Vacuums

How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?

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

If you find that your machine is turning off intermittently, the filter in your vacuum is most likely full and covering the ventilation system. Remove the filter, then empty and wash it. Allow the filter to dry for at least 24 hours, or until it is completely dry.
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.
The vacuum has a safety feature that turns off the vacuum when the vacuum gets to a certain high temperature or overheats. This happens because the vacuum has a motor protective thermostat.
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.

If your vacuum cleaner keeps turning off, this could be due to the following reasons: Blockages – check the hose and head for any obstructions. Filter – always check your filters, if these are clogged this could be causing the vacuum cleaner to work harder and lose suction power.
Check For Clogs or Blocks In The Vacuum

Check the hoses, the filters, and throughout the vacuum, and clean out any blockages or clogs. Vacuums will likely also have a recommended cooldown time to ensure that the vacuum won`t overheat. You will need to wait for that time before you turn the vacuum back on.

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.
If you have checked for airway blockages and have cleared your filters, a damaged or deteriorating hose may be causing your vacuum`s loss of suction. On most Shark vacuums, there are two hoses to check, the short hose between the main vacuum head and the base, and the hose between the handle and the wand.
Why does my Shark vacuum keep stopping? For Shark robotic models, odd sweeping or sudden stops can often be a result of dirty vacuum sensors. These sensors can often be found on the bottom and sides of the vacuum. Hitting them with a soft cloth should be enough to remove any excess dirt.
The most common problems found in vacuum cleaners are low suction force, excessive noise, burning smell, vacuum not turn on, and overheating. These issues can be fixed by either cleaning the device or replacing some parts of the device. At times, it is best to seek a professional to fix the cleaner effectively.
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 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.
A Dyson vacuum cleaner has a lifespan of around 10 years. This is considerably longer than most other vacuums. So, if you`re looking for a high-quality vacuum cleaner that will last you for a long time, a Dyson could be a good choice. However, remember that Dyson vacuums are expensive.
The suction control slider is located at the front of the cleaner head. The ball located between the bin and the cleaner head.
Signs of Vacuum Pump Leaks

Oil from the exhaust port running down the pump. Rumbling sounds coming from the pump. Repeated failure to reach maximum pressure for tasks. Mist or smoke coming from the exhaust section of the pump.

Use Some Water

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.

All vacuum cleaners operate based on air flowing from the opening at the cleaning head or tool, through the vacuum cleaner and the bag and/or filter system and then out the exhaust port. This airflow is created by the vacuum motor, which also may be referred to as the suction motor.
All of the filters that come with your Shark vacuum, including HEPA filters on models that include them, can be cleaned or washed for re-use.”
If the indicator light is flashing red, the thermostat is overheating. To reset the thermostat, turn off and unplug the vacuum. Empty the dust cup and filter and assure there are no blockages in the hose. Allow the vacuum to cool for at least 45 minutes before turning it back on.
What is covered by this warranty? The original unit and/or non-wearable parts deemed defective, in SharkNinja`s sole discretion, will be repaired or replaced up to five (5) years from the original purchase date.
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.

Vacuuming every day, or even a few times a day, is not going to create any long term problems.
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.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Shuts off at upright position also has lost suction. I have already cleaned the filter
ANSWER : Check for a clog

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I have a DC07 and the brush wasn’t rotating and I had no suction at the brush but perfect suction through the hose. I noticed a large build up of dog hair around the brush so I took off the cover plate and removed all the hair, cleaned inside the floor/brush housing and cleaned out the hose. I also cleaned the filter and removed the other air access cover and made sure that they were clear. I put everything back and the brush still doesn’t turn and there is still no suction through the bottom
ANSWER : Hi and welcome to FixYa. I am Kelly.
.
.Here is a link that can assist you in your quest for the missing suction:
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.http://www.ehow.com/how_4779428_troubleshoot-dyson-vacuum.html
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.Also Dyson has very good info on cleaning here:
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.http://www.dyson.com/support/help.asp?article=38&product=DC07-SY-HEPA_US
. (you have to keep clicking next…)
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.When you get to the part where it asks “is brush head turning?” that you say No. The site is a bit lethargic but should help you get going properly again
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.Hopefully you find “Airway inspection” as part of your on-line step by step troubleshooting.
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.If you still have the problem after following the steps above reply / post here and we can proceed from there.
.
. Kelly
.
.
.
.

