Signs your central vacuum power unit is done, what to check first, and what to gather before you call. Your wall tubing usually stays.
A central vacuum power unit can run for a long time, but not forever. If yours is an older NuTone, Beam or Vacuflo and it's starting to struggle, you have options. Sometimes a simple check gets it running again. Sometimes a repair makes sense. Sometimes a new power unit is the better path, and if it is, we'll tell you. This guide covers the signs to watch for, what to check first, what to gather before you call, and why the tubing in your walls usually stays where it is.
Signs it may be time
Watch for weak suction at every inlet, a motor that has gotten louder, a unit that won't start, or repairs that keep coming back. If you smell burning or the breaker keeps tripping, stop using the system and call us.
What to check first
- The breaker. Make sure the circuit for the power unit hasn't tripped. If it trips again after you reset it, stop and call us.
- The bag or canister. A full bag or canister cuts suction.
- Clogs. Try a different inlet. If suction is good at one inlet and weak at another, the blockage is probably near the weak one.
- The inlet. Check that the inlet door closes properly and the contacts look clean.
Don't open the power unit or work on its wiring. That's a job for us.
What to gather before you call
- A photo of the brand and model label on the power unit
- The number of inlets in your home
- A photo of the pipe connections at the power unit
- Where the unit is installed, such as the garage, basement or utility room
With these, we can tell you more on the first call.
Why the tubing in the walls usually stays
The tubing and inlets are separate from the power unit. When the power unit fails, the tubing behind your walls is usually fine and doesn't need to change. If a tubing or inlet problem turns up, we find it during an in-home visit.
Repair or replace
If a repair makes sense, we'll say so. If replacement is the better path, we will tell you.
How we help
We sell, install and service VacuMaid central vacuum systems across the Farmington Valley. We also repair central vacuums of all makes throughout Connecticut, including NuTone/Broan, Beam, Vacuflo, Eureka, Kenmore, MD Manufacturing, Honeywell, Cyclovac, Hayden and Electrolux. You can request in-home service online. We review your address and system details, then follow up about scheduling and any visit charge. If your power unit is removable, you can bring it to the shop for diagnosis. Call first before you disconnect it.
Tell us about your system
Send us your system details and we'll follow up. Or call us. We answer the phone ourselves.
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