Toilet Water Splashed on Me (Stop and Do This ASAP!)

Nobody wants to think that they are susceptible to the dreaded toilet water splash, but it can happen to anyone.  So, the next time you’re using the facilities, whether at home or out in public, and you have the bad luck to have some splash occur, don’t panic. 

If toilet water splashes on you, stop and clean yourself up.  If you have access to antibacterial wipes or, ideally, soap and water, clean the splashed area thoroughly.  The good news is, while it’s gross to think about, you won’t get any diseases from toilet water. 

If you still have questions or concerns, we’ve got you covered.  In this article, we’ll be discussing the best ways to clean up after a splash, the worst possible outcomes from being exposed to toilet water, and how to prevent it from happening again.

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Possible Diseases From Toilet Splash

If you’ve ever gotten splashed with toilet water, whether it was clean or not, you’re probably panic-searching if you’re going to get a terrible disease from the water. 

We’ve taken out the middleman and have the low down on the possible diseases you can get from toilet water.

Can You Get Sick From Toilet Splash?

It is HIGHLY unlikely you will get sick from toilet splash.  If the toilet water was clean, the odds are even slimmer.  Even if the water wasn’t clean, as long as you immediately and thoroughly clean off the affected area, you’re unlikely to pick up any diseases. 

However, if you know that you have a cut or sore near the splashed area, you may want to contact your doctor. 

While it’s still unlikely you’ll have gotten any illnesses, your doctor may prescribe a preventative antibiotic due to infection risk.

Is Toilet Water Dirty?

In the United States, toilet water is clean water that is piped from its source directly to the toilet bowl.  Unless the toilet has been used and not flushed, any water that may splash from it is unlikely to have bacteria that will make you sick. 

This is good news for those of us who have ever accidentally dropped something into a toilet bowl. 

While it still will seem instinctively really gross to reach your hand into a toilet bowl to fish out your car keys or other unfortunate dropped items, it won’t hurt you. As always, be sure to wash your hands after! 

Are Toilet Water Splashes Dangerous?

Toilet water splashes are gross, but they’re not really dangerous.  Clean toilet water isn’t any different than the water that comes from your sink or shower. Instead, it just goes into your toilet bowl. Makes you want to make sure your toilet bowl is clean, right?

Even if you have used the toilet and then the splash occurred, as long as you immediately clean and disinfect the contaminated area, you are unlikely to have any negative outcomes from your brush with toilet water. 

What Diseases Can You Get From Toilet Water?

While highly uncommon, there are a few diseases you may pick up if you encounter fecal matter while using a public bathroom.  These diseases include Norovirus, E. Coli, and Giardia infection, to name a few.

The best way to avoid getting diseases such as Norovirus, E. Coli, or any other illnesses is to wash your hands properly after using the restroom, according to the CDC. 

This means using hot water (100 degrees F), antibacterial soap, and washing for at least twenty seconds.  Be sure to use a towel to turn the water off after washing. 

Can You Get Infections From Toilet Water?

It is very unlikely you will pick up an infection from toilet water.  In fact, that old wives’ tale about getting an STD from a toilet seat is pure rumor. The CDC says there has never been a case of getting an STD from a toilet seat. 

You are at greater risk of contracting an infection from toilet water if you have an open sore or wound in the area that was toilet water splashed on. 

If you ever are exposed to toilet water be sure to thoroughly clean the affected area with disinfectant and soap. 

Can You Get STD From Toilet Backsplash?

You can only contract a sexually transmitted disease through sexual contact.  There has never been a reported case of any STD being transmitted via a toilet seat or through a backsplash.  

STDs and other infectious diseases require certain conditions in order to survive. 

These bacteria and viruses cannot survive the harsh conditions on a cold, non-porous surface like a toilet seat or water. 

Additionally, most of these bugs cannot permeate through the skin unless you have an open wound. 

Can You Get a UTI From Toilet Water Splash?

