Fixing a Clogged Vacuum Cleaner
Fixing a clogged vacuum cleaner is easier to do than you think. Sure the vacuum repair shop is right down the street, and they are reasonably priced. However, there are simple and quick fixes for these units, and even if professional repair is required, you at least are able to have a better understanding of what you are paying for.
First things first, unplug your vacuum prior to inspecting the different components. Plug the unit back in only to check the vacuum’s operation after completing each maintenance check, until it is restored to proper operating condition.
A clogged vacuum will sound obstructed and may produce a high-pitched whistling noise. As simple as it sounds, check the vacuum bag first. Just because the vacuum is not sucking properly, does not equate a larger mechanical problem. If the bag is full, inappropriately installed or torn, it may prevent the machine from properly operating. If this is the case, remove the bag, install a new one or empty the old one, and restart the machine.
If suction is still abnormal, move your investigation towards the vacuum tube (when dealing with a canister type vacuum). Remove the tube and look for any possible obstruction or damage to the tube. If the tube is ripped, this may be a contributing factor to the vacuum’s poor performance. You can use duct tape or a similar product for a quick fix. Lay the tube in a straight line on the floor and peer through it, you should see clear to the other end. If you cannot, than a blockage has been discovered, and you must work to remove it: a broom handle, stretched coat hanger, or the like can work.
For upright vacuums, a blockage can occur in the cleaner head. Lay the vacuum on a flat surface and investigate the cleaner head, looking for any obstructions inside the head. Often clogs and tangles can occur around and behind the beater roller.
