Vacuum Problems: Pick the Symptom
The fourteen symptoms below cover most of what comes in to the bench. Click whichever matches your vacuum and you will get the likely cause, the DIY steps if applicable, and the bring-it-in trigger.
Lost suction
Bag full, hose clog, filter blocked, or motor failing.
Burning smell
Almost always a jammed brush bar with hair wrap.
Won't turn on
Cord, switch, thermal cutoff, or PCB.
Brush roll not spinning
Belt, bearing, or motor.
Overheats or shuts off
Thermal cutoff protecting a clogged airflow path.
Belt needs replacing
Worn or broken belt. We carry belts for every major brand.
Loud or unusual noise
Bearing, fan, motor brush, or a stuck object.
Leaving streaks or dust behind
Brush roll wear, height adjustment, or low suction.
Smells bad
Bag too full, filter saturated, or canister needs cleaning.
Clogged hose
Walk the broomstick technique or bring it in.
Cord won't retract
Retract spring or PCB issue. Usually a 30-minute fix.
Motor may be dead
Smells acrid, will not start, or trips the breaker.
Sparking or tripping breaker
Safety stop. Unplug, do not use, bring it in.
Filter got wet
Air-dry steps and when to replace.
Common questions
- Should I try to fix it myself?
- For belt replacements, clogged hoses, bag swaps, and filter washes, sure. We will show you on the symptom pages. For motor, PCB, and battery issues, bring it in. Free estimate.
- Is the diagnosis really free?
- Yes. We charge for repairs, not for telling you what is wrong. If you decide not to fix it, you owe nothing.
- Can you fix a vacuum from any brand?
- Almost any. See the brand list on the repair hub. If your brand is not on the list, call (703) 931-6100 to confirm.