Why Is My Bissell Carpet Cleaner Not Suctioning? Quick Guide

Last Updated on December 6, 2022

You might have invested enough money in purchasing Bissell Carpet Cleaner to clean the mess created in your home. But when you turn it on to do its job, your Bissell Capet Cleaner can no longer suck the water.

Though this situation is annoying, you don’t need to be concerned about it. You can fix the problem preventing your carpet cleaner from restoring its suction. A Bissell vacuum loses its suction due to the accumulation of debris and dirt inside the filter that blocks the other components to stops the overall working ability. In this guide, we will help you fix your Bissell Carpet Cleaner, which has lost its suction power.

Why Your Bissell Carpet Cleaner Not Suctioning: Possible Reasons & Their Solutions

There could be numerous reasons for Bissell Carpet Cleaner not sucking up. You must know each problem also comes with a possible solution. Some of the most common issues with your vacuum and how you can fix them are described here.

Blocked Filtration System

A filter lies inside the vacuum cleaner to capture the dirt and debris from the carpet. The suction system allows it to suck all the dirt with the help of air to trap inside the filter.

Under certain circumstances, when a filter fails to function properly, its suction power diminishes over time. A huge variety of filters are present in Bissell Carpet Cleaner, including:

• A built-in filter is present to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the vacuum cleaner to a great extent.
• The post-motor filter is installed near the motor for compensation if the pre-motor filter loses its functional ability.
• A pre-motor filter lies near the area where the air moves from the motor.
• Inner and outer circular filters are also attached next to the canister.

These filters ensure the removal of every single element of dirt by relying on processes such as diffusion, interception, and impaction.

How To Fix It

If the dirt remains inside the filters for enough time, the filter won’t be able to suck dirty water and dust. You can fix the issue to ensure perfect cleaning.

• Remove the plug of your vacuum and detach the canister.
• Look at the circular filters first to find any dirt. Clean them quickly if there is a deposition of debris and dust. Then move towards the pre and post-motors. A the end, clear the built-in filter.
• You can clean all filters simply by using a brush with soft bristles.
• Or wash them under hot water. After washing the filters, let them fully dry for enough time before re-using them.

Important Instructions: Never wash your HEPA filter. It is highly recommended to replace these filters after six months.

Brush Roller Isn’t Working

If cleaning the filters doesn’t fix the problem, you must check the condition of the brush roll. Sometimes, the brush roll wraps with the hair, threads, or other materials present on the carpet and stops working.

The brush will be unable to move on the surface and won’t allow sucking any dirt.

How To Fix It

• Cleaning the brush roll is very simple and easy. 
• You can do it by cutting the objects with scissors. 
• All the hair and thread at one end will easily get removed through the other. 
• Give your vacuum one more try by testing it and see if it works fine.
• If the issue still persists in the brush roll, it is better to replace it.

Overfilled Bags

Another reason for Bissell carpet cleaner not sucking anything is the overfilled vacuum bag. To identify this problem, just look at the fine line present on the front of your vacuum that doesn’t have a bag. You can also locate the bag in the canister or other vacuums in the same position. 

How To Fix It

• If the fine line of the bag is filled to the mark, it means your vacuum will pick nothing up.
• To solve it, remove the bag and empty it.
• For better results, clean it properly by washing it.

Important Instructions: It is recommended to clean the bag after every use and replace it after three months to maximize the smooth functioning of your carpet cleaner.

Malfunctioned Motor

Sometimes the machine’s motor fails to operate, and you can easily identify this failure. This could be due to overuse of a vacuum that gets hot, or its engine fails due to continuous use. The motor will produce weird noises, and even the burning smell starts coming out. As the whole machine relies on the motor, the system will automatically fail to function, and your carpet cleaner will stop suctioning.

How To Fix It

You can fix the failed motor only by replacing it with a new one. Motors are quite expensive, and buying a new carpet cleaner is better than replacing it.

If the warranty of Bissell carpet cleaner has ended, prefer to buy the new one.

Blower Wheel Stopped Moving

When you are done trying all the methods, but still your carpet cleaner isn’t suctioning, inspect the blower wheel carefully to find the problem. There could be some hard particles present inside it that can hinder its normal rotation. It can also stop operation due to corrosion.

How To Fix It

• Rotate the blower wheel manually to check if it is working fine. If it stops after rotating, there could be some obstructions inside it.
• Eliminate the materials that are causing hindrance.
• If the wheel doesn’t work after removing the object, the issue could be with the blower motor.
• It will be good to replace the blower motor as you can purchase it at cheaper rates.

Broken Hose

One of the essential components of a carpet cleaner is the hose specified for sucking air. There are two parts of it, an outer and inner, which help the suction.

Remove the hose from the position and look deeply into it with the help of a torch to find any broken or misplaced pieces. Also, check for the beam of light passing from one end to another. If no light shows up at the other end, it means the hose is blocked.

How To Fix It

• • Examine the hose carefully to locate any cracks.

• You can also remove blocking by adding a blunt object inside its cylinder.
• If the hose is broken, replacing it is the best choice.

Final Verdict

Some of the highly efficient ways of fixing the Bissell carpet cleaner are mentioned in this guide. We hope you can resolve the main existing by following the instructions even if you do not know why is Bissell carpet cleaner not suctioning.