Disrupting Porta Potties—The New Must-Use Tourist Toilets

One of the greatest fears people have about traveling is using public toilets. Nobody likes waiting in line only to use dirty toilets with bad lighting.

Today the sanitation industry stands at a net worth of 1.9% billion per annum.

3.6 million portable toilets are already being used globally, which shows a huge demand for portable toilets. Advanced models, like The Portal, employ solar LED lighting, a mirror, a ventilation system, and a glass ceiling with the toilet.

Porta potties are things of the past. As per a recent article on Forbes, the creator of The Portal, Jeff Wilson, stated, “In most porta potties, you’re in this cramped space banging your knees against the door; there’s all this bad plastic, it smells, there’s no light."

Other competitors like Portland Loo and Throne are also coming up with similar models designed to make the experience less terrifying in a public toilet.

Since it is an expanding market, other countries are also following suit. For example, Peequal in the UK manufactures doorless toilets with fewer touchpoints for contacting germs and bacteria.

Consideration for Physically Disabled

Moreover, companies are trying to make their public facilities accessible to all, including those with limited mobility. “The Tokyo Toilet Project” began on the same trend. The aim was to make the bathroom facilities accessible for all ages, genders, and those with different abilities.

One such design was to make the bathroom look opaque when someone was using it and transparent otherwise.

Impact of Covid-19

After the pandemic, people have become more aware of hygiene, especially when using public bathroom facilities. There's a dire need for cleaner facilities with fewer contact points so people can use them without fear.

As per statistics, 60% of US citizens have to use public toilets one to five times a week. A cleaner toilet will be more than welcomed everywhere.

Types of Toilets

Other than porta-potties, there are so many different types and designs of toilets. There are three general categories of toilets:

Wall-Hung Toilets

As per the name, these toilets are just hung onto the walls. So, there's no pedestal or installation requirement.

The best thing is that these can be hung at any height. This design is sturdy and easy to install.

Close Coupled Toilets

The most common toilets you see today are the close-coupled toilets. They are called close-coupled because the pan and cistern are both connected in one unit in these.

Back-to-Wall Toilets

Back-to-wall toilets are much like wall-hung toilets. However, these are fixed on the floors instead of the wall. Like the wall-hung toilets, their cistern and pipes are hidden.

These are usually the best option for small bathrooms.

Toilet Styles

You can choose from the following styles of toilets:

Corner Toilets

These are designed for small spaces and easily fit smaller bathrooms.

High-Level Toilets

These are old-style toilets where the cistern is placed above the pan. There’s a chain flush, and a long pipe connects the pan with the cistern.

Low-Level Toilets

The only difference is that the cistern is positioned further down the wall. Also, the chain flush is often replaced with the handle, and these, too, look classic and are installed in older bathrooms.

Comfort Raised

In these, the pan is slightly raised and sits high. These toilets are great for the elderly and those people with mobility troubles.

Concealed Cisterns

In these, the cistern is hidden behind the toilet and vanity to provide a minimalist appearance.

Toilet Installation: DIY or Professional Job?

Consider hiring professionals to replace and install the toilet. Toilet installation is tricky, and it may not be the best idea to attempt it.

It's best to call in the professionals for help. Here are some supporting facts for why you should consider hiring professionals :

Skills Required

While fixing leaky faucets or clogged drains is relatively easy, you will need specific skills to install a complete toilet. Taking out an old one and placing a new one requires plumbing and repair experience.

Tools

You need special tools and equipment to remove the old toilet and install a new one. Even if you buy these off the shelves, using them requires expertise and experience.

Permits

You may need permits for plumbing, construction, and home renovation projects. If you have professionals on board, they will look into all the legalities, and the burden won't fall on you. If you do the project yourself, you may have to deal with these legal matters.

Improper Installation

Improper installation can be costly and a disaster. It could result in a leak or incorrect seal and flood the area.

Inability to Identify Leaks

Water leaks could lead to mold, damage, and other issues. Over time they can lead to bigger losses and an extensive need for renovation. That will be costly, inconvenient, and even cause health problems due to mold.