Vacuum Repair Near Me: Cost Of Fixing

We put together a Vacuum Repair Near Me guide that includes all info related to cost of repairs as well as up to 4 free contractor quotes.

Whether you have the new bag-less vacuum cleaner or the traditional bag model, a vacuum cleaner is among the smallest gadgets found in most households. Although the parts of the vacuum are simple, sooner or later, a problem can occur, and as a result the vacuum cleaner stops working.
And just like a vehicle which cannot operate without hoses and belts, the same case happens to your vacuum cleaner. A puncture in a hose may lead to lack of suction while a broken belt may stop the beater bar from operating. As a result, it will leave dirt, debris and hair on your rugs and carpets.

Eventually, you will either have to repair it or buy a new one.

Repair or Buy?

However, unlike other small appliances that you can simply replace, you can get your vacuum cleaner repaired to save money and time. So, how do you determine if the repair is worth it?

1. Do you love the vacuum cleaner?

Ask yourself: did you enjoy working with the cleaner? Do you value the gadget? Have you ever bragged to your family and friends about how it was easy to use it? Have you ever recommended it to someone? If the answer is yes to any of the questions, then the vacuum cleaner is worth the time, money and effort put into repair. However, if you don’t like vacuuming or you have always struggled with the cleaner, then you can consider purchasing a new one.

2. Can you pay half the price you bought it for repair?

Based on the wear, age and quality, most repairs cost half the amount you paid when purchasing the vacuum cleaner. The lifespan of a vacuum will vary depending on the model among others. For instance, a Miele vacuum cleaner can last up to 20 years, a Dyson at least 10 years, while the newest models can last between 3 and 4 years.

3. Is it easy to repair?

Malfunctions of vacuum cleaners are different, and the repair for every problem is different. For electrical and belt issues, you may need a repair professional to fix while others such as items getting stuck in the hose, you can fix them yourself.

4. Has the cleaner come to the end of its life?

Different brands of vacuum cleaners come with varying spans of life as we have said above. Check the warranties and customer reviews on the product. If the life of the vacuum is almost ending, you can replace it, but if it has some years left, you can consider repairs.

5. Can the vacuum cleaner be repaired?

Many vacuum cleaners’ brands are often introducing new models making it difficult to find their repair parts. Therefore, if the parts of your vacuum cleaner are available, it can be fixed, and the cost of repair will depend on the cost of the repair parts. In the recent years, new gadgets are produced for short periods while the replacement parts manufactured are limited. Thus, it is recommended to buy a vacuum cleaner whose repair parts are available. Also, it is important to know about the company that sells your type of vacuum cleaner because they can easily locate the repair parts.

6. What other factors can make the repairs difficult?

Some vacuum cleaner problems may require you to replace the tool. For example, moisture can damage or burn the entire vacuum cleaner’s system. Also, if other dangerous items clog the vacuum cleaner, it can be difficult for a technician to work on it. In such case scenarios, you only have one option to throw away the gadget and buy a new one.

Cost of Repairing a Vacuum Cleaner

Additional Costs

While most vacuum cleaner repair contractors prefer working in their workshops, others can work at your home your home. Depending on the distance the repair service provider will drive, the total cost can range from $45 to $85.

DIY Repair Tips

• Overheating is the most common problem with vacuum cleaners. Let the cleaner sit for 30 to 45 minutes to see if it can operate.
• You can try additional outlets because the one you are currently plugged into may be causing problems.
• Always replace belts and clean the bags.
• Do not vacuum large items such as penny because they can damage the blower.
• Before you ask for professional help, replace both the bag and belt and clean or replace the filters to see if it will run. This will ensure that the air flows freely.
• Can the brush roller roll freely? Does it feel like it is snagging when you spin? If it doesn’t, you need to replace the bearings or rollers.
• Turn on the cleaner and overturn it to check whether the brush is moving when it’s turned on. If not, follow the electric wires to check on the circuit.

If you are a DIY enthusiast and you can fix things around your house, then you can repair a vacuum cleaner. However, before you do it yourself consider the following:

1. Take caution when disassembling the parts of the vacuum cleaner:

If you are having problems when detaching the parts, do not use force. A vacuum cleaner has many tiny screws or clips, and some are hidden; thus, only a professional can disassemble them. If you try to force the parts open, you might end up paying more since you will have to pay to replace a part that wasn’t broken.

2. Is the warranty still active?

If your vacuum cleaner is covered, you can take it to an authorised repair professional who deals with major models of vacuum cleaners. Attempted repairs can void the warranty.

3. Are you sure about the problem?

If you don’t know about the cause of failure of your cleaner, visit a professional. He/she can advice you on the problem how to handle it, which can save you money.

