Click on the section below to visit the appropriate FAQ section:
ACCESSORIES
HOSES
PIPING & VALVES
POWER UNITS (Filtered Cyclonic)
POWER UNITS (General Info)
POWER UNITS (True Cyclonic)
TURBOCAT/RUGRAT POWERHEADS
VACPAN
Accessories
Q: What kinds of accessories are available?
A: At GVI, we stock a wide variety of accessories to help keep your whole house clean. See our Online Store for a complete listing, or come into any one of our showrooms to see what we have to offer! Brochures are also available.
Q: What is the most popular accessory kit?
A: Our TurboTeam is a great value and is very popular with our customers. It includes the 30 ft. switched hose and rack, hose sock, deluxe tool set with caddy, adjustable ratchet wand, and a Turbocat Powerbrush.
Hoses
Q: I have low suction at the end of my hose handle - what could the problem be?
A: If you notice a loss of vacuum power, you may have a clog in your system, however, you may need to clean the Guard Screen that is installed in the power unit. This screen should be cleaned each time the dirt canister is emptied. If this is not maintained dirt, dust and debris can cause the screen to become clogged and cause low suction throughout the system.
Q: I would like to replace my hose, how do I know what hose to order?
A: Does your hose have an on/off switch?
If yes…Is it electric or low voltage? Tell this by what type of powerhead you have, electric or air driven?
If air driven, you have low voltage and need to know what type of valve you have in your home, 4 mounting screws or two?
If electric, do you have a 6’ pigtail that you plug in?
Q: My hose kinks frequently, how can I prevent this from happening?
A: Pull the hose straight out, as you would a garden hose, before vacuuming. Installing a hose sock on the hose will also help with the kinking. Storing the hose properly on the hose rack should also insure less kinking.
Q: Why does static electricity build up in my wands?
A: The shock that you may sometimes feel is static electricity building up in your metal wands. This has nothing to do with electrical wiring and does not mean that something is wrong with your system. When vacuuming, electrons from the dust particles build up in the wands as static electricity and when it jumps from the wand it can create a shock. To avoid this, simply hold a portion of your hand or finger on the metal wand, this will allow the charge to dissipate. Another option is to wipe the hose, handle and wand with a Bounce brand dryer sheet.
Q: My hose is clogged, how can I remove it?
A: 1. The easiest method is to try to reverse the vacuum by putting the hose handle into the inlet valve. Cup your hand around the handle end and the inlet valve to create a seal.
2. Press the hose along the length and try to feel for the clog. When you find it, press down on it and knead - this may break it up enough so it will go through the hose.
3. Use a dry garden hose and fish it through the end of the hose - this may push out the clog.
4. Place a butter knife in the hose and work it through to the clog. Shake the hose so that the knife bounces against the clog. This will usually dislodge the obstruction.
Q: Are longer hoses available?
A: GVI stocks 50 ft. garage hoses for those with 3-car garages or those who just need a little more extension from their utility valve. However, we do not recommend using longer than a 30 ft. hose (standard) on the interior as it may diminish suction power.
Q: When I plug in my TurboGrip hose, the on/off switch will not turn my system off, what could be the problem?
A1: The hose may not be properly inserted into the wall inlet valve. The two metal prongs on the end of the hose must be completely seated in the two holds inside the wall inlet to override the switch and turn the hose off. Simply make sure that the hose is pushed completely into the valve.
A2. The valve may be slightly warped due to over-tightening of the screws. An easy fix, just loosen the screws and re-tighten going 1/4 turn past snug. Don't over tighten!
Q: My hose won't turn on...how do I fix it?
A1. Confirm that the power unit still turns on when you open the valve (there's suction coming from the valve). If your unit doesn't turn on, it's possible there's a problem with the power unit. Call any one of our store locations and we can troubleshoot with you to diagnose the problem.
A2. Quick fix: Pull the hose just slightly out of the valve till you hear the valve activate and suction returns. the hose will then turn on and stay on until unplugged from the wall, but you will lose the on/off capability (the on/off switch is a convenience feature--it does not affect the performance of your system).
A3. Long term fix: Bring the hose into any one of our offices in Portland, Beaverton or Bend. We can usually diagnose and fix hose problems in under 10 minutes. If hoses are irreparably damaged, we always have plenty in stock for purchase.
Q: When I use my hose from my Garage & Car Care Kit in the garage, I experience low suction, but when I use my other hose inside the house, the suction is fine, why is this happening?
A: Pull apart your plastic wands that connect into your garage hose. Sometimes dirt and debris can get clogged inside the wands and will build up and cause low suction. Check the garage hose for clogs, or there could be a clog above the utility valve (next to your Power Unit) in the tubing system.
