Have you ever tried to do the poop flash, but it wouldn’t budge? The power of gravity, air, and water pressure makes the toilet flash. These forces work together to move waste away from our homes and down the drainage pipes.

The toilet flushes, but poop stays because of the shape and size of the pipes, which is why you must remove waste from your homes. 

This post will discuss why toilet flushes but poop stays and what we can do to ensure no clogs in our pipes and drainages. We will look into the reason which causes these clogs.

Why Your Toilet May Not Flush Your Waste Away

Several factors can make the poop stay even though you have tried flashing it severally. This section will explore possible reasons why poop stays even after flushing.

1. Low Water Pressure

One of the main reasons your poop will not flash is when the pressure of the water is low.  A plumbing system may need to provide more pressure to flush away waste material. If the water pressure is too low, trash will accumulate and eventually produce a clog.

2. Clogged Drainage Pipe

If a drain is plugged in, wastewater won’t be able to move efficiently. The trash will build up in the pipes rather than washing away. This clog may lead to water backup in the plumbing system, preventing the toilet from flushing and keeping the waste in the bowl. The clog may also reduce water pressure, making the problem more acute.

3. Broken Flapper Valve

A flapper valve within your toilet tank controls the amount of water that flows into your toilet bowl. A damaged or worn-out flapper valve prevents enough water from passing through to flush the toilet properly. 

It leaves waste in the bowl despite the user’s best efforts to wash it down the drain. In other words, the flapper valve probably needs replacement if you inspect the toilet after a “flush” and find waste still in the bowl.

Toilet Flushes But Poop Stays

4. Incorrectly Installed Parts

Only the components put incorrectly may prevent a toilet from working correctly. If the flapper valve or other parts are not installed properly, the required water force and pressure may not be generated, preventing waste materials from moving down the drainage pipes.

5. Corroded Effluent Pipe

Waste may not be able to move via a rusted effluent pipe. Feces may be prevented from passing through the lines due to corrosion caused by water and other materials passing through after some time.

6. Too Much Toilet Paper 

Using too much toilet paper is not advisable as it causes the pipes to have blockages alongside the poop. The toilet paper can form clogs in the lines when the toilet paper is flushed. This blockage causes the waste to stay in the bowl and prevents the water from flowing freely through the pipes.

The increased water pressure from too much toilet paper will eventually cause the pipes to burst.

7. Broken Tank Lever

A weak flush will result from a broken tank lever preventing water from entering the bowl. Eventually, the toilet will flash even if the water pressure is insufficient, but it will not force the poop down the drain. 

Toilet Flushes But Poop Stays

If the water pressure is enough, the poop flashes. This clog is because the waste will have enough force to pass through the pipes with enough water pressure. A broken tank lever can also decrease water pressure, leading to pipe obstructions.

8. Damaged Float Ball

A weak flash is caused by a damaged float ball which prevents the required amount of water from entering. The toilet can flush, but the waste remains in the bowl if the water pressure is not strong enough. Also, when the float ball is not functioning correctly, it can raise water pressure, which might cause pipe obstructions.

9. High Water Level

If too much water is in the tank, the waste will not be flushed away. Too much water prevents the debris from sinking into the bowl, so the feces sit there. Additionally, if the water level is too high, the water pressure will increase, which might lead to the pipes blocking up.

Solutions To The “Toilet Flushes But Poop Stays” Problem 

You can now begin your search for an answer when you’ve learned the most common reasons a toilet will flush but leave waste in the bowl. Follow these simple steps:

1. Check The Water Level In Your Toilet Bowl

To begin with, take off the top of your toilet’s tank and inspect the water level within. Keep the water level below the tank overflow tube for best results. If the water level is too high, the float ball or fill valve may need readjusting.

2. Inspect The Flush Valve Seal

Check the flush valve seal for wear and damage. Sealing the tank ball and flapper valve needs replacement. Any hardware store should carry what you need to replace it.

After replacing the seal, flush the toilet and recheck the water level after a few minutes. If the water level is too high, the float ball or fill valve might need readjusting.

3. Clean Any Blockages In The Trap Way Of Your Toilet 

Turn off the water supply before attempting to remove any obstructions from the trap way of your toilet. Empty the toilet tank must by flushing it. Remove any visible debris in the trap way, such as hair, dirt, or other things, with a pair of pliers once the tank is empty.

You can use a toilet auger if the clog persists despite your best efforts. After you’ve removed the obstruction, turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet again to ensure the blockage is clear. Calling a plumber may be necessary for further assistance if the clogging problem persists.

4. Try Tightening The Nut On The Bottom Of The Tank

It requires minimal tools to tighten the nut at the bottom of the tank of your toilet. Ensure you locate the nut at the bottom of the tank, just below the flush valve.

Tighten the nut until it is secure using a wrench or an adjustable plier. Ensure you do not over-tighten the nut, and then test it by flushing it to avoid damaging the toilet tank or the nut itself.

5. Replace Any Worn-Out Or Malfunctioning Parts

Are you dealing with a toilet that’s not functioning? Replace the worn-out parts. First, empty the tank, flush the bathroom, and let the water drain out. From there, use an adjustable wrench or pliers to remove any parts showing wear and tear.

