How to Fix the Bissell Shampooer Pump

Check that the SmartMix knob is in working order. Locate the gray knob next to the SmartMix bottle at the top front of your machine. If the knob does not turn freely, it may have become jammed during use. Turn the knob back to its normal position, applying as much torque as necessary to do the job. Try the shampoo pump function. If shampoo still does not flow properly, or if your knob is not jammed, move to Step 2.

Release the SmartMix shampoo bottle from the vacuum and inspect the cap. Check that the rubber washer or gasket inside the bottle is properly set in its seat, and that it fits well over the feeder tube. If the washer is in any way offset, adjust it to fit and try the shampoo pump function again. If the washer is properly installed, move to Step 3.

Look inside the SmartMix reservoir inside the opening where the bottle was removed. Compare the size of the SmartMix bottle to the size of the reservoir opening. If the bottle is smaller than the opening, you may have the wrong size bottle installed. Contact Bissell customer service at 800-237-7691 to order a replacement bottle. Install the bottle and try the shampoo pump function again.

Inspect your SmartMix bottle cap to see if the red and black tank washer is present. If it is not, reinstall the gasket over the bottle opening and try the shampoo function again. If the washer is in place, fill the vacuum Tank-in-Tank, and remove the SmartMix bottle. Turn the diverter adjustment knob to the Water Rinse/Carpet Protector setting.

Turn on your vacuum, depress the shampoo release button, and turn the diverter adjustment knob from the Water Rinse/Carpet Protector, to the High Traffic setting, four times, then leave it set to High Traffic. By switching the knob back and forth four times, you essentially prime the shampoo pump, and allow shampoo to work its way down into the part of the machine which releases it onto the carpet. Keep the shampoo release button depressed, install the SmartMix bottle, and wait for about one minute.

Check whether the shampoo pump is dispersing shampoo. If it is not, continue to depress the shampoo release button, turn off the vacuum for about 30 seconds, then turn it back on. If your shampoo pump is still not working, contact Bissell customer support.