9 out of 10 times, these simple steps will fix the problem of your blocked central vacuum system. Be sure to do each step in this blog to ensure you are testing each part in isolation. This will help you determine if you need to pay a repair person for your unit, or if it’s a simple case of pulling out a hairball!
Nickel Through the Hose. The first trick you will perform as vacuum magician involves your hose (the one you attach to vacuum outlets) and a nickel. With all attachments removed, drop a nickel through one end of the hose and have it fall out the other side. If it doesn’t, you know there is a problem with your hose, and you will need to suck or blow air through it to dislodge the blockage.
Turn It On: If the first step doesn’t work, turn the central vacuum unit on, minding that every plug in your home is closed. Let air run out of the exhaust pipe and hold your hand in front of it to feel air. If the exhaust pipe continues to blow air out of the side of the unit after approximately 10 seconds, that means there is an issue with the unit.
Isolating the Unit’s Blockage. Firstly, you should check the filter (on the top) and/or install a new bag on the unit (bottom). Try the same test by covering the intake valve (the only other one besides the exhaust pipe) with your hand and turn the unit on for another ten seconds. If it is operating properly, there will be no air coming out of the exhaust after ten seconds or so. This takes two arms, so you may need a friend to help you check the exhaust pipe! If a significant amount of air is still blowing out, that indicates there is an internal problem with your unit. If this is the case, you will need to contact us for an inspection, but there is still one more test you can do before fully diagnosing that as the problem
The Final Step to checking your vacuum system usually catches the most common culprit, which is a blockage in one of the tubes between your unit and a plug. Start by disconnecting the main hose that connects your plugs to the unit. Then, using a mobile vacuum (if you don’t have one, you’ll have to borrow one from a friend or neighbour), go to each plug and vacuum for about 30 seconds, or until you feel or hear something dislodge. If this doesn’t work, one of the hoses in your home could be disconnected from a plug. This might have occurred if your hoses are in a place where family or a worker in your home could have kicked it loose.
If you’ve gone through these steps twice, and you’re still not pulling any hair out (other than your own!) give us a call our Calgary location at 403-255-5212 so we can assess your unit ourselves, or arrange for a fellow professional to visit.