/ 19 May 2005

Beware of exploding toilets, Aussies warned

Australia has more than its fair share of sharks, crocodiles, deadly spiders and jellyfish, and now residents of one town have been warned to beware a new hazard — the exploding toilet.

Householders in Sale in Victoria state are being warned to batten down their toilet lids next week, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (ABC) website said on Thursday.

It said the local sewerage authority has posted a brochure to homes warning people to keep lids closed and weighted down all next week while the sewage mains are cleaned with high-pressure jets.

During a similar operation about three years ago, raw sewage exploded out of a toilet at one house and coated the walls, floors and ceiling.

ABC said the brochure did not mention whether householders can use their toilets during the week-long operation. — AFP