In rare cases, the splash from your toilet can potentially reach the urethra.  This is only a problem if the toilet water contains fecal matter.  No matter the cause, fecal matter entering the urethra can cause UTIs. 

If you’re having backsplash issues and are concerned about getting a UTI, there are some precautions you can take.  The easiest way is to create surface tension on the water.

You can do this by adding a few squares of toilet paper on top of the water before using the restroom. 

Is Toilet Water Harmful?

In the United States, toilet water is typically drawn from the same freshwater source as the rest of your taps.  As long as you clean and disinfect your toilet regularly, clean water that is in the bowl of your toilet is not harmful.  

This is good for anyone who has ever had the misfortune of losing their car keys or phone in the toilet bowl. 

As long as you wash your hands (and whatever went for a swim) with soap and disinfectant after fishing the object out, no harm is done (except maybe to your phone, sorry.)

You might also enjoy our post on How to Fix Cloudy Toilet Water

Can You Get Chlamydia From Toilet Water Splash?

The risk of getting chlamydia or any other STD from toilet water is practically non-existent.  This is because the infection that causes chlamydia cannot survive long outside the human body. 

If you are concerned you may have contracted chlamydia or any other infection for that matter, we recommend you contact your doctor as soon as possible. 

While you probably did not get the infection from contaminated toilet water, you still need medical attention!

Can Toilet Water Splashback Cause Anal Fissure Infection?

Toilet water splashback will not cause anal fissure infections.  Those types of infections happen internally, where no water is going to hit, even if you’re unlucky enough to encounter some splashback. 

If you are concerned you may have a fissure, you should seek medical help immediately. 

These kinds of infections need to be treated as soon as possible to avoid the fissure growing and to stop the infection from spreading.  If in doubt, ask your doc!

Can I Contract HIV From a Toilet Water Splash?

It is not possible to contract HIV, or any other STD, from toilet water.  The bacteria needs a warm host to survive, and your toilet water is not going to provide that.  Even if you’re hit with splashback, you do not have to worry about catching HIV. 

If you are concerned you may have an infection or virus, please contact a medical professional immediately and get tested. 

Testing is simple and confidential and keeps you and those you are in contact with safe.  

What to Do if You’re Splashed by Toilet Water

If you’ve had toilet water splashed on you, don’t panic.  We’re here to help you get clean and disinfected, no freak-out necessary.  Stick with us for great tips on how to clean up if you’ve had a brush with toilet water.

What to Do if Toilet Water Touches You?

If toilet water touches you, the most important thing is to clean and disinfect the area.  If the toilet water is clean, then you really don’t have to worry. You will only need to dry off the area with clean water. 

If the water is contaminated, be sure to clean the affected area with soap and water, or one of these great antibacterial wipes.

This will help prevent any bacteria from getting into your bloodstream and causing an illness.

What to Do if Toilet Water Goes in Your Eyes?

Having toilet water splash in your eyes is gross and uncomfortable- we wouldn’t wish it on anyone!  If you have had toilet water splash in your eye, be sure to rinse your eye thoroughly with warm (but not scalding hot!) water for at least ten minutes. 

If the toilet water was clean, you don’t have anything to worry about, though you may want to use a medical-grade eye rinse, just for peace of mind.

However, if the water has been contaminated, we suggest you seek proper medical attention to prevent infection.

How to Stop Toilet Water Back-Splash

Worrying about backsplash – or toilet water splashing on you – while you flush, is one of the biggest concerns when using the bathroom. 

We’ve got plenty of great ideas to help you prevent splashing next time you’re visiting the restroom. Check it out! 

My Toilet Water Is Splashing up When Flushing

Having toilet water splash up while you’re flushing can be very frustrating.  You never want to risk having dirty water contaminate you or your surroundings.  When possible, be sure to close the toilet lid before flushing to minimize spray and splash. 

If the toilet in question doesn’t have a lid, you do have other options! You may need to clean under the rim of your toilet bowl.

If the jets under there are clogged, they may be causing the spray.  Try using a hard water build-up remover to get it clean!

