My 88 year old mother bought a Dirt Devel DHC001 - has been used twice but it looks blocked and has no suction but there is suction at the pipe...

end if I take it off. I have opened the red end and emptied out but there seems to be dust in the rear part and I have no idea how to get it out. The shop she bought it off thought they were being helpful and removed all packaging but seem to have taken instructions as well.
Vacuums

How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced Vacuum Technicians :

The exhaust filter traps particles as the air travels through the vacuum cleaner. If the filter is clogged, the vacuum cleaner will not have proper suction. If your vacuum filter is clogged, refer to your owner`s manual for cleaning instructions.

1. The dirt canister may need emptied or the bag/filter may need to be replaced – follow the instructions in your Owner`s Manual based on your power unit type. 2. The hose may be clogged.

Airflow Issues

If the device is clogged, or the dirt cup is full, this may cause the unit to overheat. Unplug the unit and allow it cool, empty the dirt cup and clean the filter.

Vacuum cleaners are fairly simple machines. They need power to be transmitted to the vacuum to create a suction force that lifts debris. So, the usual areas that cause suction loss include the wrong height setting, stuck rollers, a faulty gasket, a broken vacuum belt, a filled bag, or a clogged hose.

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.

Removing a clog

Use a pair of pliers to make one end of the hanger into a hook shape. Put the end of the hook into the hole where the vacuum where the clog is located. Push the hook down until it won`t go any further. In some cases the hook will go all the way through and push the clog out the other side.

Consumer Reviews On Dirt Devil Vacuum Cleaners

Consumers give high marks to some Dirt Devil models like the Breeze canister and the Featherlite bagged vacuum – where both get on average 4 out 5 stars based on over 200 ratings. That means that Dirt Devil has designed the perfect vacuum for the majority of home users.

A damaged vacuum hose, clogged motor air filter or bad suction motor can cause the vacuum cleaner to shut off during use. A tripped overload on the vacuum suction motor can shut off the vacuum cleaner during use. If your vacuum has a reset button, push it; if the vacuum seems hot, let it cool off first.

If your Dirt Devil Gator (Model Number: BD10100) isn`t starting or staying on for more than 15 seconds, you may need to replace the battery. Follow this guide to replace the battery to keep your Dirt Devil Gator in use! However before using this guide, you may not need to full replace the battery, just charge it!

Over time and extended use, a very fine layer of particles will start to line the inside of a vacuum bag, remaining in place even after the bag is emptied. This means that the bag will lose the proper airflow required to let the incoming air escape. As the airflow is restricted, the suction dies down too.

The average life expectancy of a mid-range vacuum cleaner is about six years. You can fix or replace things like blocked filters, jammed brush rolls, frayed hoses, worn-out stick vac batteries and broken accessories yourself.

If all you hear from the vacuum unit is a click at the when you try to start the vacuum motor from inside the house, then the motor in the unit is dead and has to be replaced. A strong odor from the shellac, which coats the copper coil windings, is an indicator that the motor is about to or has burnt out.

check for leaks or kinks in the tubing. ensure the filter is not wet (keep a backup filter with your supplies) ensure the float shut-off is not activated (if this is part of your suction machine) check for canister leaks and cracks.

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.

Try pouring hot water down the drain, then follow it with one cup of bicarbonate of soda and a cup of vinegar. Leave it for ten minutes, then chase it with more hot water. A combination of the hot water and the natural cleaner mixture can break blockages up.

The two main indicators to determine vacuum power performance are water lift and airflow. The water lift is measured in mmH₂O, mbar or kPa. It represents the suction force and is the reference parameter for vacuuming liquids and heavy materials. The airflow is measured in m³/h or in l/s.

Replace the Brush Belt

If the vacuum is still hard to push, tilt it back far enough that you can inspect the moving brush while the vacuum is running. Be careful to avoid getting too close to the moving parts. If you see that the brush is not turning, that means you will need to replace the brush belt.

Most pleated filters have a replacement schedule and are considered disposable by manufacturers. Paper filters should never be soaked or rinsed in water. However, some filters are made from a non-woven synthetic material (similar to a dryer sheet) that can be rinsed with water a few times to remove dust.

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.

Vacuums up water with no problems.

The Dirt Devil (Dæmonium terra) is an evil incarnate spawned from the ground itself.

Replace filter every 3 to 6 months.

If the brushroll is sticking, it will cause too much friction and put too much strain on the belt. Remove the brushroll and clean all hair, string, and lint from the brushroll bearings. If the vacuum cleaner brush still doesn`t spin after you clean the brushroll, consider replacing the brushroll.

If there is not enough power produced back into the system, your battery will begin to drain every time you start or ride it. A common overlooked culprit for dead motorcycle batteries is poor ground connection between either the frame and battery.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

My 88 year old mother bought a Dirt Devel DHC001 – has been used twice but it looks blocked and has no suction but there is suction at the pipe end if I take it off. I have opened the red end and emptied out but there seems to be dust in the rear part and I have no idea how to get it out. The shop she bought it off thought they were being helpful and removed all packaging but seem to have taken instructions as well.

ANSWER : To answer this properly, I am going to need the actual model number on the bottom of the unit on the silver/metallic sticker. Usually MO###### If you can get that I can help you out further.
.Mark

Read Full Q/A … : Vacuums

I recently took out a stand mixer that is probably over 50 years old. It belonged to my mother and I wanted to use it. It probably hasn’t been used in at least 10 years. With some effort, I removed one of the beaters but cannot remove the other one nor can I even budge it. I have used WD-40 but it’s not helping. It’s a Westinghouse product. Any ideas? Thanks.

