Recently started having trouble with the toilet flushing. When I flush it the water level rise to the point of overflow if I don't shut off the water valve. It will then slowly drain down to an empty bowl. I assumed it was clogged and plunged to no avail. Also at random times the toilet will make a gurgling noise even though the bowl is next to empty and I haven't touched it in several hours, and I haven't confirmed it but it appears that the water in the bowl has risen slightly after the sound. Side note, unless a roommate used the toilet, I hadn't flushed any solids down the drain recently enough to cause a clog in my opinion...

Any help is appreciated.

Try this! Look down at the bottom of the bowl. If there is a small hole, then that is a jet that starts the syphon action. If it's clogged the water will just swirl around and slowly go down leaving solids behind. Take your finger,(UGH! ) and run it around the inside of the opening. Over the years minerals build up and cut down on the syphon (flush) action. If it is rough or you feel build up, take a table knife and put a bend in it to get around the curve in the bowl and chip and scrap it clear. Next take a coathanger and clear out the holes around the rim. They start the swirling action. And last, check the water level in the tank. It should be 1/2" below the top of the over flow tube. And speaking of the overflow tube, Make sure the small 1/8" tube from the ballcock to the white overflow tube is connected so it discharges in it and that it's flowing when the ballcock fills. This is what raises the water level in the bowl. For a good solid flush they all have to work together. Hope this helps and thank you for rating my reply.. Tom

Water swirls fine, but won't flush, just fills the bowl up. Water level in the tank is fine. The gurgling sound I have been hearing has been confirmed to happen when the only other toilet in the house is flushed, when said toilet is flushed it is forcing large air bubbles out of mine, (which won't flush at all)... Is that a venting problem, or maybe a clog in the main line?

First off thanks for the red "not helpful". Perhaps another expert can better help you. Tom

Well I apologize if it offended you, but the suggestions you provided did not address any of the symptoms or problems that I had listed and asked advice on. I am sure it is very helpful for some one who's toilet is flushing water, just not solids. However, as described above (in as much detail as I can give) that is not my problem. Therefore it was not helpful or even related for my situation and I was being honest with my rating.