Your neighborhood hardware store is where you should get any necessary replacement components. To tighten them correctly, use your adjustable pliers or wrench.  After reconnecting the water, try flushing the toilet again.

6. Re-Caulk Any Leaks Around Your Toilet Bowl 

There’s likely a faulty seal in the base of your toilet if water is coming from the floor. You can recaulk the toilet base area to prevent future damage to the toilet’s base. 

Use a damp towel to clean the area around the toilet’s base using a wet towel or a vacuum cleaner. Now, using either your finger or a damp cloth, smooth a thin bead of caulk around the bottom of the toilet. 

7. Put a New Wax Ring on the Toilet

At the bottom of the toilet drain, affix your new wax ring. Alternatively, you can attach it to the top of the flange. Default the manufacturer’s directions when installing your new wax ring. Leave a small opening in the back of the bowl and use a caulk to seal the toilet. The caulk will help you determine the next time there is a leak. 

Remove any dirt or moisture from the ground around the toilet’s footing. Place it securely on the toilet base near the new wax ring. Reconnect the water source and tighten any loosened fasteners. To check that there are no leaks, flush your toilet.

8. You Might Want to Replace Your Entire Toilet

Consider replacing the entire toilet unit if your toilet has shown several plumbing units. It can become very costly to keep on repairing your toilet constantly. An old bathroom will likely use more water than newer models, leading to higher water bills. 

You should invest in a new toilet if yours no longer functions properly. Replacing the entire unit will help you save water and cash. 

Always use a professional to guarantee the unit is installed correctly while changing your entire toilet unit. Getting a pro to do the job is best if you need to replace your toilet unit. A qualified plumber can help you decide which appliance fits your needs and budget.

Toilet Flushes But Poop Stays

Hiring a plumber will ensure your job is well done. Always consult a plumber before you replace the toilet unit.

9. Get the Opinion of a Qualified Plumber 

If the toilet continues to malfunction after trying the above solutions, contact a professional plumber. A skilled plumber will diagnose any existing and underlying difficulties and suggest the best remedy to make your stay at home more pleasant.

You can avoid expensive repairs in your household and toilet problems by seeking help from a professional. They have experience and can advise on keeping your toilet without logging it and preventing such occurrences.   

How Do You Break Up A Poop That Won’t Flush?

You can take a few steps to break a clump of poop that is stubborn so it can pass easily through the pipes.  

Try and dislodge the poop using a plunger. If it does not dislodge, you can pour hot water directly into the clump so it softens up. Alternatively, you can use a toilet brush to break the cluster into smaller pieces. A metal coat hanger gets the work done too. 

Pour half a cup of vinegar alongside a cup of baking soda down the drain and directly onto the crump. This mixture foams a reaction that should help dislodge the clogs.    

If a plumbing problem persists, call a professional plumber.  A plumber has the skills, experience, and advanced tools to handle severe plumbing problems.

Whatever the case, it’s always best to avoid blocked toilets in the first place. Always ensure only human waste and toilet paper flushes down the toilet.  Avoid washing large amounts of toilet paper and wet wipes. Ensure you constantly use a snake or plunger to avoid clogs in the future. If you follow these tips, your toilet will function well for years.

How Do I Make My Toilet Flush All The Way?

It is always important to regularly check the condition of your toilet. Ensure there are no blockages and enough water in your toilet’s tank. 

Check for blockages and the presence of any foreign object in the tank by first lifting the lid to ensure there are no partial flushes.  Finalize these processes by providing the float ball is in position; you can adjust it if not.


If this does not rectify the issue, check if the flapper is appropriately installed or worn out. The flapper controls the amount of water that is leaving the tank. If the flapper is not lifting correctly, you may have to replace the flapper or adjust the chain.

Ensure the water in the tank is at the desired level to flash the waste effectively. If the water level is too high, it might cause pipes to burst. However, the flush might be less effective if the water level is too low.  Always ensure you have adjusted the water supply valve properly.

Why Can’t You Flush A Toilet Twice?

Flushing a toilet more than once is not recommended as it causes plumbing problems that can be catastrophic. Most bathrooms wash been designed to flush waste only once after using the toilet. Excessive pressure is exerted on the pipes whenever the toilet is flushed twice.

This excessive pressure can cause them to burst after a while or cause leakages. In addition, it can cause other plumbing issues in your household due to the increased water pressure. You can avoid all these issues by flushing your toilet only once.

What Is A Toilet Ghost Flush?

When the toilet flushes itself without anyone using is ghost flush. This phenomenon can be caused by various factors, for example, a faulty flapper or a disturbance in the water pressure.

A faulty fill valve can cause a ghost flush. On other occasions, it is caused by something straightforward or even a more complex issue. Ensure a professional has inspected your toilet to ascertain the most appropriate course of action.

Can You Flush Poop With A Bucket Of Water?

It is not a good idea to flash down poop using a bucket of water because the waste would not be pushed through the pipes using just the pressure from the bucket. Also, filling a bucket with water could lead to plumbing problems and leaks. 

The toilet shouldn’t be flushed if it is clogged. Take your time and wait until the obstruction has been removed.