Can Rats Really Go Through the Toilet?
It sounds like the stuff of nightmares—or urban legend. You sit down in the bathroom, minding your own business, when a terrifying thought crosses your mind:
Can rats really come up through the toilet?
For many people, the idea alone is enough to send a shiver down the spine. Stories circulate online, friends swear they’ve heard of it happening, and sensational headlines only fuel the fear. But is it actually possible? Or is this just another exaggerated myth meant to scare homeowners?
The answer, unfortunately (or fascinatingly, depending on your perspective), is yes—rats really can go through toilets under certain conditions.
But how? How often does it happen? What makes rats capable of such a feat? And most importantly—how can you prevent it?
Let’s dive deep into the science, the plumbing, the real-life cases, and the steps you can take to protect your home.
Why This Question Freaks People Out
Bathrooms are supposed to be safe, clean spaces. The idea that a rodent—especially a rat—could emerge from a toilet taps directly into primal fears:
Loss of control in a private space
Unexpected contact with wild animals
Concerns about hygiene and disease
Unlike mice, rats are larger, stronger, and more intimidating. The thought of one appearing in your toilet feels almost unreal—yet the fear persists for a reason.
The Short Answer: Yes, Rats Can Go Through Toilets
To be clear:
Rats can enter homes through toilets, but it is rare.
Still, “rare” doesn’t mean impossible.
To understand how this happens, we need to understand rats, plumbing systems, and the unique abilities that make rats such skilled survivors.
How Rats Are Physically Able to Do This
Rats are far more capable than most people realize. Their bodies are practically engineered for squeezing, swimming, and surviving in harsh environments.
1. Rats Are Excellent Swimmers
Rats can:
Swim for up to three days continuously
Hold their breath for up to 3 minutes
Navigate underwater tunnels
Sewer systems, while unpleasant, are very much within a rat’s comfort zone.
2. Rats Can Squeeze Through Tiny Spaces
A fully grown rat can compress its body to fit through an opening as small as:
A 1.5-inch (4 cm) diameter hole
That’s roughly the size of a standard plumbing pipe.
If their skull fits, the rest of their body usually follows.
3. Rats Can Climb Vertically
Rats are skilled climbers. They can:
Scale vertical pipes
Grip rough surfaces with their claws
Use tail balance to maneuver upward
This ability allows them to climb plumbing systems that run vertically through buildings.
4. Rats Have Strong Survival Instincts
Rats are opportunistic explorers. If they detect:
Food smells
Warmth
Quiet shelter
They will investigate—no matter how unpleasant the route.
Understanding Your Plumbing: How Toilets Are Designed
Toilets are not just open holes connected directly to sewers. They’re designed with a feature called a trap, usually an S-shaped or U-shaped bend in the pipe.
What the Trap Does
Holds water at all times
Prevents sewer gases from entering the home
Acts as a physical barrier
This water barrier is the main reason toilet entry is rare.
However…
How Rats Bypass the Toilet Trap
Despite the trap, rats can sometimes make it through due to a combination of factors:
1. Sewer Access
In some areas, especially older cities, rats live in sewer systems. These environments provide:
Constant water
Food waste
Shelter
From there, toilets become one of many potential exit points.
2. Pipe Size and Design
Some plumbing systems have:
Larger diameter pipes
Rough interior surfaces
Vertical connections
These make climbing easier for rodents.
3. Low Water Levels
If a toilet hasn’t been used in a long time (vacation homes, unused bathrooms), the water level in the trap may drop due to evaporation, making passage easier.
4. Persistent Rats
A determined rat can:
Push through water barriers
Swim against minor currents
Force its way upward
They don’t “flush” up the toilet—but they can climb up through connected pipes.
Real-Life Cases: Has This Actually Happened?
Yes. There are documented cases around the world.
Australia
Australia reports some of the most well-known toilet rat incidents due to:
Large rat populations
Warm climate
Unique plumbing layouts
In one famous case, a plumber demonstrated a rat swimming through a toilet in a controlled experiment.
