Overview
- Public Health — Seattle & King County said heavy rain can drive rodents through combined sewer lines into homes, including via toilets.
- Seattle Public Utilities and King County Wastewater Treatment Division reported more than two dozen combined sewer overflows between Dec. 8 and 15.
- Officials said they had not received confirmed toilet‑rat reports in recent weeks but expect residents may file incidents as monitoring continues.
- Guidance advises staying calm, closing the lid and flushing, adding dish soap to help dislodge the animal if needed, then contacting pest control if it remains.
- Prevention tips include keeping food and grease out of drains, cleaning sinks periodically, inspecting older side sewers, and using hotlines and programs such as Seattle’s Sewer Baiting for reports and assistance.