Water Is Exploding Out of My Toilet Bowl

If you’re noticing an explosion of water when you flush, you may need to check your toilet for a small clog. Sometimes, buildup prevents your waste line to clog.  This leads to more water sitting in the bowl, which can lead to higher instances of splashing.  

Try using a toilet clog remover to help get rid of stubborn clogs!  If you cannot find a clog, you may also need to adjust your float mechanism in the toilet tank. 

If the tank is overfull, you may experience what appears to be an explosion of water when you flush. 

You might also enjoy our post on Can a Toilet Fall Through the Floor?

Why Does My Toilet Always Splash Me?

There are a few common reasons your toilet bowl may splash you.  Typically, these reasons center around something being clogged.  Keeping your toilet bowl and rim clean can help prevent splashes. 

Additionally, be sure you’re closing the lid before flushing if you have that option.  Also, be careful not to flush too much at once, as it may cause your waste line to clog up. 

How Do You Stop Toilet Water Backsplash?

The key to stopping all toilet water backsplash is to have good surface tension on the water.  One trick involves having a careful aim.  If you can sit forward on the seat and aim towards the front of the waterline, you’ll have less splashing than if you aim for the middle of the bowl.  

A very simple, but very useful trick is to place a square of toilet paper in the clean toilet water before using the toilet. 

This creates surface tension and prevents splashing from occurring when any other objects hit the water. Thanks, science! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GDWx-RTLWY

Is There an Anti-Splash Toilet Bowl?

While we were unable to find anything specifically marketed as anti-splash toilet bowls, we did find some interesting toilet seats! These seats are designed to help prevent splashes when you have to use the toilet.

For example, this raised toilet seat adds five inches in height between you and the toilet bowl.  This height allows almost no risk of backsplash occurring when using the facilities. 

If you’re worried about backsplash, this may be just the thing you need! 

What Is a Toilet Splash Guard?

A toilet splash guard is a small piece of material, usually plastic, that can be added to the front of your toilet seat.  Traditionally, they are used while children are potty training, though people of any age may need to utilize them. 

The P-flector toilet seat, for example, can be used by children or adults to help prevent splashing when using the restroom. 

This seat utilizes a plastic piece in the gap between the seat and bowl of the toilet to prevent leaks. 

Do Rimless Toilets Splash?

A rimless toilet is exactly what it sounds like, a regular toilet, just missing the usual rim.  Getting rid of this rim is one way to prevent the usual issue of build-up accumulating under it.  Rimless toilets should not splash any more than regular rimmed toilets. 

Rimless toilets are designed to have a powerful flush, but they shouldn’t cause any more splash than their rimmed counterparts.

If you’re noticing that your rimless toilet is splashing a lot, you may need to check the flush flow valve. 

You might also enjoy our post on Can a Cracked Toilet Seat Be Repaired

Related Questions

What Is the Tapping in My Wall After I Flush the Toilet?

If you’re hearing a tapping sound in your wall after you flush the toilet, you may have a loose water pipe somewhere in your system.  If you can access your pipes, try giving them a nudge to see how loose they are. 

You can probably tighten the pipes on your own if you are familiar with pipework. 

You may need to either tighten the pipe itself or tighten a strap or brace holding the pipe to the supports, whichever is applicable in your home. 

What Is the Loud Thud After Flushing My Toilet?

Hearing a loud thud after flushing your toilet may be a sign of changing water pressure.  Because some of the valves in your tank open and close automatically, you may hear the thud of the water hitting the closed valve as it rushes away from your toilet. 

If you notice this noise getting louder, or if your toilet starts to back up, you may want to contact your plumber. 

They’ll be able to tell you if the noises you’re hearing are normal, or if they’re a sign of a problem. 

Final Thoughts

Getting toilet water splashed on you is sure to gross you out.  Luckily, it’s not likely to make you sick.

If you do get splashed, be sure to use soap and water or an antibacterial wipe to clean up, and you should be good to go. 

We hope this helps ease your mind if you are ever faced with a splash in the future!