Just as with all types of electronic equipment, there will be a time when something needs to be fixed, rebuilt, or replaced on your central vacuum. When it comes to central vacuum repair, there are often a series of things to check out before making the repair, but again, when it comes to things with an electrical nature, all repairs should be conducted by professionals.
With your central vacuum, there are a series of issues that can be easily identified by first looking at the symptoms of the problem. Below are five problems that might arise and for which to call for central vacuum repair.
1. Clog in the Hose
How do you determine whether there is a clog in the hose? First, connect the central vacuum hose to the canister that collects dirt. Turn on the vacuum, and if there isn’t any movement, sound, or suction power, it’s clear that something is clogged. Is it the tube? Is it the hose? If the hose has normal suction, the clog exists in the tube. If there is minimal suction, then the hose is the culprit.
The best way to aspirate the clog out of the hose is to reverse the hose into the inlet on the unit and start running the vacuum. Ideally, the clog should just be sucked out. If this doesn’t work, remove the hose completely from the unit and push a dry garden hose through the vacuum hose to push out the clog. It’s important to make sure that no water enters the vacuum hose. If you don’t have a garden hose nearby, another option is to drop a heavy item, such as a screwdriver, down through the hose with the hopes that it pushes out the clog.
If nothing seems to shift the clog, it’s time to contact Gary’s Vacuflo so your system can get back to running smoothly and doing its job.
2. Air Leak in the System
There are a couple of quick things to check for when experiencing a leak in your central vacuum. It might be that there is more than one hose plugged in at the same time. Double-check to verify that just one is in use so the suction power works efficiently. Another thing to check for is that inlet covers are appropriately secured and fitted. If they’ve been removed or are broken, then it’s time to replace or repair them.
If things seem to be fine otherwise, now it’s time to check the tubing. Is anything disconnected or broken? Replace or repair any tubing that is damaged.
Lastly, with a system that has a toe-kick location, make sure that the door is closed and not stuck open.
3. Power Unit Doesn’t Turn On
If you find yourself with a system that won’t turn on, before getting any central vacuum repair, you can double-check a few things around the house.
First, check the circuit breaker. If you need to flip the breaker, go ahead and do so, but make sure nothing is “on” when you do it. After pressing the switch, return to the central vacuum and turn it on. If the breaker trips again, verify that the circuit to which the vacuum is connected has enough voltage for the central vacuum. You can also try to reset the whole unit, as sometimes that can remedy the situation.
It might be that there is a need to replace the motor. If the relay isn’t working (you don’t hear a click), then it’s time for a replacement. Although many, many people have access to the internet and Do-It-Yourself manuals, repairs having to do with electrical issues should be left to the technicians so no one gets hurt and the vacuum isn’t broken further.
4. Unit Doesn’t Shut Down and Runs Continuously
You can start by making sure the on/off switch is in the “off” position. You can view the low voltage wires and disconnect one of them from the unit. If the system still continues to run, there is a bad relay, and it’s time for a replacement. If the wire is reconnected and the system still runs, there is a short in the wiring of the unit, and it will need to be fixed.
Unless you’re a professional electrician, the best course of action is to get your central vac fixed by the pros. If you are a professional, there are various DIY tutorials that you can view in order to investigate the short in the system’s wiring.
5. Weakened or Downed Signal at Inlet
There are numerous other reasons why your central vacuum system might not be operating up to standard. Another issue could be that there is no signal coming to the inlet. If the signal is poor (or even nonexistent), it’s time to call a central vacuum technician to come to repair the electrical components. Without a signal, the system cannot “talk” to itself and connect to parts that would allow its normal ease and efficiency.
There are myriad issues that could come up with a central vacuum system, but there is usually a solution and someone who can answer any related questions. If you do not yet have a central vacuum system installed in your home, or you’re a builder or architect that is looking into incorporating a system in a new property, then don’t look any further than Gary’s Vacuflo. We have not only the best products but also the best customer service. We can answer any questions about your current system or the prospect of a new installation and even provide a free quote. Just give us a call or contact us via our website, and we’ll be there to install the new unit or repair the existing one.
Tags: Air Leak, central vacuum repair, Hose Clogs, Power Unit
