Vacuum cleaners: Loss of Suction
A common complaint about vacuum cleaners, regardless of the brand, is loss of suction. The motor runs fine, there seems to be plenty of power, and even some suction, but the vacuum just won't pick up even the lightest of items. There are some very simple checks and fixes to this problem most of the time.
The primary causes are: clogged hose, full bag, leaky hose.
Clogged hose: this is probably the most common cause, and will result in a damaged motor if not cleared.
Check: Remove hose from vacuum and wands. Holding one end, drop a marble or small ball into the opening and allow to roll through. If it doesn't come through the end, then the hose is clogged.
Solution: If you have a canister vacuum with an exhaust port, try connecting the hose to this and turning machine on. If the clog isn't too bad, this may clear it. If not, more extreme measures may be needed.
Never attempt to clear a clog with a coat hanger or similar length of wire, as this could easily puncture the house. Do not use water or high air pressure gun to clear hose.
Full bag: Check bag. Change if necessary. If it seems the bag should hold a little more, well, it's not worth replacing a motor, or the vacuum, trying to find out. Bag pores are easily clogged if the machine is used for cleaning construction areas where sheet rock dust is abundant. Ensure you’re using genuine bags for your machine.
Leaky hose: Over time, hoses suffer from normal wear and tear, and often abuse, resulting in cracks and holes, often too small to notice. Hoses need to be replaced at this time, and this generally results in a dramatic increase in "suction". There simply is no fix for a leaky hose.
Solution: Always store the hose properly to avoid kinking, crimping, smashing, etc. Avoid stepping on the hose, or leaving in an area where it may get stepped on , driven over, or smashed. Avoid pulling the vacuum by the hose, or otherwise stretching/stressing the hose.
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