How to Detect Vacuum Leaks

Bag Vacuum

• 1

  Detach the end of the hose from the vacuum. Turn on the vacuum and place the end of the hose against the palm of your hand. If the hose is not leaking, the hose will cling to your hand when the vacuum is turned on. If there is a leak in the hose, the hose will fall off the palm of your hand.

• 2

  Turn off the vacuum and unplug it from the electrical outlet. Remove the cover that encloses the vacuum bag. Rinse the cover with water to remove any dust and debris, and allow it to dry. Hold the cover up to a lamp or other light source to find any cracks or holes.

• 3

  Check the central part of the unit that holds the vacuum bag for extra dust and debris. If the central part of the unit has excess dust and debris, the vacuum bag is most likely ripped. Replace the vacuum bag.

• 4

  Flip the vacuum over so the brush roll and base of the vacuum face up. If the base plate is loose or damaged, the vacuum will lose suction. Make sure there’s no damage to the base plate, and tighten the screws on the base plate with a Phillips-head screwdriver.

Bagless Vacuum

• 5

  Detach the end of the hose from the vacuum. Turn on the vacuum and place the end of the hose against the palm of your hand. If the hose doesn't have any leaks, it will stick to your hand when the vacuum is turned on. If there is a leak in the hose, the hose will fall away from the palm of your hand.

• 6

  Turn off the vacuum and unplug it from the electrical outlet. Remove the dust container that collects dust and debris. Rinse out the dust container. Fill the dust container with water. Lift the dust container and look for any water that may be leaking from it.

• 7

  Flip the vacuum over so the brush roll and base of the vacuum face upward. If the base plate is loose or damaged, the vacuum will lose suction. Determine that there’s no damage to the base plate and then tighten the screws on the baseplate, using a Phillips-head screwdriver.