Public health officials in Washington state are sounding alarms about the potential for “toilet rats” after historic flooding earlier this month displaced numerous rodents. A Facebook advisory from the Seattle and King County public health department highlighted the risks posed by floodwaters that can sweep rodents into combined sewer systems, occasionally leading them to enter homes through toilets.
The recent floods in Washington have caused significant damage, breaking levees and prompting nearly 1,000 evacuations across the state. As floodwaters overwhelmed local infrastructure, public health officials reiterated the importance of sanitation and community awareness, particularly among homeowners in flood-prone areas. While modern plumbing designs have mitigated some risks, many older neighborhoods still rely on combined sewer systems that remain susceptible to overflow during heavy rainfall.
The advisory noted that although it is unusual for rats to enter homes via toilet plumbing, such incidents are not unprecedented, especially after severe storms compromise aging sewer systems. Older neighborhoods, where sanitary and stormwater pipes connect, are particularly vulnerable. Displaced rats, in search of dry ground, may navigate through pipes and surface in residential bathrooms.
To address the potential for encountering a rat in a toilet, the public health department provided residents with practical advice, illustrated in a comic format. Residents are encouraged to remain calm, close the toilet lid, and flush. If the rat does not exit, they should add dish soap to the bowl to break the surface tension, making it easier for the rodent to be flushed out. If these methods fail, officials recommend closing the bathroom door and contacting pest control services. The health department also urged residents to report such incidents through the county’s website or a dedicated hotline.
Seattle’s aging infrastructure includes combined sewer systems that are over 100 years old in some areas. When these systems are overwhelmed, they can cause overflows, mixing wastewater with stormwater and leaving pipes vulnerable to rodent migration. Between December 8 and 15, the Seattle Public Utilities and King County Wastewater Treatment Division reported more than two dozen combined sewer overflows as a result of the intense rainfall.
Experts caution that rats entering homes can pose health risks due to the diseases they carry. The Seattle and King County public health department is urging residents to thoroughly disinfect surfaces after any rodent encounter and to avoid exposure to potentially contaminated water resulting from combined sewer overflows. As the public health department continues to monitor reports of rodents in toilets, officials are committed to providing updates and further guidance as necessary.
