Toilet won’t flush solids

Quick Answer:

If solids stay in the bowl after a flush, stop flushing, cut the water supply, try a plunger, and then use a toilet auger to clear a bowl or trapway restriction. If solids still won’t clear, avoid repeated flushing and check for a downstream blockage or call a plumber.

Why This Happens

When a toilet won’t fully clear solids, the problem is usually a partial blockage in the bowl, the trapway inside the base, or farther down the drain line. A shallow blockage in the trapway can let water pass while trapping denser material. If your toilet also seems weak or slow, it can be a sign the bowl isn’t getting enough siphon force, or there is a bigger line issue. For related weak-flush problems see Weak flush after water heater replacement and Toilet flush weak suddenly.

Step-by-Step What to Do

1. Stop flushing and cut the water

• Do not keep trying to flush. Repeated flushing can cause an overflow.
• Turn the shutoff valve behind the toilet clockwise to stop more water entering the tank.

2. Assess the bowl

• Look for visible obstruction near the rim or in the bowl. Don’t stick your hands into unsanitary water—use tools or gloves.
• If the water level is high and near the rim, skip plunging and keep the water off to avoid overflow.

3. Plunge carefully

• Use a good flange plunger. Create a tight seal around the drain and plunge gently at first, then with steady force.
• If plunging clears material, flush once to confirm—but only if the bowl drains completely on that single flush.

4. Use a toilet auger for bowl/trapway restriction

• Feed the auger into the bowl and down the trapway slowly. Rotate the handle as you advance—don’t force it hard against resistance.
• When you hit a blockage, work the auger to break it up or hook and pull it out. Withdraw the auger slowly and clean it afterward.
• Flush once after the obstruction is cleared, but avoid multiple repeat flushes if it doesn’t go away.

5. Evaluate for downstream blockage

• If the auger doesn’t clear the solids or you can’t reach the obstruction, consider a blockage past the toilet (in the sewer or main line).
• Check other drains: if sinks or floor drains back up, that points to a larger sewer issue rather than just the toilet trap.
• At this point, further home attempts risk making the problem worse; a professional inspection is usually appropriate.

What Not to Do

• Don’t keep attempting solids flushes if it won’t clear—overflow risk.
• Don’t pour chemical drain cleaners into the bowl. They are ineffective on toilet trap problems and can damage pipes and create hazardous conditions.
• Don’t force an auger violently; you can crack the porcelain or damage the trap. If it won’t evacuate, a plumber is appropriate.
• Don’t use tools or methods that create a contamination hazard (for example, avoid trying to vacuum waste with a household wet/dry vac unless you know the tool is rated and you follow strict safety and cleanup procedures).

When to Call a Professional

• The auger can’t clear the solids after reasonable effort.
• Multiple fixtures are backing up or sewer odors are present—this suggests a main sewer or septic issue.
• The bowl is repeatedly slow or weak even after clearing an obstruction, or the plumbing is old and prone to damage.
• Water level is uncontrollable and there’s a risk of overflow despite shutting the valve off.

Safety Notes

• Wear rubber gloves and eye protection when working with wastewater. Clean and disinfect tools and surfaces afterward.
• Turn off the water at the shutoff valve before working to reduce overflow risk.
• Avoid chemicals and risky DIY methods that can create hazardous fumes or damage plumbing.
• If you suspect broken sewer lines, methane, or persistent sewage smell, leave the area and call a professional promptly.

Common Homeowner Questions

• Why won’t plunging clear the solids?

  Because the obstruction may be deep in the trapway or beyond the toilet where a plunger can’t reach.

• Can I use a coat hanger to fish out the blockage?

  No. A coat hanger can damage the bowl and won’t reach or effectively clear the trapway.

• How can I avoid this in the future?

  Flush only appropriate waste and paper, consider a slightly higher-capacity toilet if your current bowl regularly traps solids, and address weak flush issues early.

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