ANSWER : If you used WD40, you should have the unit inverted so the WD40 runs down into the beater socket.Use a small piece of wood and place it against the bottom of the beater and tap lightly with a hammer while pressing the beater release button/lever, just enough to break any crusty seal that may have formed..If this does not loosen it enough to remove, using two pieces of wood about 1″x1″x12″ put them around the stem of the beater, above the beater cage and tap with a hammer while pressing the release button/lever for the beaters..
.This has me a bit intrigued. Please let me know how you make out..All the best.

Read Full Q/A … : Vacuums

I have a power drive baggless vacuum cleaner…it runs well, but suddenly it seems to have lost most of the suction coming through the hose and floor area. When I remove the dirt container, the suction below it seems strong. I have had it to repair twice–they have tuned it up and replaced all filters and belt. It still does not pick up well when I vacuum or use the hose. Can you help ?

ANSWER : There is something stopping it up,you will have to dissasemble the unit to find the blockage,this is the most likely problem.

Read Full Q/A … : Vacuums

Dyson animal We bought a Dyson Animal from Sears a few years ago along with a service contract. We took it each year to be serviced. One year I took it because it lost it’s suction. They sent it to the factory, but it came back still not working right. We did the same procedure over ands over many times than I can remember. I now have the cleaner in my garage and am using my old vacuum because I just can’t seem to get anywhere with Sears. Please help me. We paid almost $600.00 and now it can’t b

ANSWER : As someone who works for Sears, let me just say right now.. The service contract you bought sucks.. and does not really do anything for you. it was just a wast of money ( they have a new one now.. thats so much better because you get your money back in full on a gift card but anyways) When you buy a dyson from any place you really have no need for that contract, since sears CANT touch your dyson. Your really better off calling Dyson up and talking to them yourself, i know you said sears sent it out.. but wait heres a shocker.. Sometimes they never *really* send anything out to be fixed.. if it does not bring them in money, they don’t care.. and then they can get you to buy a *new* vacuum from them with that same S.C. that is of no use!.
.Sorry i cant help with your problem, but just wanted to give you a little insight on how Sears works since K mart bought them.

Read Full Q/A … : Vacuums

No Suction I have a dc18 dyson and it had lost suction from the main hoover and the hose part. If you remove the dust collection part there is suction from the hole behind that part. I have cleaned all part to this hoover but the problem is still there. Any help would be apprieciated. Thanks

ANSWER : Filter removal step 1Turn power off and unplug the machine.

To remove the washable filter: Remove the clear bin™ and cyclone top from your machine by pressing the cyclone release catch.

.Filter removal step 2.

Lift the filter release catch to remove the filter from the machine.*

*The permanent filter located under the clear bin™ shouldlast the lifetime of the machine and does not need to be washed. Pleasedo not remove this filter.

.Filter washing.

Soak the filter in cold water for at least 5 minutes. (Please do not use detergent, wash in a dishwasher or washing machine).

After 5 minutes rinse the filter under cold running water and squeeze gently, repeating until the water runs clear.

Leave the filter to dry in a warm place for 12 hours or until completely dry.

Do not dry the filter in a tumble dryer, microwave, oven or near a naked flame.

The filter should be washed at least once every 3-6 months.
Turn power off and unplug the machine.
.

Make sure the filter is completely dry before replacing in the machine.

Replace the filter into the filter casing and then put back into the cyclone top.

Re-assemble and test the machine.

Read Full Q/A … : Vacuums

Our Bissell Cleanview II 3576M does a great job except that the filter cup below the dirt cup gets full very fast and the dirt cup barely has anything in it. To clean the whole house, I have to empty the dirt cup and clean the filter several times. It didn’t use to work this way. It seems like something is missing, a gasket or seal maybe? I don’t think dirt, hair and debris should be going straight to the lower cup and bypassing the upper. I looked at the user guide but can’t see why it’s happen

ANSWER : Contact Bissell Direct for a parts diagram and support at
.
.http://uk.bissell.com/EmailUs.aspx
.

Read Full Q/A … : Vacuums

I HAVE LOST MY INSTRUCTION BOOK FOR THE STEAM VAC SPIN AND SCRUB. I WANT TO USE THE STAIR ATTACHMENT, BUT I CAN’T FIGURE OUT HOW TO HOOK IT UP, OR OPERATE IT. I SEE WHERE THE PLUG IN PART GOES IN THE FRONT OF THE MACHINE, BUT I CAN’T GET THE OTHER PART TO SLIDE INTO PLACE ON THE FRONT OF THE RESOVIOR TANK AFTER I REMOVE THE FRONT PANEL, AS THE DIRECTIONS ON THE FRONT OF THE RECOVERY TANK SAY TO DO. THE FIT IS JUST TOO TIGHT. WHAT AM I DON’T WRONG- OR HOW COULD I GET A REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTION BOO

ANSWER : You can download a PDF version of the manual at the link below. I believe you can contact Hoover as well and they might mail you one.

http://www.hoover.com/CustomerService/Manuals/Default.aspx

Good Luck!

Read Full Q/A … : Vacuums

No suction i have been using mine for like a year or so. today i went to use it and then no suction. the water comes out but it wont **** it up. I haven’t had any problems till now. I cleaned the little red filter but still nothing. I dont wanna take it apart with out knowing what im looking for.

ANSWER : I had exactly the same problem with my five-year old my Bissell 7920, and it’s probably a broken pump belt. See page 19 of your instruction manual for how to replace. The Bissel ProHeat belt accessory pack costs $3.99 and you get a pump belt and a brush belt. Since you have to first remove the brush belt to get to the pump belt, you might as well replace both. The first time I did this it took me 15 minutes, but now that I know the drill, doing a belt replacement would take about 3 minutes.

Read Full Q/A … : Vacuums