How to Fix a Vacuum Hose

Updated: Feb 19, 2024 1:08 PM
how to fix vacuum hose guide
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Looking to fix a vacuum hose? You don’t have to be a seasoned vacuum technician to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair a leaky vacuum hose. Anybody can easily carry out this process. Even better, it should never take you longer than around a half hour to do, depending on your troubleshooting steps.

However, there are a few things to consider, such as whether it is better to replace the hose altogether. For an older or lower-end type of vacuum cleaner, repairing is almost certainly the way to go.

For higher-end vacuum cleaners, it might be best to replace the hose if repairing it is not feasible.

Repairing a Vacuum Hose Without Tape

Watch the video below to learn how to repair a vacuum hose without tape.

How to Fix a Vacuum Hose

a damaged hose

Figuring out how to fix a vacuum hose is about as easy as you could hope where repairs are concerned. Make sure that you look into what the brand has to say and any warranties you might have.

The same applies to fixing your vacuum cleaner in general. You might be able to get a new hose sent to you at little or no cost if you have any sort of purchase protection.

The contract might state that you must report any problems encountered to the brand, as well, or you risk voiding your warranty.

STEP 1 Gather Your Supplies and Tools

You don’t need many supplies for this job. The few you need should be easy to find at local hardware stores or even mainstream shopping centers. Here are some things to have on hand:

  • A Flashlight
  • Cleaning Rag
  • Dish Detergent
  • Wire Hanger
  • Hose Sealant
  • Gloves

STEP 2 Check for Potential Clogs

The first step in fixing a potential vacuum hose leak is to unplug it. Never cut or slice into a hose that has a current running through it.

Work through the hose as you troubleshoot it. You might be experiencing a loss of suction power or debris spitting back because of a clog.

If your hose is translucent, you can use a flashlight to check for potential clogs. This should work even if the hose is on the darker side. You should see a dark lump.

STEP 3 Clear Clogs and Try Again

Use your wire hanger to slide into the hose and break up any clogged materials. You should also clean your hose thoroughly using soapy water to give it a good scrub.

Rinse it off in cool water and let it completely air dry before reattaching the hose to the vacuum. After this, turn your vacuum back on and check the suction power.

This will tell you if it was just the clog all along or if you’re still facing problems with suction power.

STEP 4 Test For a Potential Leak

Once your hose is clean, it’ll be much easier to check for leaks. Even if your flashlight test doesn’t turn up any clogs, you’ll still want to clean all areas thoroughly.

Some cracks are big enough to spot, but you may not see them because collecting grime makes it difficult. Turn the vacuum on and run your hands down the hose slowly.

You’ll be able to feel any place where a leak has disrupted the flow of air.

STEP 5 Decide Whether to Repair or Replace

Now that you’ve figured out that what you’re dealing with is a leak, it’s time to figure out if it’s worth repairing. In most cases, replacing your hose isn’t a bad idea.

Sealant is only a temporary fix and will eventually wear out and need more sealant. If it’s an older type of vacuum cleaner, then you’ll probably just want to slap on sealant and call it a day.

For newer or higher-end vacuum models, it’s recommended that you just replace the hose altogether and solve the problem entirely.

STEP 6Repair the Leak With Your Sealant

Using sealant is a quick, painless process. Put on your gloves to protect your hands from getting sealant on them, and make sure to read any warnings on the packaging for skin exposure.

Make sure the area you’re applying the sealant to is entirely dry, as well. Follow the directions that your sealant comes with to ensure correct application.

If you incorrectly use apply sealant, you could find yourself in the same position sooner than you’d think.

Beth Huston Avatar

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