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Why doesn't my vacuum cleaner have good suction?

less than a minute readApr 19Lyle Weischwill
image of vacuum-cleaner

A weak suction motor, full vacuum bag, clog in the suction air path, dirty vacuum exhaust filter or leaky vacuum hose can prevent the vacuum cleaner from suctioning well.

Check the collection bag because debris won't get sucked up through the vacuum and into the collection bag efficiently when the bag is full. Empty the bag if it's full. On a vacuum model that uses a single-use collection bag, you'll need to replace the collection bag when it's full.

If your vacuum uses an exhaust filter, a clogged exhaust filter will prevent suction air from flowing through the vacuum efficiently. Check the exhaust filter and replace it if it's dirty.

Check the suction air path for a clog. Debris in the nozzle, hose or an internal pipe in the vacuum can inhibit suction air flow so remove any debris that you find blocking the suction air path.

For a canister vacuum, holes in the vacuum hose can diminish suction air flow through the nozzle because air gets sucked through hose holes instead of the nozzle. Replace the vacuum hose if it has holes.


These repairs may help solve your vacuum-cleaner problem

JC-VAC-Replace-the-vacuum-suction-motor

Replace the vacuum suction motor

The suction motor rotates the fan that creates suction by moving air from the intake at the cleaning head to the dirt collection chamber. If the motor doesn't create suction or doesn't run at all, replace it.

Vacuum suction motor

Find the required part specific to your product.
Jul 01
By Lyle Weischwill
How to replace a vacuum suction motor

If your vacuum loses suction and the hose and nozzle aren't clogged, the vacuum cleaner might need a…

Repair time and Difficulty

 15 minutes or less
JC-VAC-Replace-the-vacuum-bag

Replace the vacuum bag

The vacuum cleaner bag collects the dust and dirt that the vacuum sucks up. It also helps filter the exhaust air. Replace the bag when it's full, torn or damaged.

Vacuum bag

Find the required part specific to your product.
JC-VAC-Replace-the-vacuum-hose

Replace the vacuum hose

The vacuum cleaner hose is constructed of reinforced vinyl. It sometimes has wires integrated into the hose. If the hose is torn or the integrated wires are broken, replace the hose.

Vacuum hose

Find the required part specific to your product.
JC-VAC-Replace-the-vacuum-exhaust-filter

Replace the vacuum exhaust filter

The exhaust filter traps dust and pollutants from the exhaust air from the dirt collection chamber. To extend the life of the filter, you can clean it by shaking it or wiping it . When the filter is so clogged that cleaning isn't effective, replace it.

Vacuum exhaust filter

Find the required part specific to your product.