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In 2014, explosive device went off inside of a portable toilet in Beaverton, Oregon. Unfortunately, a woman was inside of it at that moment. Police said it was intended to be prank. Intentionally caused. But how your toilet exploding for other, less malicious reasons?
Exploding toilets might sound like a something that could never happen to you, but real cases have made headlines in recent years. From pressure tanks bursting to gas buildups igniting, there are multiple ways how a simple bathroom fixture can become hazardous. This is especially the case if certain problems go unchecked.
Bizarre as they seem, exploding toilets often stem from preventable issues—such as faulty pressurized systems or methane buildup. By staying on top of inspections, knowing the warning signs, and keeping up with routine maintenance, anyone can learn how to keep their bathrooms safe. According to Angi, the average cost of installing a new toilet is almost $400. Learning the warning signs for homeowners can avoid costly toilet replacement, and other unfortunate consequences like toilet overflow water damage or toilet leak floor damage.
While the portable toilet explosion happened in the Portland area, other cases have been reported all around the world for weirder reasons.
In January 2022, a customer named Paul Kerouac experienced a shocking and distressing incident at a Dunkin’ Donuts in Winter Park, Florida.
According to witnesses, employees were aware the men’s room toilet had been acting up for some time, yet it remained open to patrons without proper warning or repair. On the day in question, Kerouac entered the restroom and was caught off guard when the toilet exploded, drenching him with waste. According to APNews, “After the explosion left Kerouac covered in human feces, urine and debris, he walked out of the men’s room seeking help from workers and the store’s manager, according to the lawsuit.”
This is an unfortunate example of how important it is to take toilet issues seriously. When repeated malfunctions especially if the toilet overflowed and leaked through the ceiling or caused water damage from overflowing toilet are reported but not addressed, even a seemingly small issue can escalate into a major hazard. In Kerouac’s case, the aftermath resulted not only in physical cleanup but also prompted him to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for damages.
While a commercial restroom sees more foot traffic, the same core issues can arise in your home—especially if you rely on an older or frequently clogging toilet. If you notice persistent gurgling sounds, standing water around the base, or a toilet that refills itself randomly (“ghost flushing”), these can be early signs of trouble.
Even the wax ring beneath your toilet—which seals the space between the bowl and the drain—can deteriorate over time. A cracked or worn ring lets water seep onto the floor and can lead to mold growth or structural issues if not replaced.
Experts speculate the explosion may have been caused by a buildup of internal pressure or a compromised fixture—problems that could worsen over time when a toilet is known to leak, clog, or otherwise malfunction. By postponing a thorough fix as this business did, they inadvertently exposed customers to a hidden danger lurking behind a common, everyday task.
For any homeowner or business owner, the key takeaway is simple: promptly take care of any warning signs**.** When a toilet repeatedly clogs or leaks, shut off the water, post an “Out of Order” sign if necessary, and contact a professional plumber for inspection or repair. Regular maintenance—particularly if toilet flooding or toilet leak when flushed occurs—and quick action can prevent unfortunate( and preventable) accidents like this from spiraling into severe damage.
Here’s a quick tip: Many homeowners don’t know there’s a simple shutoff valve (often a small knob or lever) on the wall or floor behind the toilet. If you ever suspect an imminent overflow or hear abnormal sputtering after a flush, turn that valve clockwise to stop the water. This can prevent water damage to floors or ceilings if you live in a multi-level home.
High-pressure (pressure-assisted) toilets use a sealed tank to compress air and create a powerful flush, reducing clogs and improving efficiency compared to standard gravity-fed models.
Flushmate’s high-pressure flushing systems might seem like a convenient upgrade. But back in 2018, something went wrong. They’ve sometimes been subject to multiple recalls due to the risk of bursting tanks. Despite sounding like a not dangerous, this is a very real hazard, and it’s left countless homeowners with shattered toilets, injury claims, flooded toilet water damage, and expensive repair bills.The issue came to a head when more than 1.4 million Flushmate II 501-B units were recalled across the U.S. (along with an additional 17,300 in Canada). Experts say nearly 1,500 of these systems have burst, causing over $700,000 in property damage and at least 23 reported injuries—one so severe it required foot surgery.
To understand why toilets sometimes explode, it helps to know how they work. In a standard gravity-fed system, water is stored in a tank and released when you flush, pulling waste down the drain through water pressure alone. However, when components wear out—like the fill valve or flapper—minor leaks and constant running can stress the system over time. A surprising fact: even a small, continuous leak can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day, driving up your utility bills and potentially causing more serious damage if ignored.
