One of the most common problems that people experience with their central vac system is reduced suction.

Common solutions for central vac suction loss:

a. Check canister or filter bag. If full, empty canister or replace filter bag.
b. Check that filter bag is not damaged, If damaged, simply replace or repair.
c. Check to be sure that secondary filter is not dirty. If filter is dirty, clean or replace.
d. Check that exhaust vent is not blocked or clogged. If clogged, clear blockage.
e. Check that the latches on the vac unit have been fastened properly. Check that the canister’s
rubber seal is seated on the canister correctly.

If none of the solutions above fix your problem, you may have a clog. Your next step will be to determine if the clog is in your hose or in your tubing.
Take your vac hose and connect it directly to dirt canister inlet. Next, turn on the vac unit. If the hose has reduced suction, the clog is in the hose. If the hose has normal suction then the clog exist in
your tubing.

If the hose is clogged:

a. Plug the hose in reverse into the inlet located on the vac unit and turn the power on. This should remove the clog. If not, try solution (b).
b. Remove the hose from the inlet and push a garden hose through the vac hose to remove the clog. Be sure that you do not turn the water hose on. No water should ever enter the vac system hose.

If the clog is in the tubing:

a. Plug hose into each outlet and place hand over hose to build up pressure and then release. If this doese not remove the clog, try solution (b).
b. Remove the canister from the vac unit. After the canister has been removed, try connecting a shop vac to each central vac inlet untill you find the clog. In most cases, this will remove the clog in your tubing. If this does not work, try solution (c).
c. Try inserting a plumber’s snake into the outlet to push the clog out.



If none of the above solutions address your central vac’s performance issues, you should contact your local central vac service technician. If you live in Christiansburg, Blacksburg, Radford or in the New River Valley, you can contact Profixes Home Repair and Maintenance of Virginia for central vac service and repair.