Rainbow E series Canister Wet/Dry Vacuum

How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?

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

Motor Problems

The motor generates the suction force that enables your vacuum cleaner to work. If the motor has problems, the cleaner will automatically lose airflow. You may notice issues with the motor if the sound it produces differs from the sound you`re used to hearing.

Plugged vacuum hoses are sometimes the reason for a loss in suction. Hoses can get clogged with hair, dust bunnies, string, or anything else that can`t pass through the other end of the hose. Airways inside the machine should be looked at as well. Wherever there is an air passage, check it.
One of the easiest ways to increase vacuum cleaner suction is to empty the dust bag or container. Dust containers need to have enough space for airflow, otherwise, they could get clogged and have less suction power. Regularly check your dust compartment and empty or change it when it`s already 70-80% full.
This unique water filtration system captures typical household dirt, while remaining microscopic particles are caught by our HEPA Neutralizer Filtration System. This two-stage filtration combination removes nearly 100% of dirt and contaminants from your home.
The Rainbow uses Mother Nature`s most powerful element, water, to trap dirt and odors, returning only naturally clean, water-washed air to your home environment.
If you follow these basic guidelines, expect your Rainbow to last some 20 to 30 years because it is a very robust machine.
It is the only vacuum that is a certified air purifier and is designed to run 24/7 on a lower speed to purify the air in the home. The unique difference is the water. All dirt and dust is trapped in a basin of water so that no debris can re-enter the home atmosphere.
They use them in their firing room and to protect their historic artifacts. The clean room and the elaborate steps taken before entering it are vital to the success of every Hubble mission.
Air pulled into the Rainbow is cleansed through a swirling water bath and then is filtered through a HEPA neutralizer, returning fresh, water-washed air to your home.
A little bit of water can do wonders for boosting a suction cup`s grip. Using warm water, rinse the whole cup so it softens it up. Shake the drops of water off the cup quickly and then put it up on the wall. That can often do the trick.
This can be caused by low airflow (e.g., dirty filter, slipping belt, undersized or restricted ductwork, dust and dirt buildup on blower wheel) or a dirty or plugged evaporator coil. Checking superheat will indicate if the low suction is caused by insufficient heat getting to the evaporator.
Boil old suction cups to revive them.

Take the pot off of heat and drop your suction cups in for about 30 seconds. Take them out with a pair of tongs and pat them dry on a lint-free towel. Try to use the suction cups right after you dry so they`re still warm and flexible.

Gravity and friction are the two main forces that make vacuum suction work. While gravity pulls molecules in the air toward the earth, creating an atmospheric pressure, the suction cup and vacuum pump cause a pressure difference, attaching both surfaces.
Insert the open end of the hose into the vacuum plate (also known as a skimmer plate or skimmer disk), and place the plate into your pool wall skimmer, directly atop the suction vent. This will initiate the vacuuming process. Slowly sway the vacuum head in straight lines along the bottom of your pool until it`s clean.
Low suction or poor pick-up may be due to a clog in the vacuum cleaner. If you notice a change in the sound of the motor or a reduction in the spinning action, check for clogs. First, remove the Easy Empty dirt tank from the vacuum and discard all dirt and debris.
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.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

I had the vacuum cleaner question about the canister and the wand/powerhead… the Kenmore Progressive Vacuum canister model 116.25812 and the canister not powering off without unplugging the vacuum. The solution I received that they both run on their own switch so it is normal makes sense. However, is there a power switch on the canister anywhere? The only way for the canister to be turned off is by unplugging it. Any ideas? One would think there would be a switch. I am new to fixya and hope
ANSWER : Hi. On some models, one switch controls all of the power. Your issue, which is no working switch is almost certainly a blown triac on the circuit board in the canister – kenmore part number KC86WBZRZ000

Looks like a common fault with this particular model judging by the number of complaints on the web.
.
.Take it to your local vacuum repair shop and they should be able to fix it for a nominal fee.

Read Full Q/A … : Rainbow E series Canister Wet/Dry Vacuum

I purchased a brand new Eureka Pet vacuum, sorry don’t know exact name but it the one that has the self cleaning duster on it. Last night I used the vacuum on my carpet, it was working fine until I accidently sucked up the corner of a scarf that was hanging off a couch. I shut the vacuum off, pulled out the scarf and and resumed vacuuming. Much to my dismay the suction on the vacuum had ceased. Can you tell me if there is a reset button on the vacuum? The vacuum does not appear to be damage
ANSWER : If the motor is running, there should be suction. Possible problems depend on whether it’s a canister or upright and are:
.A clog in the hose, UR or canister. Detach hose. Drop small coin in one end and lift hose causing it to roll out the other. If it does, no clog in hose. Drop same coin into hose opening on power head. If it rolls out, no clog in PN.
.Broken fan blades, UR. Needs to be taken to shop for repair/replacement.
.
.A reset button is for use if the motor isn’t running, so won’t have anything to do with the suction.

