Vacuums

How to Identify and Fix Common Vacuum Problems ?

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

If your vacuum cleaner has lost suction power, it`s time to empty the container. Vacuum cleaners come with various foam or mesh filters. These might get clogged over time if not cleaned or replaced properly. This will cause your vacuum to lose suction.
The most common problem with a vacuum cleaner is also the easiest to remedy: clogs in the hose or attachments. Also the electrical cord, motor, switch, fan, brushes, and motor bearings can all need repair or replacement. The drive belt may need replacing; and the attachments, hoses, and filters may need unclogging.
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.
Lack of power, a bad power cord, failed drive motor or broken wires in the vacuum hose can prevent the vacuum cleaner from starting. Make sure the electrical outlet that you`re using for the vacuum cleaner works. Try using a different outlet if you suspect that the outlet you`re using is dead.
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 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.
– Some vacuums have an in-line thermal fuse (often located between the switch lead and the motor coil). If the fuse is blown it will need to be replaced. – Check your home circuit breaker – it may have tripped. – Some vacuums have a brushroll on/off control.
Vacuum System Failures:

Occurs when the vacuum pump fails or when both intakes are blocked.

A universal motor is typically used as suction motor across vacuum cleaners. The universal motor is a series DC-motor that is specially designed to operate on alternating current (AC) as well as on direct current (DC). Universal motors have high starting torque, operate at high speed, and are lightweight.
An inadequate oil supply is one of the most common causes of malfunctions with vacuum pumps. Modern vacuum pumps need 30 to 60 litres of lubricating oil per hour to function properly. If the oil supply is not adequate, this can lead to leakages in the pump.
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.

Your Vacuum Has Suddenly Gotten Extra Noisy

Just like noises under your car hood, belts that are stretched to the breaking point, or that have become loose can indicate that problems are on the way.

The first, and arguably most important, part of the vacuum cleaner is the suction motor. This is what creates the vacuum pressure and suction power by utilizing a rotating motor fan.
Essentially, the system is comprised of four main components: the main vacuum unit, pipes and inlets, a vacuum hose, and cleaning tools. The vacuum hose and cleaning tools are what you – the consumer – will most directly interact with. They`re pretty familiar and work just as they would on any vacuum cleaner.
Vacuuming every day, or even a few times a day, is not going to create any long term problems. `But,` you might be thinking, `doesn`t the brushes spinning over the carpet on a beater bar wear it out? ` Sure, but a very small amount.
A vacuum cleaner gets power from a regular electrical socket, with the average upright design requiring between 450 and 3000 watts. However, the most often used versions use around 1400 watts, equivalent to approximately 1.4 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each hour.
If a belt is not tensioned properly, it will ride too loose or too tight on the pulley. A belt that`s too loose on a pulley will cause slippage, which leads to heat build up from friction. This heat will damage your rubber belts and cause the belts to crack and break.
Have you ever broken a belt on your vaccuum and didn`t have a chance to buy a new one? You can make your own out of duct tape for a TEMPORARY fix. This belt is for TEMPORARY USE ONLY, you might damage your vaccuum if you overuse this belt.
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.
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.

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.
The Anatomy of a Fuse

Inside the fuse, there is a metal ribbon through which all the current on the circuit passes. The ribbon is sized to match the circuit wire gauge, and if too much current passes through the ribbon, it melts through, or “blows,” and the circuit goes dead.

VOLTAGE TYPES (VAC / VDC)

This means the fuse can be used in a circuit he voltage maximum operating at this voltage . For example; if your fuse was rated at 250VAC, it could be used in a 250VAC circuit or in a or less lower voltage circuit such as 12VAC, but it must not be used in a circuit operating above 250VAC ie.

Pull the fuse out, you will find the fuse within two metal holders inside the plug, sometimes these can be tight and need to be prised out, don`t worry if one of the pins lifts out with it initially – this just slides back through the case once the fuse is removed.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

The original belt on my upright Kenmore Progressive broke and I replaced it with the spare that was in the vacuum. The vacuum and spare belt are about 10 years old. Then the spare broke after one vacuuming session and there was a burning smell coming from the vacuum. I ordered new belts and replaced it with the new belt. It seems to be working fine with no smell. I checked the belt after I vacuumed the family room and although it was in tact, the belt was very hot. Is that normal? Should t
ANSWER : The belt heats up due to the friction, as well as being in contact with the shaft of a hot motor. It is normal.