Most component of the vacuum cleaner is made of plastic. If you don’t use the right tools, you can break the tool.

4. When disassembling the parts, make sure you know how the connections flow. You can use a string or a marker (don’t forget to take away the string after reconnecting) so you can connect correctly when reassembling. Wrong connections could lead to further electrical damage or fires and unnecessary repairs.

5. Ensure that you have the appropriate tools to test the parts. You wouldn’t want to replace a component only to find it wasn’t the cause of the problem.

6. When you hire a repair contractor, you are offered insurance. If you try to repair, you may end up damaging the unit, which will cost you more in the long run. However, if you hire a professional, if he/she cannot fix the problem, you will not be stuck with the bill.

Common Problems with Vacuum Cleaners

Fixable Problems

1. Poor suction

If you use a bag vacuum cleaner, ensure that it is not full and has no holes. Check the interior compartment holding the bag to make sure that the outer part of the bag does not retain dirt and debris. If it has, it shows that the bag is torn and you need to replace it.

If you use the bagless model, make sure that the container has no dirt or debris. Also, check the container’s seals to ensure they are intact and not dried or cracked, which indicates it should be replaced.

In addition, most vacuum cleaner models come with multiple filters, which can be clogged with dust, which makes your suction weak and ineffective. Therefore, check the filters regularly. If they are washable, remove and clean them with plain warm water and do not use any cleaning solutions or chemicals. Before you attach the filter to the vacuum cleaner, make sure they are completely dried. A wet filter can burn or blow the vacuum’s motor. If you have a paper filter, you need to buy a replacement filter.

However, if you have cleaned and replaced the filter and vacuum bag and still it has no suction, you need to check if the hose is clogged. Most hoses are designed in such a way that they can be removed entirely to see if it is clogged. Remember to overturn the vacuum cleaner to check on the intake of the rotating brush/ beater bar on the front side of the vacuum cleaner. While examining the hoses for clogs, observe the condition of the hoses. If there is a pile of dust on the outer side of the hose, there is a hole that needs a repair.

2. Rotating brush/beater bar not moving or a burning smell

If the rotating brush is not moving or you sense a burning smell when vacuuming, it could be a sign that there is a broken belt that should be replaced. Replacing a belt is a simple task that you can handle, and the belt can be purchased in most retail shops.

3. Vacuum won’t operate or turns off when in use

Most vacuum cleaners come with a thermal protector, which prevents the unit from overheating and burning out. When this happens, the sensor is triggered to shut down when you plug in the intake hose, or when you set the vacuum too low for carpet or surface being vacuumed. Overheating happens when a large object or clog gets trapped in the opening of the bag or in the nozzle. Every homeowner, should know that a residential vacuum cleaner is not meant for cleaning construction debris since the fine dust can enter into the motor. As a result, it burns out.

To reset the vacuum cleaner, turn it off and disconnect it. Remove the clog and allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes to cool off the thermal protector. Some models can reset automatically, while others will require you press a button.

Also, if you use a battery-operated vacuum, it could have a loose battery connection, which may require repair.

4. The brush roll cannot turn

If the brush roll of your vacuum cleaner does not roll, you should check for tangled thread and hair. Cut them with scissors and get rid of them. If still it cannot turn, the belt could be broken, stretched or cut. You can easily repair the belt by removing the bottom. However, check the company’s website or manual for direction.

Unfixable Problems

If your vacuum cleaner sucked up water, got immersed in water or maybe a large amount of water spilt on it, it can be hard to fix it. Water and residential vacuums cannot mix, and it’s not worth paying for repair. Instead, you can buy a new one.

Also, if the suction motor is loud and does not operate, it could be an indication that you should replace it. The motor is a mechanical device that is prone to wear and tear, and it’s not cost-effective to buy a new motor. Instead, purchase a new cleaner.

Proper Vacuuming Methods

It is advisable to vacuum rugs and carpets regularly to remove dust, debris, dirt and food particles. Vacuuming is usually the simplest and effective way of cleaning your carpet. However, regular vacuuming can have an impact on the air you are breathing.

Vacuum cleaners are manufactured differently. Some are designed to clean households that have no children or pets, have thin carpet fibres, or hardwood floors that rarely require a rug. Other vacuum cleaners are meant to perform heavy duty activities such as cleaning thick rugs and carpets on areas with high foot traffic on a daily basis.

How to vacuum on a carpet

Use a slow and repetitive front and back moves in an overlapping method. A quick and one move doesn’t clean much. However, do not press the vacuum down or make too many passes on one spot. Instead, move to the right or left after about four strokes.  Remember the following tips when vacuuming:

1. Vacuum the crevices and corners since most dust builds up there.
2. Top-down cleaning can save you from vacuuming after dusting. Dust the furniture surfaces, windowsills, and dust blinds first, then vacuum the dust.
3. Replace or remove the vacuum bags when half to two thirds full.

