When a central vacuum hose gets damaged, we ought to think of the best way to mitigate the problem. Since a vacuum is one of the most important appliances in a home, we want it fixed as soon as possible. But can a central vacuum hose be repaired?
It depends on the extent of damage the vac hose has undergone. Like all other appliances, some damages are huge and can only be fixed by a replacement. The central vacuum hose can be repaired by a professional or an experienced DIYer for minor damages.
I will be looking at damages that occur to a central vacuum hose and whether they can be repaired or not. Here are the common types:
1. Leaks
Contents
These are common damages that occur on the vacuum’s hose. They are caused by wear and tear, which occurs due to frequent dragging. Leaks make the vacuum have a reduced sanction power, affecting its overall efficiency.
If the leaks are small, you will hear sharp hisses from the hose when operating the vac. These can be repaired using tape or patches.
But, when the leaks are large, they cannot be repaired. Instead, a full replacement of the hose is recommended.
2. Short-Circuiting of the Switch Assembly
The switch assembly runs on the low power voltage without getting short-circuited. But, after a long time of service, the power assembly switch undergoes wear and tear. This damage makes the switch unresponsive when you power the vacuum on/off.
Short-circuiting of the switch assembly is one of those damages that can be repaired. It does not require replacing the entire unit. Replace the faulty switch, and your hose will be back in its excellent condition.
3. Short-Circuiting of the Power Nozzle
Unlike the switch assembly, the power nozzle uses high power voltage. Its damage is more severe since it runs throughout the hose. When it happens, the repair is not a viable option since replacing the central vacuum hose will be required.
You know your power nozzle is broken when it fails to turn on/off. Replacing it is a bit sensitive since you have to check whether the nozzle you are replacing is universal or not because of compatibility issues.
4. Clogs
It is almost impossible to evade vacuum clogs since we use this appliance to collect various debris. Vacuum clogs are not serious problems since they can be repaired by unclogging them. Simple tools such as a plumber’s snake or even a finger can be used for the repair.
Clogs are considered damages because they reduce a vacuum’s sanction. Without it, it is impossible to clean your home since your appliance does not collect debris. They occur in different parts, such as the vacuum belt, rollers, and rotating brushes.
Sometimes these clogs are a bit stubborn, and trying to remove them on your own can create other problems. When you notice the clogs are beyond your DIY abilities, consider hiring an experienced professional to unclog them for you. They come with the right tools and cleaning agents for unclogging your vacuum hoses.
5. Broken Attachments
Some parts of your central vacuum hose can get broken or lost. It is recommended to check if such parts are universal or not. If you have misplaced them, try finding them before replacing them.
When dealing with broken attachments, consider finding compatible parts for fixing the broken ones. It is a great option that saves you from huge expenses you could have used for the replacement.
How to Maintain Your Central Vacuum Hose
Some repairs can affect your appliance’s performance, while others lead us into digging our pockets deeper to find replacements for the damaged parts. Some easy maintenance tips to keep your central vacuum hose in excellent condition include:
1. Cover the Vacuum Hoses
You can use a sleeve or sock to cover your vacuum hoses. The dealer provides these during purchase. This practice helps minimize wear to your vacuum hose while also protecting your property from getting damaged. A sleeve or sock minimizes contact between the vacuum hose and the surfaces being cleaned.
2. Regular Inspections
Damages do not occur suddenly. They are a result of gradual disfigurement that finally becomes a nuisance. Scheduling regular maintenance can help you identify a problem before developing into a major issue.
Ensure you hire licensed professionals for the work. Otherwise, you might bring people that will end up messing your entire unit. The inspectors will let you know what you will need to repair or replace, saving you future expenses.
3. Avoid Leaving the Central Vacuum Hose on the Floor
We often don’t leave our central vacuum hoses on the floor. But when we are exhausted, it is tempting to leave them there, hoping to store them properly later. Avoid leaving the hoses on the floor no matter how tired you may feel.
When left on the floor, it is easy for them to cause accidents from people tripping. Also, the hoses are susceptible to cuts from objects and being stepped on in that position. They start leaking and reducing the sanction.
4. Avoid Storing Hoses when Attached to Vacuum Wands
Storing your hoses when attached to vacuum wands may seem okay, but it is not. It creates strain where the hose bends. After some time, you start noticing some leaks, which affect the vacuum’s efficiency.
Disconnect the hose and carefully coil it a few times to avoid such damages. Once done, find a strong hook to hang it for later use.
5. Do not Overuse the Vacuum
When the debris you are trying to pick is too heavy for the nozzle, leave it and consider using a brush and dustpan. Forcing it causes strain to the rotating brushes and rollers and can cause huge repair costs for the damages on these parts.
If you are working on a wet surface, consider letting it dry before working on it. Damp areas can damage the debris bag and can damage them. If there are sharp objects, do not force them into the hose because they create multiple cuts.
Empty your debris bag or replace it when it gets half full. Overloading this part can cause overflowing.
6. Clean the Hoses Regularly
You do not have to wait for your hoses to get clogged to clean them. Consider running a cleaning cloth through your hoses to remove dirt. It helps prevent debris build-up, which eventually causes clogging.
7. Have Your Central Vacuum Properly Installed
I think it is one of the most under-looked central vacuum maintenance practices. I mean, if the installation was incorrectly done, many issues will definitely arise. Have experienced personnel install the system for you, especially when doing it in an old home.
If you prefer to DIY, requesting a licensed contractor to check whether faults were made during the installation is always brilliant. They can help you correct faulty areas early.
I hope you have learned a few important things about central vacuum hoses and parts that can be repaired and those that can’t. A central vacuum may suddenly stop working without visible damages. When that happens, you can repair or replace the damaged part depending on the extent of the damage and the broken part.
