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A portable sink, sometimes called a portable handwashing station, is a sink without plumbing. While that’s the simple explanation, it doesn’t cover the wide range of portable sinks that exist. Some common examples are:
Something worth noting is that a gravity-fed sink is also a type of portable sink. It usually uses a water source (like a food-grade plastic jug with a spigot) over a catch bucket. As the name implies, this set-up relies on gravity to work: open the spigot, and you’ve got running water.
However, gravity-fed sinks are messy and somewhat difficult to operate, making the kinds of portable sinks we’re talking about a better solution.
Portable sinks are designed for convenience.
While the specifics will vary based on the particular type of portable sink you use, the basic setup and use go like this:
That’s the simple version, and there’s a little more to it than that, so learn more about how portable sinks work.
No matter where you’re using your portable sink, these are the key features you should consider before buying.
While you can wash your hands in lukewarm or even cold water (as long as you use soap), most people prefer warm to hot water. However, not all portable sinks have a hot water option. Some only dispense cold or “room temperature” water. Those that have a hot water option usually include an integrated hot water heater that requires a power source to operate.
And if you choose hot water, look closely at the heating source. While a few models have instant hot water, most have a recovery time of 15 to 30 minutes, meaning it may take between 15 and 20 minutes to heat the water when you first turn the heater on and between 10 and 15 minutes to reheat the tank once you refill it.
While most portable sinks come with a five-gallon freshwater tank, if you’re using the portable sink at a large outdoor event, construction site, or campsite, consider getting a sink with a larger capacity. It will allow you to go longer between filling the tanks and ensure more people can wash their hands before the sink runs out of water.
Where there’s handwashing, there’s wastewater, and you need a way to capture it.
Most portable sinks have a wastewater tank that’s larger than the freshwater tank to ensure there’s plenty of space without overflowing. That said, depending on your local regulations, you may be required to have a wastewater tank that’s a specific percent or number of gallons larger than the wastewater tank.
Electric models require power to operate. A few have rechargeable batteries, but most are plug-in models. While they can be plugged into a standard wall outlet, it’s generally not recommended to connect a portable sink to a power strip. The power draw is often larger than what a power strip can provide. And though many sinks have built-in splash guards, the combination of water near the open outlets on a power strip is a safety risk.
Many portable sinks feature traditional faucets and goose neck spouts, making it easy to get your hands and arms under the water. What’s more, most models have wrist-activated faucets, though a few offer motion-activated faucets or foot-activated faucets, giving you a range of touchless operation options.
In most settings, a single basin portable sink is the perfect size. However, some settings call for double-basin or even triple-basin sinks, like in a food truck. Even when you’re not required to have a multi-basin sink, you may want one so more people can wash their hands at once, like in a daycare setting.
Many portable sinks are NSF- certified, meaning they meet strict safety and hygiene standards. Some industries require an NSF-certified sink, whether it’s portable or not. But even when your industry doesn’t require it, getting one that meets these strict standards can give you peace of mind.
Before investing in a portable sink, check with your local health department about certification requirements.
While a portable sink is, of course, portable, how you get it from point A to point B varies.
Some portable sinks are small and lightweight, making them easy to move, place, and carry. A few models collapse or come with a carrying case with handles. Larger models often come with locking wheels, allowing you to push and pull the sink where you need, when you need it. However, some outdoor models don’t have wheels, meaning you may need a dolly to move them.
Many portable sinks come with add-ons and accessories or give you the option to expand your setup, but not all do. Consider if you want a portable sink with:
With so many things to consider, All Portable Sinks is your one-stop shop for expert knowledge and guidance. We offer a range of portable sinks from the top brands, and our team is here to recommend the custom solution that’s perfect for your needs. Contact us today to learn more.