Why do you need attachments?

With attachments, a vacuum cleaner becomes more versatile. It can handle more jobs including cleaning bookshelves and other items that usually get dusty. A vacuum cleaner can have the following attachments:

• The universal or all-purpose brush is meant to clean books and shelves.
• The long and thick crevice tool allows you to reach corners and narrow spaces.
• The dusting brush gives items a soft touch.
• The radiator brush is meant to clean radiators and narrow slots.
• The upholstery nozzle is ideal for vacuuming cushions, sofas, chairs, mattresses, drapes and fabric furniture covers.

How many times to vacuum a week?

You should vacuum once every week. However, the higher the number of foot traffic on your carpet, the more you should vacuum. The rule of thumb is:

• Vacuum on a daily basis in pet or high-traffic areas
• Vacuum twice a week in a medium-traffic area
• Vacuum once a week in a low-traffic area and use attachments at the carpet edges

Common Vacuum Cleaner mistakes

1. Waiting until the vacuum bag is completely full

Although some vacuum cleaners comes with a “check bag” indicator light, check the vacuum bag regularly and empty when it is half full. This way your suction will remain strong. Also, do not reuse the bags since they become ineffective. On the other hand, if you use the bagless vacuum cleaner, remember the dust cup where dust collects.

2. Vacuuming using a dirty filter

If your filter is congested with dirt, it will not remove dust and allergen effectively. Although you don’t have to replace the filter more often as the bag, if the filter has signs of wear, tear or has dirt, you should replace it. Check the manufacturer’s manual or visit your brand’s website for the recommended filters for your model.

3. Failure to use the attachments

If you love cleaning you should make crevice tools and dusting brushes your close friends. They make floor cleaning much easier since they pick up debris, allergens and dust from areas you could have ignored including lampshades, baseboards, light fixtures and upholstery.

4. Vacuuming in one direction

If you vacuum in one direction, you will not remove all dust and dirt. Some can hide under the carpet fiber, but if you vacuum in both directions, for instance, north to south or east to west, you will get all the dust and dirt on your carpet.

5. Rewinding the retractable cord and you don’t guide it

A mere press of the rewind button and allowing the cord to snap might break off the vacuum cleaner, which may require a repair service to fix. Instead, you should hold the cord with your hand while you press the pedal to rewind it.

6. Failure to cut tangled string and hair

If your brush roll cannot turn, it cannot clean. On the downside, the strain of tangled threads and hair can burn the motor, which is expensive to repair. To avoid such a problem, unwind or cut any tangles. Most vacuum cleaning models come with a removable brush roll for thorough cleaning.

7. Vacuuming too fast

When vacuuming, always take your time. Slow motions will suck more dust and dirt, and in the long run, your carpets and rugs get cleaner. It also allows the brush to properly agitate the carpet and extract the debris that emerges.

8. Failure to adjust the height

When moving from vacuuming a carpet to rug then to hardwood, ensure that you adjust the height of the vacuum. Some vacuum cleaners will adjust automatically, but if yours cannot, take your time to adjust correctly. Height adjustment can make a huge difference on how you clean different surfaces.

9. Waiting for your carpet to get dirty

Don’t wait for your carpet to get too dirty to start cleaning. Dirt and dust can pile up beneath the fibers of your carpet or rug before you notice, which can cause allergies and sniffs. Set a vacuuming schedule and follow it even when you don’t find it necessary.

10. Failure to dust beforehand

As we all know, dusting results in dust and most of it will settle on the rugs, furniture surfaces and floor. If you vacuum before dusting, all the surfaces and areas you had vacuumed will have a thin dust layer, and you will have to vacuum again.

Floor Tools for different floor Attachments

Have you recently moved and your vacuum cleaner does not clean like it used to? This might be due to different floor covering in your new house, and maybe the floor tool you are using is not designed for that type of floor. It is important to research the right floor attachment before purchasing a vacuum cleaner. With the right floor attachment, your vacuum cleaner will operate correctly and make vacuuming easier. The following is a breakdown of the various floor tools and their uses:

Hard Floor Brush

This is a flat suction-only brush with bristles and small wheels around the base. Bristles are made of nylon, but high-quality brushes are made of boar or horse hair, which polish and dust the floor when vacuuming. Hard floor brushes vacuum wood and tile better than power and upright nozzle. They are used to clean laminate, tile, or wood flooring.