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Lost suction my DCO7 lost suction in the hose I started taking it apart and cleaning it and looking for clogs (probably more than I should have) and when I put it back together it has awesome suction in the hose but no suction in the base. It just pulls the pine needles up (christmas tree) but they never appear in the “bag” compartment and when I look they are just all gathered in a clump in the bottom by the brush.
ANSWER : Hi.
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.Remove the sole plate turn the 3 plastic screws to unlock & lift off.
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.Now remove the blockages that have accumilated from the oppening of short clear hose.
.Check you can turn brush roller & check belt.
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.Now reassemble switch on pull handle back & look under machine is brush spinning ?
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.If not check the knob on side of machine is in drive (D) position.
.
.http://dysonmanuals.llc.nu
.
.Chris..

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Loss of suction when using upright. Suction remains for samll tools
no suction when in upright position makes funny noise but ok when not used in that position kindest regards louis
ANSWER : U can remove the flexi pipe by pressing the inset button,it may be bit stiff if it had not being removed before.may be something is stuck at the bottom,also remove u bend where most of the stuff get stuck. i just posted how i fixed the suction and over heating problem. pl read it. good luck

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HEPA Filter My vacuum came with a sponge over the filter and the directions said I could wash the filter. Do the directions mean to wash the black sponge or the actual filter? Is the sponge part of the filter or is it trash? Filter F27 Dirt Devil Purpose Cleaner for Pets Upright Bagless Vacuum Model #1LY2108-000
ANSWER : Http://geeksquad.fixya.com/ThreadView.aspx?prdid=618630&thid=730623
.HEPA Filter
.Posted by jenski66 on Jul 02, 2008
.My vacuum came with a sponge over the filter and the directions said I could wash the filter. Do the directions mean to wash the black sponge or the actual filter? Is the sponge part of the filter or is it trash?
Filter F27
Dirt Devil Purpose Cleaner for Pets
Upright Bagless Vacuum
Model #1LY2108-000

.
.Hello,
I would advise you to ALWAYS to FIRST UNPLUG YOUR VACUUM before beginning any service procedure. Typically the top filter of which is the sponge is washable but the HEPA filter is not, it can be brushed off and vacuum off with another vacuum, but the best filtration is to replace the HEPA filter and to wash the sponge filter, if the sponge filter get to bad then replace the sponge filter as well. Or, you can check with your local vacuum cleaner dealer in your area or to contact the manufacturer’s website and or phone #. So if you need further assistance, please feel free to contact your local vacuum cleaner dealer in your area or in the yellow pages, or contact the factory phone number or website to further assist you with your questions.

.http://royalvacuums.com/ Customer Service 1-800-321-1134
.Hours are: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM (EST)
.Thanks, Don the Vac Man
Go Ahead. Use Us.

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Electrolux twin clean vacuum cleaner. After 5 minutes it keeps of thinking the filters need cleaning (and they don’t). I re charge the
power, and all seems fine and then it goes back to
wanting the filters cleaned. The suction is also
not working to full capacity.
ANSWER : Because the suction is not working fully it feels that the bags must be full and the air cannot be pulled through the bags. It could be due to 1) bags not being of correct quality. The air has to pass through them to allow all the dust to reach there. 2) There being real low suction due to a blockage somewhere. Check and remove he blockage.

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Dyson animal loses suction when I let the handle down from the upright position to use, I’ve cleaned the foam filter, and the plastic filter holder and dried thoroughly, removed and cleared the right side U-bend, and the center, rear U-bend access, also made sure nothing was in the way of the beater bar. Any thoughts? thanks. lorri
ANSWER : Is the noise a loud screaming or a grinding/vibration? The screaming is an air flow problem and you’ll want to check your hoses are clear and all the seals are tight. The grinding is an issue with the roller/belt/clutch/motor/housing. From what I’m reading, both problems are common on the Dyson animal.

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Placing the handle of my Dyson DC07 into its upright and locked position causes the beater bar to stop turning. It will not start turning until the handle is first lowered to the working position and the Carpet/Bare knob is moved to the Bare Floor position and then back to the Carpet position. Then the beater bar turns until the handle is placed into the upright position. What might be the problem?
ANSWER : Hi its Darran at Dyson.

The brush control is designed to switch the brush bar off automatically when you stand the machine back into the upright position. It is designed this way to protect any delicate floor surfaces when you have the machine switched on and upright and when you are using the hose.

If the brush control should be in the centre position and move forward to the “on” position when you release the head. If it is not doing this, please contact our Helpline on 0800 298 0298 (UK) or 1866MYDYSON (US).

Kind regards
Darran
Dyson Customer Service

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