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Dirt devil vacuum cleaner–trouble vacuuming dirt and pet hair on carpeting –is the problem with the spinning brush which contacts the floor,  not contacting the carpeting??  I thought (when I bought this vacuum) that the aforementioned brush was adjustable to various heights of carpeting.  Sometimes, it seems like nothing is being vacuumed up –unless I have just put a new bag on the vacuum… Do I need or can I replace the spinning brush on the bottom of the vacuum so it kicks up and vacuums
ANSWER : Try replacing the belt. Rubber belts stretch out after about a year.

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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.
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.A reset button is for use if the motor isn’t running, so won’t have anything to do with the suction.

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My vacuum hose has split very close to the handle- how do I remove the handle, cut the hose at the split & reattach it to the handle unit – Centralux central vacuum system. Where can I find a diagram of how to remove the handle?
ANSWER : Do Not Cut the hose!
It has wiring inside to control the vac and power head. This is a swivel handled hose with both low and high voltage contacts in it. The same wiring which gives the hose its ribbing, is conducting current for two applications,
If your hose has a switched handle, a very experienced, trained AERUS Electrolux tech will a have a tough time doing this job and will likely refuse as it is not recommended per company policy.
You can purchase a shrink wrap tube which will prolong the life of the hose if it has not collapsed, however this is a short term fix.
I could walk you through this as I have done it before …Unfortunately, even if you were able to dismantle the hose successfully you would not be able to purchase the wire terminals which you would cut off the end when shortening . Sorry its a proprietary part.

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Have Dyson DC 14. When tilt to vacuum, the handle and coiled hose comes away from the unit. The problem started when the little purple ridged curved part on front of vacuum cleaner right below handle came loose and a spring fell out from somewhere–don’t know where. I pushed on the purple ridge part and it snapped back on. Now, can’t get it loose again, don’t know where the spring goes, and handle still comes loose from vacuum.
ANSWER : I’m not positive whether or not this is the wand handle because there are several versions of the DC14. However the device the locks and unlocks the wand in place is pretty similar between all the versions.

The first picture is the wand release catch spring. The second is the wand. The purple piece is the wand release catch. It is held in place at the bottom by two plastic pins. Basically the catch release is pressed over the two pins until they lock in the two holes at the bottom of the catch release. To get it off you need to pry it off and over the plastic pins. The spring simply sets in between the wand shaft and the back side of the catch release. There should be a spot on the back of the catch release to help hold the spring in place. If not you may need to replace the catch release.

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Please let me know if you need any clarification on anything or just need further information and I’ll be glad to help.

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I purchased a Eureka C4910 last year and have a question that I am hoping you can answer.

There are two motor actions with this vacuum, 1) the vacuum suction, and 2) the beater bar. The action of the beater bar is that motor is supposed to automatically shut off when the handle is in the complete vertical position assuming the vacuum is stationary, but then turn on when the handle is tilted toward the floor, assuming the vacuum is moving back and forth.

The beater bar motor turn-on mechan

ANSWER : Good day!

Normally when the motor is easily moved back and forth means that it have a proper lubrication,proper alignment and no clogs.

When the motor and the belt is OK the problem could be on electrical wiring and switch.

If found electrical switch burned out you need to replaced it because when the switch is burn the contact of that switch is open even you turn it ON.that’s why the motor is not function because the voltage is not pass through the circuit because of open switch.You need to replaced it.
And check some fuses if any and other burned electrical wire.Replaced it also.

Thank you and don’t forget to rate my answer.

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Putting new vacuum together position of the handle
ANSWER : The handle should be attached so that the open portion of the handle is facing towards the brushs( away from user)

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My home has a central vacuum system hook-up but no vacuum installed. My friend upgraded his central system and gave me his Eureka Mega Boss central vacuum system and the accessories, including the pow
ANSWER : The power head requires 120 Volts. Some hoses have a receptacle in the handle for the power head plug, and the hose has a cord at the wall inlet end that plugs into a receptacle. Some hoses have a plug at the wall inlet end that plugs into a 120Volt receptacle built into the inlet. The hose plugs into this receptacle when you push the hose into the inlet. The power for this built-in receptacle is wired with line voltage when the system is installed.

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