Read Full Q/A … : Rainbow E series Canister Wet/Dry Vacuum

Rainbow vaccuum e series will not turn on – Rainbow E series Canister Wet/Dry Vacuum
ANSWER : Most likely the motor is dead, or the switch is bad.

Read Full Q/A … : Rainbow E series Canister Wet/Dry Vacuum

Rainbow E-series will not turn on – Rainbow E series Canister Wet/Dry Vacuum
ANSWER : Hi, there is no reset button on a Rainbow vacuum. There is a safety switch on all E series and E2 series Rainbow vacuums, that keep it from running without the water basin on it.

If you have any more questions let me know. I am a Rainbow seller, and a Rainbow expert also.. .Thank you,.Ralph
... One other thing. All E series vacuums have a built in circuit breaker on the motor. Some of the earlier ones, it was only a fuse, and if it blew, it had to be replaced, or removed and wired directly without it on there. Most of them have a automatic reseting curcuit breaker, that will blow and auto reset its self, after it cools off. They do sometimes stay blown also, and do not reset. If that is the case, it has to also be replaced, or removed, and wired directly, with out it on there.

Motor brushes are usually the source of a non working E-2 vacuums and when they burn out, they usually take the motor armature with them, from excessive heat and flare electrical arking to the armature.

Thank you again,
Ralph

Read Full Q/A … : Rainbow E series Canister Wet/Dry Vacuum

When we turn on the vacuum, the canister falls open. The clips holding the canister in place do not seem to hold the canister tightly which I’m sure that it did in the past. The clips do not look bent, but every time we turn on the vacuum the intense pressure blows the canister open only remaining attached the the rest of the vacuum by one clip
ANSWER : Check filter and make sure it is kept clean at regular intervals. Possibly worn out clip retainers on cannister side due to excessive pressure build up. Do not force closure unless pressure is back to normal. May crack cannister or damage unit beyond repair.

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How to maintain up keep on my rainbow vacuum – Rainbow E series Canister Wet/Dry Vacuum
ANSWER : Keep the bottom clean, make sure the rubber seal in the bottom doesn’t start to crack and every 10 years or so replace the brushes.
.
.I wrote a tutorial on how to take apart an E-Series rainbow.
.
.http://www.vacuumcleanerforum.com/f20/21715-how-take-your-rainbow-vaccum-apart.html
.
.If you have any questions let me know

Read Full Q/A … : Rainbow E series Canister Wet/Dry Vacuum

I do not have my users manual and have never vacuumed wet with this vacuum. How do I change it from a dry to wet vacuum.
Can’t find my manual and I need to use the shop vac for water in basement, do I have to change the filter or what
lost my user manual never used it to pick up water. need to know how to puit it in wet mode i want to clean the dirty water out of my pool.
ANSWER : .Vacuuming Liquids
.1. When picking up small amounts of liquid
.the filter may be left in place.
.2. When picking up large amounts of liquid
.we recommend that the filter be
.removed. If the filter is not removed, it
.will become saturated and misting
.may appear in the exhaust.
.3. After using the vac to pick up liquids,
.the filter must be dried to reduce the
.risk of possible mildew and damage to
.the filter.
.4. When the liquid in the drum reaches a
.predetermined level, the float mechanism
.will rise automatically to cut off
.airflow. When this happens, turn off
.the vac, unplug the power cord, and
.empty the drum. You will know that the
.float has risen because vac airflow
.ceases and the motor noise will
.become higher in pitch, due to
.increased motor speed.
.IMPORTANT: To reduce the risk of damage
.to the vac do not run motor with float
.in raised position

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My Rainbow has no suction – Rainbow E series Canister Wet/Dry Vacuum
ANSWER : Your Rainbow E series has lost suction power, because you need a new hepa filter, or your water basin gasket is messed up, or the center motor gasket is messed up or out of position.

Make sure your water basin is not cracked or broken, also.
.If it is an earlier model, everything applies, except for the filter. They do not have filters, on any of the earlier models.

If you have any more questions let me know. I am a Rainbow seller, and a Rainbow expert also.

Thank you,
Ralph

Read Full Q/A … : Rainbow E series Canister Wet/Dry Vacuum

Hi, my name is Mea Archer, owner of the vacuum cleaner blog, the niche website that I have developed to provide the most up-to-date news, reviews and the latest advice and information for all things vacuum cleaner related.