Short answer: put the unit against a wall, fence or site trailer, face the door away from the west and southwest, and ask us to stake or strap it on any open lot. Units are most likely to tip right after cleaning, when the tank is empty and the cabin is at its lightest.
Why spring is the problem season
Late winter and spring bring the strongest and most frequent wind of the year to the El Paso area, usually out of the west and southwest, often with blowing dust. The National Weather Service issues a High Wind Warning when sustained wind reaches 40 mph or gusts reach 58 mph, and the region sees several of those most springs. A plastic cabin seven and a half feet tall is basically a sail.
The lightest moment is the riskiest
An empty standard cabin weighs about 175 lb. As the tank fills, the weight sits low, which steadies it. Right after the technician pumps the tank, the unit is back to its lightest. If your spot is exposed, the day after cleaning is when you want it secured, not the day before.
Where to put it
- Behind something solid. The east side of a block wall, garage or site trailer breaks the prevailing wind.
- Door downwind. A door facing into the wind can be yanked open and slammed; face it east or northeast if you can.
- Not on a rise. A slight hollow or the base of a slope beats the top of a lot.
- Not near anything breakable. Keep it clear of parked cars, windows and power lines in case it does move.
Securing it
On open builder lots in Horizon City, the Far East side or Santa Teresa, we stake units through the base or strap them to a fence post or the site trailer. Tell us when you book that the spot is exposed. Please do not tie a unit down with rope through the vent pipe; it is not built to take that load.
If a unit tips over
- Keep people awayThe tank contents and blue fluid can spill; treat it like any sewage spill.
- Call us the same dayWe send a crew to right, clean and sanitize it or swap it out.
- Do not set it upright yourselfIt is heavier and messier than it looks, and a damaged cabin should be checked.
Dust inside the cabin
Blowing dust finds its way through the vents. On windy weeks, keep the door latched when no one is inside, and expect the next cleaning visit to include a wipe-down of grit on the seat and floor.
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