This feature in Pumper reports noteworthy conversations that take place at the Pumper Discussion Forum, an online forum for industry professionals found at www.pumper.com. Pumper Discussion enables exchange of information and ideas on septic and drainfield installation and maintenance, trucks and equipment, portable sanitation, chemical and additives and much more. Information and advice in “Overheard Online” is offered in good faith by industry professionals. However, readers should consult in depth with appropriate industry sources before applying such advice to a specific business situation.

Question:

Anyone ever had a lid fall in the tank? Any quick ideas or systems for getting them out? I had a lid the other day that weighed 100 pounds – it didn’t go in but was close. That would have ruined my day.

Answers:

Use a rope, make a self-tightening loop and try to tie onto the lid and lift it up enough to get a hook on it. This is easier with two people. But no matter how you slice it, it’s a difficult operation.

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If it’s possible for the lid to fall in when removing, it is time to sell the customer a replacement lid that can’t fall in. I would at least put it in writing on the invoice that I would not be responsible if it fell in during a service call, and that it should be replaced for the customer’s safety.

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Install a riser and leave the old lid in the tank.

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I had a lid drop in the tank the other day for the first time. I just finished pumping the tank and hooked the metal handle with my crowbar to lower it back in the hole. The lid slipped off my crowbar and dropped in the tank. I’m used to round covers not being able to drop in, but this was a large rectangle cover so it dropped through the hole without a problem. Luckily, the metal handle was pointed up. I grabbed a garden rake with a long wooden handle and laid on my stomach to reach in and hook the cover. Thankfully, I got it and maneuvered it through the hole.

Question:

I’m looking to start a portable restroom trailer rental business. I’m going through the process of developing my business plan but was hoping to collect feedback from others in the industry. Have you found the portable sanitation business to be profitable? What are the most profitable areas of your businesses? Any tips for a newcomer?

Answers:

A buddy of mine does the restroom trailers. All he has is trailers, no portable restrooms. I pump the trailers. He does very well with them when they work. Sometimes they sit for a month at a time.

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You will certainly want to figure out the going rate for rentals in your area. Where I am, portable sanitation rentals are priced to the point that it should be considered a hobby because these guys sure as heck aren’t making any money.