Vacuum Repair

Vacuum Repair: Tips & Troubleshooting

It happens to the best of us: you set aside 30 minutes on a hectic Saturday morning to vacuum a few rooms. If everything goes according to plan, you'll be finished in under 10 minutes. That's ten minutes of free time.

You put on your slippers, get your vacuum cleaner ready, and get ready to clean your house to perfection– but then the unthinkable happens. Your vacuum cleaner is not working. Or it simply isn't sucking like it used to.

You're short on time, so you disconnect the vacuum cleaner, cradle it in your arms like a broken baby robot, toss it in the garbage like a sack of pebbles, and cancel your trip to the Scarborough Bluffs. Isn't it true that you have to find a way to fit a new vacuum cleaner into your budget?

Wrong.

In actuality, all you have to do is figure out what's wrong and repair it. Most common vacuum cleaner problems can be fixed by yourself, and if you can't, a team of friendly pros (hint, hint) is waiting to assist you at your local vacuum store, Vacsmart.

Here's a list of frequent issues, how to diagnose them, and how to repair them without further ado. Let's get you back on track to a relaxing 10 minutes and a trip to the Bluffs.

Vacuum Cleaner Will Not Start

• Is it switched on? It's plugged in, of course. You're not a moron. However, there are situations when an outlet in your home simply stops working. Even though all of your outlets are operational, they may require the activation of a light-switch to give power. That's aggravating, but we've all been in that situation.

• Use an ohmmeter, multimeter, or other continuity tester to verify your on-off switch. They are really inexpensive. In any case, you should get one to keep about the house. An excellent tutorial on how to use an ohmmeter can be found here.

• If it receives power yet the motor does not run, the issue is most likely with the motor. If the motor is able to receive power, ensure that the motor shaft can freely rotate without being obstructed.

• Here's a quick rundown of how your vacuum works and what the different elements of the motor look like. If the motor is getting power and turning easily but still won't start, you'll need to consult a specialist or get a new motor.

Vacuum Will Not Stay On

That's the absolute worst. Nothing beats getting your hopes up with that magnificent vacuum cleaner sound, only to have your good mood shattered as the vacuum's mighty roar fades to a whimper. It's most likely overheated. If your vacuum cleaner turns on but doesn't remain on, it's likely that it's getting too hot. Unplug your vacuum, wait a few minutes (see your manual if you're unsure how long to wait), and then look for obstructions. If it still doesn't work, a small thermal fuse may need to be replaced. Your local vacuum store can sell you a fuse (for a low price!) and assist you in replacing it.

Vacuum Does Not Suck

That's not acceptable! This is perhaps the most common problem with vacuum cleaners. When your vacuum cleaner is unable to create adequate suction, the remedy is usually simple.

• Remove the contents of the bag or chamber. This is the first step, which you have most likely already taken. Next.

• It's possible that your height setting is incorrect. If the height setting on your vacuum is too high for the floor you're trying to vacuum, it won't do a good job. For tile or wood, use the bare floor setting and adjust upwards as needed. With a hardwood floor, a deep carpet setting won't assist much.

• Take a look at the filters. If your vacuum's air or exhaust filter is blocked, it won't be able to suction very well. Your air and/or exhaust filters should be cleaned or replaced. Viola!

• Examine your hose. If the hose on your vacuum cleaner gets clogged, it won't be able to complete its job. Remove the hose from the vacuum if you suspect something is impeding it. Then straighten it out and see whether any light shines through the opposite side by shining a flashlight through one end. If not, try dislodging anything is restricting the airflow with a blunt tool, but be careful not to damage or tear your hose.

• Take a look at your brush roll. Is it moving? If it isn't, it could simply be overburdened with hair. Anyone with pets, children, or spouses with long hair will ultimately run into this problem.

• If your brush roll is clean but still won't spin, it's most likely a belt issue. Don't be alarmed. It happens on a regular basis. It's probably the most common vacuum cleaner issue we see. Belts aren't overly expensive, and they're usually easy to repair.

Vacuum Leaves Dirt

Well, that's inconvenient. This is a milder manifestation of most of the issues discussed in the previous section. It simply implies that your vacuum is sucking, but something is preventing it from sucking as well as it could.

• It's possible that your bag or canister is full.

• Make sure your brush is in good shape. Make sure your brushroll and its bearings are clean. Your brush will not perform a good job if it is merely a ponderous cylinder of lint and hair.

• If it's not a brush issue, it could be a belt issue. Belts could be damaged or overstretched. They also have a tendency to fall off at times.

Vacuum Cleaner is Noisy

The majority of vacuum cleaners are loud enough to be heard. We prefer to think of it as a raucous greeting. However, if your vacuum cleaner makes a lot of noise, it usually means there's a problem in paradise.

• Check for clogs in your hose. Once the suction starts, an object that can't quite make it through the noise can generate some strange noises. It's a simple repair if this is your issue.

• Make sure your belts are secure. Belt issues are, once again, the most common. When belts aren't fastened or are on their way out, they can make some absolutely terrible noises to get people's attention.

• Your motor is undoubtedly on its way out if it isn't your hoses or belts. Before they quit up for good, motors become extremely noisy. Contact your local vacuum store (that's us) if you believe this is the case.

Vacuum Cleaner Smells

Have you ever used an old vacuum cleaner that when turned on just stinks up the room? Isn't it a little revolting? That is something that no one desires.

• Empty the bag or canister!

• Make sure your air and exhaust filters are clean. Replace or clean them.

Take your vacuum cleaner to a professional if the odor persists after you've double-checked the vacuum bag, filters, and brushroll.

Hopefully, you discovered your vacuum issue on this list and were able to solve it. Remember that YouTube is a great place to learn how to make quick and dirty repairs. Always be cautious when working with running motors, belts, or brushes. You don't want your hair, clothing, or jewelry to get stuck in them, though we've heard of stranger ways for wedding bands to go lost.

Before you buy a new vacuum cleaner, talk to us if you can't quickly fix the problem. We may be able to repair your current appliance, allowing you to stay on schedule.