Basic Vacuum Repairs

While there are many different things that can, and do, cause problems with a vacuum cleaner the most common reason for any type of vacuum problem is running over something that you shouldn't have. If not taken care of properly, this can lead to a wide variety of problems. Some common examples of these problems are things like loss of suction power, strange or abnormal sounds coming from the vacuum, higher than normal temperatures, and so on. This common problem can be resolved by conducting a few basic vacuum repairs.

For most basic vacuum repairs there are two methods that you can use. The first method will usually only work if you believe that you have a problem caused by sucking up something that you shouldn't have. The second though will work on just about any kind of problem as long as you are willing to take apart your vacuum.

Use another vacuum. Considering that most of the problems a vacuum cleaner can be faced with is a direct result of something that it sucked up, it only stands to reason that the solution could also lie in sucking. Disconnect the bag, canister, or dirt holding contraption from the rest of the vacuum cleaner. Attach the hose of a different vacuum cleaner to the hose of the afflicted vacuum, and turn it on. This should help remove the obstruction, or at least loosen it up enough so that you can continue to remove the obstruction by hand. If this doesn't work to remove the obstruction, you may need to attach the hose to a high pressure air hose and then turn it on.

Carefully disassemble. Before you begin working on disassembling a vacuum cleaner (or any type of electronic device) make sure that the power supply is no longer connected. Remove any batteries, and disconnect any power cords to ensure that it no longer has any electrical juice running through it. As you proceed to disassemble the vacuum cleaner, make sure that you take careful note of where each and every piece belongs. Disconnect the hose from the vacuum, and then insert an open coat hanger wire down the hose and use it to remove any obstructions that you may find. Inspect your bag or dirt container to ensure that it is not full or damaged in some way. If it is full, empty it. If it is damaged then repair or replace it. Look at the area where the hose connected to the rest of the vacuum, there will be a pipe or channel that leads to the dirt container. That channel may be plugged, so inspect it and clean it out if necessary.

For any thing that needs more work than this, do not attempt to do it yourself. It is too easy to accidentally damage or lose a small piece of equipment, and removing the engine cowling on many vacuum cleaners can actually void the warranty.