United States
Cases have been reported in:
New York City
Chicago
San Francisco
These usually involve older buildings with aging plumbing systems.
Europe
While rarer, incidents have occurred in:
The UK
France
Germany
Especially in dense urban areas.
How Common Is This Really?
Here’s the reassuring truth:
Toilet rat incidents are extremely rare.
Most rat infestations happen through:
Gaps in foundations
Vents
Rooflines
Broken pipes
Crawl spaces
Toilets are one of the least common entry points.
Still, the rarity doesn’t make the fear irrational—it just means it’s unlikely.
Warning Signs You Might Have a Rat Problem
Even if rats aren’t coming through the toilet, they may still be nearby.
Watch for:
Scratching sounds in walls
Droppings near baseboards
Chewed wires or pipes
Grease marks along walls
Unusual pet behavior
If you notice these signs, it’s time to investigate.
Can Rats Come Up Through Other Drains?
Yes—other drains are actually more likely entry points.
These include:
Floor drains
Shower drains
Basement drains
Uncovered outdoor drains
Especially if:
There are no grates
Pipes are damaged
The building is old
How to Prevent Rats from Coming Through Toilets
While the risk is low, prevention offers peace of mind.
1. Keep Toilets in Regular Use
Flushing regularly keeps:
Water levels high
Traps effective
Unused bathrooms are more vulnerable.
2. Close the Toilet Lid
It won’t stop a determined rat—but it can:
Prevent surprise encounters
Slow entry
Alert you to unusual movement
3. Install a Rat Guard or Backflow Valve
Some homeowners install:
One-way valves
Rodent-proof toilet flaps
These allow waste to pass but block animals.
4. Seal Cracks and Gaps
Inspect:
Around pipes
Foundation walls
Bathroom floors
Even small gaps can provide access.
5. Maintain Sewer Lines
Broken or collapsed sewer lines are a major entry point.
Signs of sewer issues include:
Slow drains
Gurgling sounds
Foul odors
Professional inspection can prevent bigger problems.
What to Do If You Ever See a Rat in the Toilet
If the unthinkable happens:
Do NOT Panic
Easier said than done—but panic increases risk.
Close the Lid Immediately
This helps:
Contain the rat
Prevent escape into the bathroom
Evacuate the Area
Leave the bathroom and close the door.
Call Pest Control or a Plumber
Professionals can:
Remove the animal safely
Inspect plumbing
Identify entry points
Disinfect Thoroughly
After removal:
Wear gloves
Use disinfectant
Clean surrounding surfaces
Rats can carry bacteria and parasites.
Health Concerns: Are Toilet Rats Dangerous?
Rats can carry diseases such as:
Leptospirosis
Salmonella
Hantavirus
However, transmission usually requires:
Direct contact
Bites
Contaminated surfaces
Seeing a rat does not automatically mean infection risk—but cleanliness is essential.
Why This Fear Persists
The idea of rats coming through toilets persists because it combines:
Lack of control
Vulnerability
Disgust
Surprise
It’s a perfect storm for fear—even if the odds are low.
Myth vs. Reality
Myth: Rats routinely come up toilets
Reality: It’s possible, but very rare
Myth: All toilets are vulnerable
Reality: Modern plumbing greatly reduces risk
Myth: Flushing brings rats up
Reality: Rats climb pipes—they don’t flush upward
Final Thoughts
So—can rats really go through the toilet?
Yes, they can. But it’s rare, preventable, and far less likely than other types of rodent entry.
Modern plumbing, regular use, and simple precautions make the risk extremely low for most households.
Still, understanding the reality helps replace fear with knowledge—and knowledge is always the best defense.
The next time someone asks this question, you’ll know the truth:
Not an urban legend.
Not a common occurrence.
Just another reminder of how adaptable—and surprising—rats can be.
Key Takeaways
Rats are strong swimmers and climbers
Toilets have traps that usually prevent entry
Incidents are rare but documented
Prevention is simple and effective
Most rat infestations come from other entry points
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