Over time a vacuum cleaner may lose its suction power, and there are plenty of reasons behind this, including debris deposited around the cleaning brush. However, to fix a vacuum cleaner with no suction, you don’t need professionals since you can do it on your own.
The main issue responsible for lost suction is the deposition of hair, dirt, and debris, which then leads to a clogged brush roll or hose. As a result, the vacuum loses its suction and doesn’t perform as efficiently as before.
Fortunately, these issues can be fixed at home using some simple hacks. This article will tell you how to take care of a vacuum and retrieve its lost suction.
How to Fix a Vacuum Cleaner with No Suction?
The following are the solutions to the most common issues that may result in the loss of suction in a vacuum cleaner.
Clean the Floor Head
The first and the most important step for fixing a vacuum cleaner with poor or no suction is examining the floorhead. In fact, regular cleaning and maintenance of the floorhead are important for the lifespan and efficiency of the vacuum cleaner.
If your vacuum cleaner uses a spinning or rolling brush, untangling and cleaning the brush roll is essential. Use scissors to cut along the brush bar and then take the entangled hair out by hand. You can even wash the roller if it looks dirty.
Make sure the brush roll is completely dry before installing it back. For the remaining portion of the floorhead, wipe the surface and the edges with a wet cloth.
Clean the Filters
Clogged filters not only result in the loss of suction but they can also cause the motor to stop intermittently. Motor filters and the anti-allergen filters adjacent to the dirtbag play an important role in the suction efficiency of a vacuum cleaner.
You can free both types of filters from dust and debris by giving a twist or a shake in most vacuum models. However, in recent models, two types of filters have been used: washable and replaceable.
Washable filters must be removed and washed under running tap water or in a washing machine, as indicated by the manufacturer. Replaceable ones cannot be washed. They need to be replaced after a certain duration, six months or one year.
Replaceable filters, when used beyond their recommended ideal usage, can seriously affect the suction power of the vacuum cleaner. Check the date when you installed the previous filter. If it has gone beyond the recommended duration, replacing the filter will restore the suction.
Roller May Be Clogged – Fix it
One of the most probable causes of the decline in the suction power of a vacuum is hair, dust, and debris depositing in the brush roller of the floorhead. If your vacuum model does not feature a brush roll, examine the air pathways and the bristles, if any, along the way.
To fix a vacuum with lost suction, clean the roller brush along the brush bar. And then pull the entangled hair with your hands. Removable brush bars are easier to clean. In some vacuum models, you can even wash the brush roller if the manufacturer recommends.
Check and Adjust the Height
Most vacuum cleaners feature adjustable height settings to perform on various surfaces. If your vacuum head is unable to suck, it may be because the floorhead is set too high.
A dial or lever on the vacuum head or on its underside will show various numbers or images. For instance, level 1, or the initial level, refers to the lowest height, also called the bare floor setting. For carpeted floors, height needs to be increased.
If the vacuum is not performing well, start with the lowest setting. In some vacuums, the dial shows images for each level, such as low-pile and high-pile carpets. You can also start by matching the height setting for your target floor.
Empty the Bag or Dust Container
If the vacuum doesn’t work even after cleaning the brush roll and adjusting the height settings, it is time to take a look at the dust bag or container.
The dirt container of bagless vacuums and the vacuum bags of the canister and upright vacuum cleaners have a fill line that marks the optimum filling capacity of the container. Once the vacuumed dirt and debris fill beyond the line, the suction of the vacuum drops drastically.
The vacuum motor works when turned on, but it does not suck any dirt, debris, or hair. Emptying the dirt canister or changing the vacuum bag will restore the suction power.
Check the Hose for Blockage and Cracks
When the vacuum is used for long durations or for cleaning heaps of dirt and hair, the hose may also get clogged. Remove the dirt bag or canister, and examine the opening where it got attached to the vacuum. If you see an obstruction such as an accumulation of hair or dirt, take it out with your hand or a pair of tweezers.
Sometimes, the clog is too far away from the opening or is too huge to come out using tweezers. In that case, detach the hose and take it out in an open, well-lit space. Use a long stick to get to the obstruction of the clog of hair and debris. Follow the clog and keep pushing until it comes out from the other side.
Attach the Accessories Properly
An easily-overlooked issue that causes low suction in a vacuum is the improperly attached accessories. Check the attachment of the hose. The rubber ring encircling the attachment should not be cracked or loose.
If you are using a crevice tool or an upholstery tool, and you see that the vacuum has lost its suction, it is probably because the tool has a weak attachment with the hose. Sometimes, due to excessive use, the tightening rings of attachment wear out, and the tool sits loose. This considerably hampers the suction.
Look Out for Obstructions
Look out for small objects or obstructions that could have entered the hose. A vacuum can suck in objects such as small-sized toys, which can later cause blockage. The motor keeps on making an effort, but the obstruction won’t let the hose work.
If you see an obstruction or blockage, take needle-nose pliers and grab the obstruction tightly and take it out. A shop vacuum can also be used to suck in the obstruction if it does not come out using the pliers.
What to Do if Your Vacuum Still Doesn’t Work?
If the suction power of the vacuum is not restored after trying all the above methods, you need to contact the manufacturer. If the warranty is still valid, the company will repair or replace your vacuum free of cost. Otherwise, you can pay to get your vacuum repaired.
If repairing costs become recurrent, or repair does not help at all, your vacuum probably has lived its life. The vacuum has done its due job, and a new vacuum cleaner is what you need. Have a look at our recommendations for the best vacuum cleaners or check out our Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide for advice about which vacuum is best for your home.
Conclusion
To fix a vacuum with no suction, you can go over the above-discussed steps to see which one works for your vacuum. Regular cleaning and maintenance considerably prolong the life of a vacuum cleaner and should be observed once you fix the lost suction of your vacuum.
If nothing works for the lost suction of your vacuum, you may need to contact the manufacturer. In case your vacuum does not have a warranty, it is time to buy a new one.
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