Having said that you do need your vacuum system to operate properly and you do not want to have to spend too much money calling out repairmen for what could be simple enough problems.  So here are some of the more common problems that effect central vacuum cleaners and some central vacuum repair tips that you might like to take note of, as they may help you fix the system before you have to call for help.

Most central vacuum repairs have to do with the airflow in the system.  If the airflow to your system appears to be reduced in any way, it could be the result of one of several factors.  The vacuum bag or the canister in your base unit could be full, in which case a warning light should have come on.  By emptying the bag or canister you should have full airflow again.  Your filter bag could be damaged and if it is, it needs to be replaced as it collects the dirt.  One of the system’s filters or vents could also be blocked and it will pay you to keep a regular eye on any filters or vents in the system and ensure that they are free from obstructions.

If the airflow is greatly restricted then you could be suffering from a blockage in the system of some sort.  If the hose is clogged you can either reverse the hose temporarily and hopefully blow out the obstruction or insert something like a garden hose that will allow you possibly to clear the obstruction manually.

If you feel that the tubing is blocked you can pass a small lightweight cloth through each of the inlets and if it arrives back in one piece to the base unit then that portion of the tubing is unblocked.  If it is torn when it arrives back then there is possibly a partial obstruction at some point.  By putting your hand over the hose and building up air pressure before releasing you may be able to unblock a partial obstruction.  Many central vac repair tips are simple enough to execute and can save you a lot of money on callout charges.

If you find that you have a complete blockage in one of your tubes then you will not be able to build up air pressure by blocking the hose with your hand.  Instead you can get a mobile vacuum cleaner and try to suck out the obstruction from the base unit end.

Should you find that you have a leaking system and that there is a loss of pressure for this reason, you should check that all of your inlet covers are in place, that you do not have two hoses plugged in at the same time, or that you do not have a damaged hose.  You can repair central vacuum hoses either by replacing a portion of a damaged hose or you can use recommended PVC glues that are on the market and which will seal the leak  (be sure to follow instructions carefully).

If you come across an electrical fault in your system, the best advice is to get professional help unless you are used to dealing with electricity and feel competent in this regard.  Always turn the system off at the mains before attempting any repair work.

Related posts:

1. Central Vacuum Bags.
2. Purchasing Replacement Vacuum Parts For Your Vacuum Cleaner
3. A Laypersons Guide To A Central Vacuum System.

Explaining how central vacuum systems works should not be a terribly difficult task to undertake.  However sometimes terms such as ‘cyclonic separation’ and ‘low voltage hose connectors’ get sprinkled about by manufacturers and by salespeople in central vacuum stores and this only serves to confuse people.  Here we hope to avoid any complicated descriptions and to try to explain about C.V. systems as simply as possible.

Central vacuums, otherwise known as ‘built-in vacuum cleaners’ or ‘ducted vacuum cleaners‘ operate on a different principle to mobile vacuum cleaners.  With a central vac system the motor for the vacuum and also the dirt storage area are moved to a central point and all of the dirt that is being vacuumed from the living area is transported to that point.

Central Vacuums Will Bring Fresher Air To Your Home.

This is done by having a network of PVC piping installed in the walls of your home.  Inlet points which are connected to this piping are then placed throughout your house and at these inlet points you insert a central vacuum hose which will allow you to vacuum that area of the house and which will suck any dirt back to the base unit.  A central vacuum hose is typically about 25’ to 35’ long, which gives a good range of movement to the person that is cleaning.

The base unit  (motor, filters and dirt collection ara) are usually stored in a service area within the home, be it a garage, attic or basement area, and there are several advantages to this that we will come to later.  Base units contain either central vacuum bags for collecting dirt or perhaps a canister.  When the system needs to be emptied a warning light will come on, indicating that it is time to take action.  C.V. systems are durable, have a long life span and central vacuum repair should be quite easily carried out, obviously depending on the problem and the system type.

Central vacuum cleaners have quite a few advantages over mobile vacuum cleaners.  Here listed are the main advanatages:

•    Because central vacuums have a larger fan and a more powerful motor, they generally have better suction than a moble vacuum cleaner.
•    Despite being more powerful, the fact that the motor is kept in a service area of the residence means that there is less noise in the living area of the home when the system is operating.
•    Because the base unit and filtration system is located away from the living area, no dirt is allowed to circulate back into the living area, which is a benefit to all of the family members, but particularly to allergy sufferers.
•    As the dirt bag or canister is much larger than that of a mobile vacuum cleaner, the system needs to be emptied far less often.
•    The manufacturers of these systems also bring in a large assortment of central vacuum accessories that help you to carry out a range of specific cleaning tasks.  Central vacuum parts are also easily available online.

As you see, a C.V. system operates on a simple principle of removing the dirt from the living area and depositing it in a service area of the home.  It is not a difficult system to operate and while it central vacuum installation can be carried out on most homes it is easier to install a central vacuum  system while the house is under construction.

Related posts:

1. The Benefits of a Central Vacuum System.
2. Central Vacuum Systems
3. Central Vacuum Accessories.