5 things to Check before taking your Vacuum to the Shop
So your vacuum just quit working.
What now?
Well, before you take it into the shop, why not do a quick diagnosis of the problem--it might be simpler than you expect.
1. Check the electrical outlet
There's not much more embarrassing than taking something into the shop and having it run just fine when it was dead at home. If the vacuum doesn't run, see if the outlet is giving power (this is a pretty easy fix).
2. Belt
Unplug and flip the vacuum over. Does the belt look loose, broken, or melted? If so, it is time to replace it. There's often a distinctive smell that goes along with this problem-- burning rubber.
3. Bags/filters
When was the last time you emptied the bag and/or cleaned the filters? Replacing a full bag will often get a vacuum back to running like new. Filters are very important--especially on bag-less machines--they keep dirt from getting into important places like the motor. Some filters are washable, look in your instructions to see how to clean them.
4. Hose
One frequent problem is clogging, especially if you have pets, long hair, new carpets, or like to vacuum up large pieces of rubbish. Without airflow, the vacuum will overheat and shut down. Remove your hose and drop a quarter in one end. Hold the hose vertically. Did the quarter come out? If not, you have a clog. Use a yard stick to clear out the blockage--be careful not to compact the dirt inside.
(Do NOT use coat hangers to clear a clog, they can destroy your hose)
5. Reset Button
Locate the reset button and press. If it restarts, diagnose what caused the problem in the first place--see above options.
What now?
Well, before you take it into the shop, why not do a quick diagnosis of the problem--it might be simpler than you expect.
1. Check the electrical outlet
There's not much more embarrassing than taking something into the shop and having it run just fine when it was dead at home. If the vacuum doesn't run, see if the outlet is giving power (this is a pretty easy fix).
2. Belt
Unplug and flip the vacuum over. Does the belt look loose, broken, or melted? If so, it is time to replace it. There's often a distinctive smell that goes along with this problem-- burning rubber.
3. Bags/filters
When was the last time you emptied the bag and/or cleaned the filters? Replacing a full bag will often get a vacuum back to running like new. Filters are very important--especially on bag-less machines--they keep dirt from getting into important places like the motor. Some filters are washable, look in your instructions to see how to clean them.
4. Hose
One frequent problem is clogging, especially if you have pets, long hair, new carpets, or like to vacuum up large pieces of rubbish. Without airflow, the vacuum will overheat and shut down. Remove your hose and drop a quarter in one end. Hold the hose vertically. Did the quarter come out? If not, you have a clog. Use a yard stick to clear out the blockage--be careful not to compact the dirt inside.
(Do NOT use coat hangers to clear a clog, they can destroy your hose)
5. Reset Button
Locate the reset button and press. If it restarts, diagnose what caused the problem in the first place--see above options.
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