So, what went wrong? Investigations point to a design flaw in the pressurized tank, which can weaken over time and eventually explode if not replaced or serviced. Many of these incidents involved older units covered by past recalls that were never repaired.
High-pressure toilets use compressed air to force water out more powerfully, which is great for preventing clogs. But extra power comes with extra responsibility—always check the pressure tank seals and connections for signs of wear or corrosion. A quick trick: listen for a ‘hissing’ sound after you flush. It might indicate a slow air leak in the pressure vessel.
Not sure whether your toilet is pressure-assisted? One quick way to tell is by lifting the tank lid—if you see a separate plastic pressure tank inside (instead of just water), you likely have a pressure-assisted model. Also, these toilets often make a loud “whooshing” sound when flushed, unlike the gentle swirl of a standard gravity toilet.
If you own a pressure-assisted toilet, take these issues seriously. Watch for unusual noises or leaks, and if you see (or hear) anything out of the ordinary, shut off the water supply and flush to relieve the pressure. From there, reach out to the manufacturer, your local hardware store, or a trusted plumber to check for any active recalls. A little prevention goes a long way toward avoiding shattered porcelain, costly damage (ie, floor damage around the toilet or ceiling damage from toilet leak if the unit is on an upper leve), and potential injury.
Fun fact: Standard toilets typically rely on gravity alone, using about 1.6 gallons per flush (GPF) these days—down from older models that used more than 3.5 GPF. Pressure-assisted toilets use air pressure to blast water into the bowl, which can be more efficient at removing waste but also carries added risk if parts break.
Methane gas can accumulate when bathrooms are poorly ventilated or not kept clean, creating a hidden and explosive hazard. Many of us think gas leaks would be obvious—yet methane buildup can go undetected until a spark ignites it, causing major harm in an instant. While pure methane itself is odorless, in real-world settings it often carries a foul or “rotten” smell due to its mixture with other gases in septic or sewer systems. And according to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, “Low concentrations are not harmful. A high concentration can displace oxygen in the air.” When that happens, exposure can lead to headaches, dizziness, or nausea.
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A woman in Barcelona suffered second- and third-degree burns to her legs when the toilet beneath her exploded after she switched on the bathroom light. Investigators discovered that the bar’s septic tank was in such unhygienic condition and the lavatory so poorly ventilated that methane gas had built up over time, waiting for just one spark to set it off.
A horrible reminder that unpleasant smells might signal more than just an unclean restroom; they can be an early warning of trapped gases. Because the woman was seated and the methane compressed, the blast force was even stronger, resulting in severe injuries and a subsequent lawsuit against the bar’s owners.
The best defense against methane-related explosions is proper airflow. One DIY approach is to install a small exhaust fan or open a window after showers to keep air circulating. Some homeowners place battery-powered gas detectors near bathrooms and basements to alert them if levels rise above safe limits.
Ensure bathrooms have adequate ventilation, address unpleasant odors immediately, and schedule regular plumbing checks if you suspect a septic tank or drainage issue. If a persistent smell doesn’t go away with standard cleaning, consult a licensed plumber to investigate possible gas leaks before a minor problem becomes a life-altering accident.
One overlooked step is to check if your bathroom’s exhaust fan is actually pulling air. A quick test is to hold a piece of toilet paper near the fan cover—if it stays pressed against the vent, you have decent suction. If not, cleaning or replacing the fan may help prevent odor buildup and improve airflow.
Bonus tip: Ever notice a gurgling sound in your sink or shower drain when you flush the toilet? That could signal a venting issue in your plumbing system—another hidden culprit behind gas and pressure problems.
From these unsettling stories, it’s clear that exploding toilet incidents often arise from preventable oversights—ranging from neglected maintenance and recalled pressure systems to poor bathroom ventilation that can trap hazardous gases. A few simple steps, like checking for recall notices, fixing small leaks right away, and ensuring proper airflow, can drastically reduce the chances of encountering a literal “bathroom bomb.” and the potential for toilet overflow damage insurance claims.
If you’re a homeowner, property manager, or business owner, a quick inspection here and there can make all the difference. Keep those restrooms in good shape, and they’ll be a lot less likely to turn into an unexpected danger zone.
Just as important, remember that your peace of mind hinges on swift and professional intervention when bigger problems arise. If you ever face a toilet explosion or suspect mold or water damage from a toilet leak, Droplet Restoration is ready to help with 24/7 emergency service. Our certified technicians handle water extraction, drying, and even insurance claims—allowing you to protect your home, avoid further damage, and get life back to normal as quickly as possible. The average person flushes the toilet around 2,500 times a year—so it’s no surprise that wear and tear can happen faster than you might think!
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