How To Fix Loss Of Suction In A Vacuum Cleaner
Lost or reduced suction is a rather common occurrence with many vacuum cleaners due to various issues. Before you decide to replace your vacuum, there are a number of things you can try to fix lost suction:
Step 1: Diagnose the problem
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. Start by inspecting the easiest issue first.
Step 2: Check the height setting
If the height setting is too high for the type of floor you are cleaning, the vacuum won’t have enough suction. Vacuums typically come with an adjustment lever or dial to raise or lower it depending on the floor you’re cleaning. The lowest setting is “bare floor”, which should be used for wood, tile, and other hard flooring, since it seals the vacuum to the floor to maximize suction power. The higher your carpet, the further the setting should be to the “bare floor” setting. So, lower your vacuum to the lowest setting and adjust it accordingly to see if this fixes the suction.
Step 3: Inspect the bag or canister
A full collection canister or vacuum bag can also cause loss of suction. This is easy to determine by simply checking the fill line (positioned on the front of your bagless vacuum or on the vacuum bag of canister and upright vacuums). Even if it is not full, simply empty the bag or canister completely or replace the vacuum bag.
Step 4: Check if the hose is clogged or cracked
While you have the canister or bag removed, take the opportunity to inspect the hoses leading to the bag/canister. If you notice a clump of hair, try removing it with tweezers or simply detach the hose from vacuum for thorough cleaning. Use a long stick to push out debris stuck in the middle of the hose.
To check if the hose is cracked or broken, put it in soapy water to see if any bubbles form at the cracks. Simply wrap it with duct tape or electrical tape to deal with cracks.
Step 5: Inspect the rollers
Next, flip the vacuum over to inspect the roller for hair or yarn that may be wrapped around it, limiting its ability to turn or move over surfaces. This is particularly common when cleaning carpets. Use a pair of scissors to snip through the yarn. Pull away the pieces as you cut and throw them in the trash. When done, flip over your vacuum and see if it works.
Final note
If none of these solutions fixes the suction problem, you may need to dig a little deeper to uncover the problem. Check for a broken or worn out gasket that may be allowing air to escape or a jammed belt. Otherwise, consider taking the vacuum to the nearest vacuum repair shop for full maintenance.