How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced Vacuum Technicians :
Check that the vacuum cleaner is plugged into a working power outlet and that fuses and breakers don`t need resetting. An activated thermal cut-out due to a blockage is the next most likely cause of the problem. Check for blockages in the hose and filters, and remove any obstructions that you find.
The most common cause of loss of suction is that the filters have become blocked. They may require cleaning or replacing. Another cause could be that the vacuum cleaner hose is blocked.
The most common cause of vacuum cleaner not picking up dirt properly is clogged air filter. Remove the filter and either clean or replace it as needed.
If your roller is not spinning, the first step is to remove the roller and free any debris. Refer to your model`s user manual on how to remove the roller from your vacuum head. Debris can also be left on the vacuum head it is important to also clean this area including the sides where the roller brush connects.
Overheated Motor If your vacuum was working fine and then suddenly shut off, it may have overheated. Most vacuums are equipped with a thermal protector safety switch that won`t allow the motor to run when it becomes overheated. You will need to wait for 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your machine, to try again.
Most cases of a jammed or stuck brush bar are quick and easy to fix, simply pulling the debris gently from the brush bar. Alternatively, if you need to clear a problematic blockage, you can take the brush bar out of the housing easily, for quick maintenance.
Clog located in the vacuum hose
Turn the unit on and feel the suction at the end of the hose handle. If there is no or low suction, then the clog is in the hose. You can remove the clog by running a long, stiff object through the hose, such as a butter knife, starting at the wall end.
Your filters get clogged with bacteria, dust, smoke, mold, and other particles. These can all affect the air quality in your home as well as the performance of your vacuum`s cleaning abilities, if the filter is clogged you will find the suction and general performance of your vacuum will be minimized.
If there is a clog in the vacuum, you won`t have good suction and the vacuum won`t work. The clog can be in the vacuum head, the hose or where the hose meets the actual vacuum.
Inspecting the Vacuum Commutator for Motor Brush Problems
Test that by turning the motor off and pushing on the center shaft, the armature. If it has any play, besides spinning, then replace the motor. If solid then replace the brushes – motor brush replacement instructions.
If the roller brush is not spinning, it cannot pick up dust. One reason could be that the power button is not set to position II, which runs the roller brush. If the button does not work, here is the link to the power button replacement guide. Another reason is that the roller brush could be broken.
If you don`t vacuum your carpet, the dirt will break down carpet fibers and create a breeding ground for dust mites and bacteria. In addition, your home will begin to smell musty from the dirt, mites, and other organisms settling into the fibers.
A thermal cut off is a heat-sensitive device that automatically disconnects the power to a vacuum`s motor when the operating temperature exceeds a safe value.
The powerful airflow from the vacuum can help shake dirt and debris loose and pull them into the vacuum. Without the fan, a vacuum couldn`t work at all. But the roller brush is critical, too. It`s necessary in dislodging deep dirt and stuck debris, and it helps clear a path for air to carry dirt into the vacuum.
Clear the brush roll of any hair and debris and inspect by placing it on its end and spin. The brush should spin freely. If it doesn`t spin; it may be time to replace.
If you are finding that the brush head is not spinning or the light is not working, the contact patches between the main body, extension tube and the floor head may need to be cleaned. Ensure that the two connection points are clean and have no dust which could cause the connection to fail.
Almost every time that the brush stops turning, it is because of hair wrapped around the brush roller. You will burn out the belt if you use it too long in this mode. Your only fix is to take it apart and and clean it (and cut any hair stuck in it in the process).
If the filter isn`t clean, it can impact the performance of the vacuum. Dirty vacuum filters can restrict airflow so the suction won`t be as strong.
Rinse the filter
Any fine dust remaining in the filter can usually be removed with a gentle rinse under a cold tap – hold the filter under the running water until the water runs clear. You shouldn`t need to use any detergent – just water.
The most common cause of vacuum pump failure occurs due to broken belts, electrical problems inside the unit, or vacuum hoses that fail.
Vacuuming every day, or even a few times a day, is not going to create any long term problems.
Water Can Ruin Your Vacuum Motor If water invades the motor, you may have a completely failed vacuum cleaner. Again, not only will the water be inside your motor, but it will be carrying dirt and grime with it, making it unlikely (or at least very difficult) to restore the motor to a safe condition.
To reset your shark vacuum, put the Power button in the On-Off position and keep the vacuum unplugged. If necessary, clear the hose. Once it has cooled completely, plug the vacuum back in again.
Now that I just fixed my Lux Legacy canister vacuum, I need help on my other Electrolux Regency Series upright! The vacuum works fine but the rotating brush does not work and the brush motor does not turn on. Tried cleaning the brush and hitting hte reset button to no avail. This upright has a triple setting switch and I checked the each of the wires seem to be attached. Tried rotating the brush by hand and it would not budge. Was going to “encourage” the brush to turn with a set of articula
ANSWER : There are a couple rectangular holes on the bottom of the power nozzle, beside the wheels. These have tabs in them that need released with a standard screwdriver.
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.Once they release, turn the vacuum over and lift cover of power nozzle at the back. This pulls the front of the cover out of the lip on the “bumper”.
.Once this is done, you’ll need to unscrew the screw at each end of the brush. Lift the brush out and thoroughly clean it, including the ends.
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.Check the wiring to make sure they’re connected to the terminals of the motor. Also, check the belt for wear and tear. These belts can last for five years or more, but if it looks bad a good time to replace it is while you have the power head apart.
.When reassembling the vacuum, ensure the belt is fitted properly around the motor shaft and brush.
.Insert the front of the cover first, ensuring the edge fits neatly beneath the lip on the bumper all the way around. It takes a little manipulating to press the back into place. Make sure both tabs click into the locked position. Turn the vacuum over and reinstall screws. Try to rotate brush by hand a few times.
.At this point, plug the vacuum in and turn it on. If the power head doesn’t run, press the reset button. If the power head motor still doesn’t run, it could be due to loose or disconnected wires that lead to the reset switch, a bad reset switch, or even a bad motor. The vacuum needs to be taken to the nearest Aerus Electrolux store for further diagnosis and repair.
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