Find Answers to Your Portable Toilet and Septic System Questions

Although we can’t cover every topic, Jim’s Waste Management will attempt to provide answers to some of the most common septic tank and portable toilet questions. If your question isn’t answered on this page, please feel free to give us a call at any time!

Q: How do I locate my septic tank?
A: Sometimes it is difficult to determine where your tank is located. The easiest way is to find your sewer pipes in the basement, then follow the angle of the pipe out from the wall by approximately 5 to 10 feet. By doing this, you should be able to determine the approximate location outside of your home.

Q: How do I find out the size of my septic tank?
A: Most homeowners know the approximate, but not exact size of their septic tanks. Depending on when the tank was installed and the type of tank — it could be plastic, steel or concrete — and the number of covers, we would not be able to give the homeowner an approximate idea of the tank’s size before arriving on location.

Q: How many portable toilets do I need for my event?
A: This is based on the number of people in attendance and the duration of the event. By using the table below, you can determine how many units you will need.

Note: When food and alcohol are consumed usage typically increases by approximately 13%.

Q: What items are bad for my septic tank?
A: There are many items that can disrupt the balance of your septic system. These include:

• Cigarette Butts
• Metallic Objects
• Tampons and Sanitary Napkins
• Hard Toilet Paper — Softer the Better!
• Chlorine
• Plastics
• Disposable Diapers

• Hand Wipes
• Trash
• Pop-Off Toilet Wand Scrubbers
• Latex
• Prophylactics
• Bandages
• Anti-Bacterial Soaps

• Dead Fish and Small Animals
• Hair
• Rags
• Strings
• Coffee Grounds
• Paper Towels