Q: I've heard about hoses that are stored in the walls--what are these and how do they work?
A: Hide-A-Hose! One of our newer offerings, the Hide-A-Hose system cleverly stores the vacuum hose inside the wall. Just open the outlet, pull out as little or as much hose as you need, and go! When you are finished, the suction from the Central Vacuum power unit retracts the hose back out of sight.
Q: Why am I being shocked when vacuuming with my hose?
A: The shock that you sometimes feel is static electricity building up in your metal wands. It has nothing to do with the electrical wiring, and does not mean that something is wrong with your system. When vacuuming, electrons from dust particles build up in the wands as static electricity, and when it jumps from the wand can create a shock. To avoid getting shocked, simply hold a portion of your hand or a finger on the metal wand - this will allow the static charge to dissipate.
Piping and Valves
Q: What can I do if I have a clog in my tubing?
A: If you have determined there is a clog in your tubing inside the walls, there are a few things you can try to loosen the clog yourself:
A1. Check inside each inlet at the 90 degree fitting that connects into the inlet, sometimes an object may be stuck right inside that fitting and you can pull it out with your fingers.
A2. Go to the wall inlet that seems to have the lowest suction, open it up and place your palm over the opening, creating a seal. Let the suction build up for a couple seconds and then pull your hand off the inlet. Do this a couple of times and it may loosen up the clog and send it through to the Power Unit. If you don't get good suction after doing this, there still may be an obstacle in the tubing. Send several marble sized rocks through the inlet valve and tubing system to knock out these obstacles. Check dirt bucket to see if any objects have come through (especially long objects).
If these suggestions do not work, call Gary's VACUFLO for service.
Q: Is there a way to remove small objects (such as rocks) that are rattling inside the wall inlet valves?
A: Yes. Open up the inlet valve and push and hold in the black button located between the two holes in the inlet. Pushing in this switch will turn the system off, and you can then reach in and remove the objects with your fingers.
Q: I need to replace the door on my inlet valve, where can I get one?
A: The door itself is not replaceable, the whole valve needs to be replaced. Valves are available at Gary’s VACUFLO.
Q: I broke the toe kick on my VacPan. Do I need to replace the whole valve?
A: No, there is a repair kit available contact a Gary’s VACUFLO representative for more information.
Q: I hear air flowing through my VacPan, should this be happening?
A: You should not hear any air flowing through the VacPan when you are using other inlets in the home. Open up the VacPan and feel inside with your fingers, there may be something lodged inside that is keeping it from shutting all the way.
Q: I have regular inlet valves, can I install a Hide-A-Hose?
A: Possibly, it depends on the access to the vacuum tubing behind the walls. The best way to determine if you can retrofit a Hide-A-Hose is to contact a Gary’s VACUFLO representative to give you a quote on retrofitting the system.
Power Units (Filtered Cyclonic)
Q: I have low suction at the end of my hose handle - what could the problem be?
A: The problem could be that the pleated cartridge filter needs changed. The filter needs to be replaced once a year, to avoid build up of dust and debris. If this does not restore the suction to the original level, you may have a clog or an air leak in the tube system
Q: How do I change my filter?
A: 1. Remove the dirt canister from the power unit.
2. Remove the cone by pulling straight down.
3. Turn the filter latch ¼ of a turn to remove the filter.
4. Replace the filter and secure the latch.
5. Replace the cone and the canister.
Q: I have a Filtered Cyclonic unit, how often should I change the filter?
A: This depends on your cleaning habits. We recommend changing the filter once a year. It is also recommended that when the dirt canister is emptied the filter be removed and tapped against the side to remove excess dust/debris. The filter is NOT washable, DO NOT GET THE FILTER WET.
Q: I need to replace my filter for my Filtered Cyclonic Central Vacuum, where can I buy one?
A: To purchase a replacement filter call Gary’s VACUFLO and one of our representatives will assist you.
Q: How do I empty the dirt canister?
A: 1. Remove the dirt canister from the power unit.
2. Discard contents of the canister in a trash receptacle.
3. Replace the dirt canister.
Q: The vac tubing located near my power unit has a black film on it, what is it?
A: This black film is carbon dust that is caused by the wearing down of the motor brushes. This is not an indicator of bad motor performance. This dust typically accumulates on the PVC tubing that connects to your unit on the right side because the tubing has a static electric charge that attracts small dust particles.
Q: My power unit will not turn on, what can I do?
