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Temporary Toilet Rental When Your Septic Fails or Water Is Out
A septic backup or a dead well pump can leave a house with no working toilet. A rented unit can arrive the same day and cover you until repairs are done.
By Dominic, owner · Reviewed
What should I do first when my septic system backs up?
When a septic system backs up, stop running water and flushing toilets in the house right away. Call a septic pumper to inspect the tank. Then book a temporary toilet so the family has a place to go. Many repairs take 1 day to several weeks, so plan ahead.
Every flush adds more water to a system that cannot drain. That can push sewage into the basement or yard.
- Stop using sinks, showers, the washer and toilets.
- Call a licensed septic service to pump and inspect.
- Call (603) 956-9760 for a temporary toilet.
- Keep kids and pets away from wet spots in the yard.
A pump-out may fix a simple clog. A failed leach field takes much longer and may need state approval to replace.
Ask the septic service how long they expect the work to take. Their answer tells you how long to rent.
Can I get a temporary toilet delivered the same day?
Same-day delivery is offered for septic and water emergencies. Towns within about 35 miles of Manchester usually get same-day delivery if you call by early afternoon. Towns 35 to 80 miles out usually get same day if you call in the morning, otherwise next morning. A flat same-day fee shows on the quote.
Phones are open Monday through Saturday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Deliveries run Monday through Saturday.
To speed things up, have this ready when you call:
- Your address and the best spot for the unit.
- Gate width, if it goes in a fenced yard. A standard unit needs about 48 inches.
- How many people live in the home.
You do not need to stay home. Mark the spot and the driver will text about 30 minutes before arrival.
If you call late in the day, ask for first delivery the next morning. Book now and you will be at the top of the route.
Should I rent a unit with a sink or a hand-washing station?
A deluxe flushing unit has a built-in sink, which is the simplest choice for a family without water. A separate hand-washing station works well with 2 or more standard units. Either option gives you running water for hands when the house sink is off-limits during a septic or well repair.
| Option | Best for | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Standard unit | Short repairs, adults only | Toilet, urinal, TP, hand sanitizer |
| Deluxe flushing unit | Families, repairs over a week | Flushing toilet and built-in sink |
| Standard unit + hand-wash station | Larger households or crews | Toilet plus a 2-sided foot-pump sink |
The hand-washing station needs no hookup. It has its own freshwater tank, so it works even when your well is down.
For a family with young kids, the deluxe unit is often the easiest choice. Everyone can flush and wash in one place without going back and forth.
How long do septic repairs take in New Hampshire?
A simple septic pump-out or baffle repair can take 1 day. A full septic system replacement in New Hampshire often takes 2 to 6 weeks, because a designer must draw plans and NHDES must approve them before work starts. Frozen ground in winter can add more weeks to the job.
Replacing a failed system in New Hampshire needs an Approval for Construction from the state. You can read more on the NHDES septic systems page.
Common steps for a replacement:
- A septic designer tests the soil and draws a plan.
- The plan goes to NHDES for review.
- An installer digs and builds the new system.
- The system is inspected before it is covered.
In January and February, frost can make digging slow or impossible. Some owners keep a rented toilet until spring thaw. Long-term rentals bill per 28-day cycle with weekly service included.
What if my well pump or water line fails instead?
When a well pump or water line fails, toilets in the house cannot refill and sinks go dry. A temporary toilet plus a hand-washing station covers basic needs. Most well pump replacements take 1 to 3 days, while a new well or long water line can take several weeks.
A home with no water is a lot like a home with no septic. You cannot flush and you cannot wash.
- For a 1 to 3 day outage, a standard unit is often enough.
- For a week or more, consider a deluxe unit with a sink.
- Keep bottled water on hand for drinking and cooking.
Event-style rentals cover up to 7 days at a flat rate. Longer outages switch to 28-day billing.
Tell your well contractor you have a temporary toilet on site. They can plan their work without rushing to restore water.