the excavator will use.

Think about night trips. A standard unit has no light inside, so a porch light or a battery lantern near the door helps. Our home remodel and septic work rentals page has more tips for houses.

Can I get a temporary toilet today?

Same-day delivery is available across the Columbia area when you call by 12 PM, Monday through Saturday, and a unit and route space are open. A same-day rush fee may apply. We tell you the amount before you book. Farther towns often get same-day on early calls, with next-day standard.

See same-day and emergency porta potty delivery for how rush orders work.

Common questions