A: First, check the breaker in your electrical panel. You should also check to see if the reset button on the canister itself has popped out. (The reset button is located on the upper left hand side of the unit above where the low voltage wires connect into the machine.) Try to push this in if it has popped out. If the power unit still does not come on, try plugging something else (hair dryer, electric drill) into the electrical plug your canister is plugged into. It may be that your electrical outlet is not working, in this case call an electrician. If you have checked all of these items and your unit will still not come on call Gary’s VACUFLO and one of our representatives will assist you.
Q: What hoses can I use with the on-board valve on Filtered Cyclonic Units?
A: All hoses will work with the on-board valve. However, if your hose is a VACUFLO style you will need to use an adapter to fit the on-board valve so that the on/off switch on the hose will work.
Power Units (General Information)
Q: What are the differences between a True Cyclonic, Filtered Cyclonic, and inverted bag filtered systems?
A: Cyclonic technologies, both true and filtered, maintain maximum airflow and optimum cleaning power over time—even when the dirt canister is full. These cyclonic units create a powerful centrifugal force that sends 96-98% of all dirt vacuumed directly to the remote canister. The remaining fine particles are exhausted outside with True Cyclonic units, or captured in a long-lasting filter with Filtered Cyclonic units. In inverted bag-filtered systems, cleaning performance diminishes rapidly as the cloth bag becomes clogged with dirt. After only a few uses, the bag must be replaced or cleaned to restore the system to original performance levels.
Q: How loud are the systems?
A: VACUFLO Central Vacuum Systems are the quietest Central Vacuums on the market. Our popular 466Q & 566Q power units are 59.7 dBA and 60.7 dBA respectively. That’s just slightly louder than the average person converses in. And since power units are generally installed outside the main house, sound is rarely a problem.
Q: Can I use my Central Vacuum as a wet vac?
A: The majority of Central Vacuums are designed for dry use only. However, GVI does have a wet vac accessory that can be used in conjunction with your Central Vacuum system to collect water, or used as a separator for large items (e.g. leaves or pine needles) you want to keep from entering the tubing system.
Q: Do you sell other brands besides VACUFLO?
A: Yes. We strongly believe that VACUFLO is the best system available, but we do offer other systems as well. Visit any of our three showrooms and our knowledgeable Customer Service Representatives will help you weigh the benefits of each brand.
Q: My canister (Power Unit) won't come on at all, what should I do?
A1. First check the breaker in your electrical panel
A2. You can also check to see if the reset button on the canister itself has popped out. This is located on the upper left hand side of the unit above where the low voltage wires connect into the machine. Try to push this in if it has popped out.
A3. If the Power Unit still does not come on, try plugging something else (a hair dryer or electric drill) into the electrical plug that your canister is plugged into. It may be that the electrical plug is not working (in this case, call an electrician).
If you have checked all of these things and it still will not come on, call Gary's VACUFLO for service.
Q: What do I do if my Power Unit will not shut off?
A: Unplug the unit from the electrical outlet as quickly as possible or turn off the electrical breaker. Call Gary's VACUFLO for troubleshooting and service.
Q: I am noticing black dust around my canister (Power Unit), is this normal?
A: This black dust is normally carbon dust that is caused by the motor brushes as they wear down. It is usually not an indicator of a bad motor or poor performance. The dust will accumulate especially on the PVC tubing that connects into your unit on the exhaust side (right side), because the tubing has a static electric charge that attracts small dust particles. However, if you notice what appears to be an excessive amount of dust building up in a short period of time, it may be wise to call in for service.
Q: I have been cleaning the screen inside my Power Unit, but I am still experiencing low suction, what else could cause this?
A: Another cause of low suction could be that your Turbocat brush is not spinning properly (see frequently asked question on Turbocat not spinning), or it may be that you have a clog in your hose or in the tube in the walls. If the suction feels strong at the inlet valve in the wall before you plug your hose in, it could mean that something is clogged inside your hose.
Methods to unclog a hose:
1. Cup your hand around the handle end of the hose and stick it inside one of your inlets (trying to create a seal around the inlet with you hand); while doing this, tap the palm of your hand on the other end of the hose-this may loosen up the clog and pull it out
2. Press the hose a long its length to try and feel for the clog, when you find it, press down on it and knead --- this may break it up enough so it will go through the hose
3. Use a dry garden hose and fish it through the end of the hose --- this may push out the clog.
If you have determined that your Turbocat brush is spinning freely and you do not have a clog in your hose, you may have a clog inside the tubing in your walls.
Power Units (True Cyclonic)
Q: How do I empty the canister?
A: 1. Remove the dirt canister from the power unit.
