‘Like a fountain’: Toilet explosion shocks Sorell resident

A Sorell woman has told of the moment her house’s plumbing roared like thunder as sewage spewed “like a fountain” out of the toilet with such force it hit the roof. THE LIKELY CAUSE >>

It’s quite a thing to wake up to – the house’s plumbing roaring like thunder as sewage spews “like a fountain” out of the toilet with such force it hits the roof.

That’s what Sorell resident Donna Fielding woke to on Thursday morning.

According to Ms Fielding, the force of the sewage was so strong, she was unable to close the toilet lid on it as it sprayed all over her and her bathroom.

“It was so loud it woke me up,” she said.

“I thought a bomb went off.

“It went up all over the walls, up to the light globe in the ceiling and all of my brand new carpet that got laid last week. It’s all over me from trying to get in to put the toilet lid down.”

Ms fielding said was unable to work Thursday as she dealt with the aftermath, resulting in loss of wages for that day.

Sorell, Tasmania. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

She said some of her neighbours also reported their toilets backing up, but to a lesser extent.

Thankfully, TasWater were quick to organise a cleaning and damage assessment team to help get her house back to normal.

A spokesperson from TasWater said the company had been in touch with Ms Fielding and revealed what was likely the cause.

TasWater has engaged a contractor to undertake routine cleaning of the sewer mains in Sorell,” they said.

“This cleaning can occasionally cause a limited rush of air back through the mains that can affect a property connection.

“If property owners experience an issue, we encourage them to get in contact with us on 13 6992 so we can assess the situation and organise a cleaning crew if required.

It’s not the first stinky encounter she’s had in recent months at Sorell.

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She said parts of town had a distinct sewage odour she believed was coming out of the drains in the gutters.

“I was in Subway the other day and asked the girls in there if something stunk like sewage – they agreed,” she told the Mercury not long after showering off Thursday morning’s toilet explosion.

“I would move, I wouldn’t buy here but I had to because of the cost of housing.

“It stinks but I can’t afford to get out of here.”

Others on social media have also reported the stench around town.

However, TasWater said no official complaints regarding the smell had been received.

“No odour issues have been reported to TasWater for Sorell,” they said.

“If anyone experiences odour issues please contact with us so we can investigate.”

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