Central Vacuum Troubleshooting Guide

• If your system uses Supervalves, check whether the power brush operates when connected directly at the valve. If it does, the problem may be within the electrical portion of the hose.
• Check the power brush reset button and inspect the brush for an issue with the neck tilt switch.
• Inspect the connections between the hose, wand and power brush.
• If the problem appears to involve household voltage at a Supervalve or Electravalve, have the electrical supply checked by a qualified technician.
• Also review troubleshooting section #14 for possible hose-related problems.

• Check the power brush for a blockage.
• Check the wands for a blockage.
• Check the hose and other cleaning attachments before assuming the blockage is inside the home's vacuum tubing.

A blockage inside the home's central vacuum piping may require several steps to locate and remove.

• Check the fitting immediately inside the affected inlet and the piping near the power unit for visible debris.
• Determine whether the problem affects one inlet, several inlets or the entire system. This can help narrow down the location of the blockage.
• Applying suction from the opposite direction with a suitable vacuum can sometimes help dislodge a blockage.
• Temporarily covering and releasing the end of the hose can create changes in airflow that may help loosen some obstructions.
• After clearing a suspected blockage, test all affected inlets to confirm that airflow has been restored.
• If the obstruction cannot be cleared using normal methods, the location of the blockage may need to be identified so the piping can be professionally accessed and repaired.
• Underground vacuum lines can sometimes develop problems caused by moisture, debris or damage to the pipe.
• Consider whether recent construction, remodeling, hanging pictures, installing shelving or other work could have damaged or obstructed a vacuum line.
• Check the piping layout for improperly installed fittings or other installation problems.

• Determine whether the existing inlet uses the same type of contact system as the replacement.
• Some older inlet configurations may operate differently and require compatible components.
• When replacing an inlet, inspect how the original inlet was sealed to the tubing.
• After installation, listen for air leakage around the inlet. A hissing sound may indicate that the inlet is not properly sealed.

• Consider whether recent construction or remodeling may have damaged the low-voltage wire.
• Check for signs of damage caused by rodents.
• If the power unit is located in a detached garage, consider whether recent digging or exterior work may have damaged the wiring.
• Inspect accessible low-voltage connections at the power unit and inlet locations.
• Damaged low-voltage wiring may need to be repaired or rerouted between a working portion of the system and the affected inlet.

• Disconnect the hose and inspect both ends for a visible obstruction.
• Applying suction from the opposite end of the hose can sometimes pull the obstruction back out.
• Avoid using sharp objects that could puncture or damage the hose.
• If the obstruction cannot be safely removed, contact us for assistance before damaging the hose.

• Consider whether recent work has been performed on the home near the vacuum piping.
• Check whether any inlet has recently been removed or reinstalled.
• Inspect inlet covers for damage.
• Check for a hidden or forgotten inlet that may have been left open.
• If you have floor inlets, inspect accessible piping for a loose or disconnected connection.
• With the system operating, listen around accessible areas for an obvious air leak.
• Underground piping may have been damaged by landscaping, digging, tree growth or other exterior work.

• On multi-motor power units, a motor failure can result in reduced suction.
• Inspect accessible gaskets and the power-unit housing for obvious air leaks or damage.
• Check filters and screens for excessive accumulation of dust or debris.
• Check the exhaust system for an obstruction or excessive restriction.
• Fine construction or plaster dust can quickly restrict filters in filtered or bag-style central vacuum systems.
• If the problem appears to involve a motor, electrical supply or internal wiring, contact a qualified service technician.

A suspected electrical short inside the power unit should be diagnosed by a qualified service technician. Disconnect the power unit and contact us for assistance.

• Consider whether recent attic, crawlspace, construction or remodeling work may have damaged the low-voltage wiring.
• Check accessible wiring for signs of damage from rodents.
• Inspect accessible low-voltage splices and connections.
• If damaged wiring cannot be located or repaired, a new low-voltage wire may need to be routed to the affected portion of the system.

This condition may indicate a problem with the motor, motor brushes, relay, breaker or internal wiring.

Because diagnosis requires access to internal electrical components, disconnect the power unit and contact a qualified technician for testing and repair.

• Check the home's circuit breaker.
• Verify that the electrical outlet supplying the power unit is working.
• Consider whether other equipment on the same circuit may be causing an overload.
• If the outlet, circuit or electrical supply appears to be the problem, have it inspected by a qualified electrician.

This condition may involve the power cord, transformer, relay or another internal electrical component.

Disconnect the central vacuum from electrical power and have the unit diagnosed by a qualified service technician. Do not bypass or bridge electrical components for testing.

• If the hose-handle switch feels unusually soft or "mushy," the switch may need replacement.
• With the hose disconnected from the system, inspect accessible hose-handle contact points for lint or debris.
• Make sure the hose is fully inserted into the wall inlet.
• If the hose still does not operate correctly, the hose or its electrical components may require repair or replacement.