Lawsuit over B.C. condo owner's overflowed toilet highlights danger of flushing floss
A legal dispute between neighbours at a B.C. condo building that began with an overflowed toilet highlights one of several reasons people should never flush dental floss.
The case was decided this week in the province's small claims tribunal, which ordered condo owner Robin McLean to pay $1,270 for water damage caused to his downstairs neighbour Xiangfei Kong's home.
McLean's toilet overflowed on July 20, 2020, spilling water that ultimately left Kong with a hefty bill for ceiling repairs.
A plumber later found a blockage eight feet deep in McLean's drain made up of floss and toilet paper, according to an invoice presented to the Civil Resolution Tribunal.
The condo owner argued the blockage must have started before he purchased the unit about 18 months prior, and that he had no way of knowing it was there.
Part of his argument was that his son, who "only has six teeth and has never used dental floss," was living in the unit at the time, according to the tribunal's decision.
Tribunal member Leah Volkers was not convinced.
Volker noted that McLean's son wasn't a party in the dispute and that the father didn't provide any details about the living arrangements, including whether he lived in the condo as well.
"On balance, and considering the available evidence, I find the most likely scenario is that the blockage occurred as a result of dental floss being flushed down the toilet by either Mr. McLean or his son," she wrote.
While no one submitted expert evidence on the danger of flushing floss, the tribunal determined that was "ordinary knowledge," and that doing so "falls below the standard of care of a reasonable toilet user."
Beyond causing run-of-the-mill toilet clogs, officials warn that floss can consolidate with other materials and contribute to serious issues with municipal sewer systems.
It's one of several items listed as "unflushable" on the website for Metro Vancouver, which spends more than $100,000 a year de-clogging regional pump stations.
Most floss is also made of nylon coated in wax, and is said to take decades to decompose while presenting a possible hazard to fish and other animals because of its tear-proof design.
Volkers found McLean liable for negligence, and ordered him to pay the cost of Kong's ceiling repair along with $4.83 in pre-judgment interest on the bill.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
'Increased fire activity' expected for Fort Nelson, B.C., blaze
A wildfire near Fort Nelson, B.C., that forced thousands to flee their homes grew almost 800 hectares overnight Saturday, according to officials.
Blinken delivers some of the strongest U.S. public criticism of Israel's conduct of the war in Gaza
Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday delivered some of the Biden administration's strongest public criticism yet of Israel's conduct of the war in Gaza, saying Israeli tactics have meant "a horrible loss of life of innocent civilians" but failed to neutralize Hamas leaders and fighters and could drive a lasting insurgency.