What’s caused this toilet connector damage?

[Shooter McGavin]

We have a downstairs WC installed in a 1970s three-bed house. I replaced everything in August 2018, including a flexible connector pipe into the sewer drain which I was forced to use because of the tight angle of fit.

After a few weeks of noticing a smell of drains and then spotting a leak this morning I took a look. Was shocked to find it in this state.

Is this just perishing of the material or has a rodent been at it from the inside? There is no sign of rodent penetration into the house (no droppings/noise) so I’m hoping just crap material. A friend has advised to buy a McAlpine replacement.

Is it just fatigue, or should I be calling a pest controller?

I’ve replaced it with a like for like version I was able to collect from Screwfix an hour before they closed to get us through Christmas but would like a better solution if possible.

[Richard-D]

It does look like rodent damage to me but to be certain...

At the edges of the hole is the material thin, like it has been worn away, or is it full thickness? If rodent damage it will be full thickness as the edge of the hole and not 'knife edged'.

[hidetheelephants]

Rodents.

[Mikebentley]

A Yule log.