Toilets can sometimes catch on fire unexpectedly in The Sims 4. The problem is that Sims can become engulfed in flames if the toilet catches fire while they are using it.
If you don’t put out the flames quickly enough, the Grim Reaper may show up sooner than expected.
So why do toilets randomly catch fire in The Sims 4? Let’s take a look at the possible causes and what you can do to prevent these dangerous situations.
Why Your Toilet Keeps Catching Fire in The Sims 4
If you have the Eco Lifestyle pack and use the Composting Upgrade on a toilet, it can catch fire from time to time as it burns through the compost.
These fires usually don’t last very long and should disappear before your Sim even notices anything is wrong.
The description of the Composting Upgrade explains that the toilet can catch fire when there are no insects available to consume the compost.
If you use this upgrade, consider creating a Bug Farm so your Sims can feed the compost to the insects. The bugs will break down the compost, which helps prevent the toilet from catching fire as often.
Without a Bug Farm, Sims cannot properly empty composting toilets. As compost builds up, methane can accumulate and cause the toilet to burst into flames.
Since compost is made from organic material, it can also be combustible.
The Old Time Antique Toilet appears to catch fire more often than other toilet models, so make sure to empty it regularly if you are using the compost upgrade.
When upgrading your toilets, avoid choosing the Instant Upgrade option if you don’t want this feature.
If you are not planning to build a Bug Farm, it is better to skip the Composting Upgrade altogether to prevent unexpected fires.
Other Things That Can Cause Toilet Fires
If you are not using the Composting Upgrade and your toilet is still catching fire, check whether your lot has the Gremlins lot trait.
You should also check if one of your Sims has the Childish trait or the Mischief aspiration. Sims with these traits or aspirations can autonomously prank toilets, even while they are using them.
This can sometimes result in purple smoke coming out of the toilet.
How to Save Your Sim From a Toilet Fire
If a toilet catches fire while your Sim is using it, quickly send them into the shower to put out the flames. It is a good idea to place a shower near the toilet so your Sim can react immediately.
You need to act fast because failing to extinguish the fire can cause your Sim to die.
You should also consider replacing the toilet that keeps catching fire. Try using a different model and see if the problem continues.
Conclusion
Toilets that randomly catch fire can be dangerous and may even kill your Sims. The most common reason for these fires is using the Composting Upgrade without having an Insect Farm to deal with the compost.
If your toilet catches fire while your Sim is using it, the flames can spread instantly. Put out the fire as quickly as possible if you want to save your Sim.
Has this ever happened to you? Were you able to save your Sim? Let me know in the comments below.
Editor’s Note: This guide was updated in August 2026.