2. Discard contents of the canister in a trash receptacle.
3. Replace the dirt canister.
Q: How do I clean the motor guard screen?
A: 1. Remove the dirt canister from the power unit.
2. Look up in side the bottom of the unit, you will see a plastic cone, up inside that cone is a screen.
3. Take a stiff bristled brush (a new toilet brush works great) and stick the brush up inside and brush the dust and debris from the screen.
4. Replace the dirt canister.
Q: Can I remove the guard screen in my VACUFLO True Cyclonic Power Unit?
A: No, the guard screen is a permanently installed component of you power unit. To clean your guard screen:
1. Remove the dirt canister from the bottom of the power unit.
2. Look up inside the bottom of the unit, you will see a plastic cone; up inside that cone is a screen.
3. Take a stiff bristled brush (a new toilet brush works great) and stick the brush up inside and brush off the dust from the screen.
Q: How do I hang my central vacuum hose?
1. Coil your hose on the ground. The hose has a natural coil which will make coiling your hose for storage easier.
2. Pick up your coiled hose and place on the hose rack.
3. Replace the dirt canister.
Q: My power unit will not turn on, what can I do?
A: First, check the breaker in your electrical panel. You should also check to see if the reset button on the canister itself has popped out. (The reset button is located on the upper left hand side of the unit above where the low voltage wires connect into the machine.) Try to push this in if it has popped out. If the power unit still does not come on, try plugging something else (hair dryer, electric drill) into the electrical plug your canister is plugged into. It may be that your electrical outlet is not working, in this case call an electrician. If you have checked all of these items and your unit will still not come on call Gary’s VACUFLO and one of our representatives will assist you.
Q: The vac tubing located near my power unit has a black film on it, what is it?
A: This black film is carbon dust that is caused by the wearing down of the motor brushes. This is not an indicator of bad motor performance. This dust typically accumulates on the PVC tubing that connects to your unit on the right side because the tubing has a static electric charge that attracts small dust particles.
TurboCat/RugRat Powerheads
Q: The brush on my TurboCat will not spin, what should I do?
A: Turn your power brush over and remove the clear plastic belt protector by turning the two black clips holding it in place. You will see a channel that makes a "v" shape. Take a flashlight and look down inside that channel, there may be an object stuck in the channel that is preventing the brush from spinning. Use your fingers or a screwdriver to dislodge the object. If you cannot see an object stuck in the channel, you may need to call a Gary’s VACUFLO representative to get help with further troubleshooting the problem.
Q: How do I change the belt on my TurboCat?
A: Turn your power brush over and remove the clear plastic belt protector by turning the two black clips holding it in place. Remove the three screws holding the baseplate. Pull the baseplate off and remove the belt shroud. Remove the brush roller and shaft supports. Pull the brush roller out. Slide the belt off the turbine and off the brush roller. Place new belt on the turbine and slide over brush roller. (Be sure that the belt is properly twisted.) Place the base plate onto the housing and reinsert three screws.
Q: I would like to switch to an electric powerhead, but my inlet valves do not have the wire connection, is there a way I can do this?
A: Yes, there are hoses available with a 6 foot pigtail that can conveniently be plugged into an electrical receptacle. (You must make sure that the inlet valve is near an electrical receptacle.).
Q: Why is the brush on my RugRat (small power head for stairs, cars, etc.) not spinning properly?
A: There may be something stuck inside that is stopping the brush from spinning. Unclip the underside of the RugRat and take it off. Look to see if an object is jammed somewhere inside. Also, the bearings on the brush may be jammed with hair. In this case, you would need to purchase a replacement roller brush. Click here for a PDF of the RugRat Instruction manual. (text link downloads manual directly)
VacPan
Q: What is a VacPan?
A: A VacPan is an automatic dustpan that is connected to your Central Vacuum System. Easily installed in any room with smooth surface flooring, you just open the valve with your foot, sweep dirt and debris into the opening and your VACUFLO takes care of the rest. Popular in kitchens, bathrooms, workshops…anywhere frequent sweeping is needed.
Q: Can a VacPan be added to a home with an existing system?
A: As long as there is crawl space access, Gary’s VACUFLO can usually provide you a VacPan. For more information, call our Portland office and we’ll arrange for one of our experienced Territory Representatives to visit your home and provide you a quote.
Q: When I turn on my vacuum system, I hear air flow through my VacPan in the toe kick of my cabinet, should this be happening?
A: You should not hear air flow through the VacPan in the kitchen when you are using other inlets in the house. Open up the VacPan and feel inside with your fingers, there may be something lodged inside that is keeping it from shutting all the way. If this is not the case, call Gary's VACUFLO for service.