Advantages

• Small
• Lightweight
• Polishes and dusts flooring while cleaning

Rug and Floor Tool

This is a flat floor brush that pulls bristles in so that it can be used on hard floors, rugs and flat carpets. It has a set of velvet thread-lifting strips that whip lint and hair using just-suction. It does not have a rotating brush, which makes it ideal for delicate carpets. However, you cannot use it for thick carpets. Rug and floor tool is used on wooden floors, rugs and delicate carpets including sisal, wool, and frieze.

Advantages

• Simple
• Lightweight
• Gentle

Turbo Brush

This is a rotating brush ideal for carpet cleaning. The vacuum’s suction drives the air turbine to spin the carpet. A turbo brush increases the agitation to loosen the dirt from the carpet, and it is easier to push on large carpets than a motorised brush. However, unlike the motorised brush, once the turbo brush comes in contact with the surface of the carpet, it can slow down or stop working if the carpet’s fibre is dense. As a result, it is ideal for looped or flat carpets.

Advantages

• Cheaper than a motorised brush
• Has more carpet agitation
• Easier to push than the rug and floor tool

Motorised/Power Brush

This is a rotating brush that contains a motor in the brush nozzle to drive the brush. There are different types of brush rolls, which vary from soft bristles designed for high-quality wool carpets to aggressive and stiff nylon bristles intended for thick synthetic carpets. Regardless of the type of power brush, they offer good agitation to loosen dirt from the carpet fibres, restore the pile and to clean. It is designed to clean pet hair and thick-pile or standard carpet.

Advantages

• Deep cleaning
• Carpet pile restoration

Be cautious when choosing an electric brush. A harsh or aggressive brush can cause a premature tear and wear or severe damage to the carpet.

10 Questions to Ask Your Vacuum Cleaner Repair Contractor

When it comes to broken home appliances in your home, it is essential to find the best repair contractor to ensure that the repairs are done correctly and efficiently. The following are 10 questions you can ask your local vacuum repair contractor to make sure that you are satisfied and to prevent fraud.

1. How familiar are you with such a problem?

Who would not want to hire an experienced and skilled vacuum repair contractor? Therefore, you need to assess the potential of the contractor with the specific problem at hand.

2. How Long Will the Repair Take?

A vacuum cleaner is normally used on a daily basis. Thus, you would want the professional to repair the cleaner fast. Ask him or her the time it will take to complete the repair so that you can make the necessary adjustments to your schedule.

3. Do you guarantee the repair?

Nothing hurts like getting your home appliance repaired only for it to malfunction shortly after. To avoid such instances, ask the contractor whether there is a warranty on the vacuum cleaner to know if you will have to pay if there is another breakdown after the repair. A repair service provider who offers a warranty to clients has confidence in the knowledge and skills of their employees and the replacement parts they use and vice versa.

4. If the problem occurs again, are there tips and tricks I could use to solve the issue?

If you can handle a problem yourself, you can save money and time. If you are a DIY enthusiast, ask for DIY repair tips you can consider in future instead of calling a professional.

5. How much will the repair cost?

The first thing to consider after visiting a repair contractor is the cost of repair. However, go for the cheapest quote, it might cost you more in the future since the parts are of low quality. On the other hand, high prices do not always mean high-quality job. Therefore, base your final decision on the above factors and the price as well.

6. Is it cost-effective to replace the malfunctioning part?

Why would you fix your vacuum cleaner at a cost higher than the buying price? Most repairs do not exceed half of the buying price. Therefore, visit different repair contractors and ask for suggestions and prices regarding the repair (s). Also, conduct a research since you might find it cheaper to buy a new vacuum cleaner than to repair.

7. How long have you been in the repair business?

It is always recommended to hire a repair company that has been in the business for awhile. An experienced repairer has the knowledge required to repair different brands of vacuum cleaners and other appliances. You can also ask about their technicians. If they have been employed for long, then you can have confidence in the company. However, if most technicians are new in the business, you may consider looking elsewhere.

8. Do you have references?

If a business has satisfied clients, they will have no problem giving you contacts of former customers. However, if the company representatives refuse to give the references, they probably have a low client base that can prove their ability to fix appliances.

9. What if my appliance is damaged shortly after the repair?

Most reputable home appliance companies usually give a waiver form to fill and sign, including their prices and their responsibilities in case of damage in the near future. A reliable repairer does the right thing in case of such issues, although different repair shops apply different policies.
If you are asked to fill out the document, read carefully and ask for a copy. If the form does not address the damage, ask for the procedures to follow. If they do not promise to fix any damages that may occur after repair, you can look elsewhere or continue with their services at your own risk.

10. Why are your services cheaper or more expensive than others?

You can learn about a repair professional depending on how they talk to their clients and how much they know about their competitors. If they are more expensive than other repair workshops, ask them why. You might find out that the cheaper ones use low-quality repair parts. On the other hand, if their services are cheap, ask them why too. You might get an interesting response.

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