Common Vacuum Cleaner Issues
We fix a wide range of household appliances including laundry appliances, cooking appliances including gas hobs, cookers & ovens, refrigeration repairs including fridges, freezers, coolers & combinations, and dishwashers.
Loss of Suction
One of the most common and exasperating issues is a noticeable drop in suction power. Your vacuum might be whirring away, but it’s just not picking up dirt effectively. Often, the culprit is a clogged hose or filter. Over time, hair, dust, and even small objects can get lodged, blocking the airflow. Try detaching the hose and peering through it or carefully using a broom handle to dislodge any obstructions.
Another frequent cause is a full dustbin or bag. This might seem obvious, but it’s easily overlooked. When your dustbin or bag is overfilled, there’s no longer enough space for air to circulate efficiently, leading to a significant loss of suction. Make it a habit to empty or replace these regularly. Similarly, clogged filters are a major contributor to poor suction. If these become caked with dirt, airflow is restricted.
Finally, a worn brush roll or belt can impact suction, especially on carpeted surfaces. Check your brush roll for tangles and clear them away. If you notice a burning rubber smell or if the brush simply isn’t spinning, it’s likely time to replace the belt. Give us a call on 01420 481120 and we’ll save you the hassle of repairing your vacuum cleaner.
Vacuum Not Turning On/Power Issues
When your vacuum goes silent, it’s often a power-related problem. First, check if the plug socket is working. Try plugging in another appliance to confirm the power to the outlet is active. Next, check the power cord and plug for any visible signs of damage, such as fraying or bent prongs.
Modern vacuums often have a thermal cut-off feature designed to prevent the motor from overheating. If your vacuum suddenly stops mid-clean, unplug it and let it cool down for about 30 minutes before trying again. This allows the thermal cut-off to reset. If the problem persists, or if the vacuum only turns on intermittently, you might have a faulty on/off switch, which typically requires a professional repair.
Strange Noises
If your vacuum is making unusual sounds like a high-pitched whine, a grinding noise, or rattling it could be a symptom of an issue within you vacuum. A clogged brush roll or motor can lead to strained sounds as the motor struggles against resistance. Grinding or screeching noises often indicate worn bearings in the motor, a more serious internal issue that usually warrants professional attention from one of our experts at Service 87.
Rattling sounds can point to loose parts within the vacuum, such as a detached screw or component. Lastly, a fan or impeller obstruction can cause a whirring or vibrating noise if something has become lodged in the fan blades that help create suction. If you suspect any of these noises is a symptom of a wider issue, don’t hesitate to call our team on 01420 481120.
Burning Smell
A burning smell emanating from your vacuum is a definite red flag and should not be ignored. Most often, it signals that the motor is working too hard due to a lack of airflow. This is commonly caused by clogged filters or a blocked hose, forcing the motor to overheat. Immediately turn off and unplug the vacuum, then check all filters and clear any blockages.
Another frequent cause is a worn or slipping belt. The friction of a belt struggling to drive the brush roll can produce a distinct burning rubber smell. If you detect this, replace the belt promptly. In more severe cases, a burning smell can indicate motor overheating due to internal damage. If clearing clogs and replacing the belt doesn’t stop the smell, or if it’s accompanied by smoke, switch off the vacuum immediately and seek professional assistance from our team on 01420 481120.
When to Call a Professional
For appliance repairs in Alton and across East Hampshire, our team at Service 87 will work hard to get your vacuum back in top working order safely and efficiently. Over the years we’ve helped lots of people get their appliances working again! Our expert team in Alton is here to help you too, if you live in the GU or RG postcode near the Hampshire-Surrey border. We fix a wide range of household appliances including laundry appliances, cooking appliances including gas hobs, cookers & ovens, refrigeration repairs including fridges, freezers, coolers & combinations, and dishwashers.
We cover Alton, East Hampshire, the Hampshire/Surrey border and the A31 corridor including Aldershot, Basingstoke, Bordon, Bracknell, Farnborough, Farnham, Fleet, Godalming, Guildford, Liss, Petersfield, Reading, Slough, Windsor and Woking. Call in our professional team of appliance repair engineers from Service 87. Book a repair online, email us at jobs@service87.co.uk, or call 01420 481120.
