Most clogs are preventable; there are certain things that you should avoid sucking up. 98% of clogs are caused by a long solid object. Any object that is over 2" in length and solid in form. Most commonly things such as paper clips, bobby pins, tooth picks, sucker sticks, crayons, pens, etc. These items enter the system and then get stuck in the turns of the vacuum lines. After the item is lodged in the pipe, it catches hair, carpet fibers, dirt and other things that would normally go through.
Be cautious when sucking up, things like shredded paper and pine needles. If you suck up too much at once it can cause a clog. When vacuuming up these things it is best to do it slowly and a little at a time. Also, for most central vacuum systems it is critical that you never vacuum up water or moisture in any form. If moisture enters your system it will mix with dirt and other debris, this mixture will then harden in your lines, making the inside diameter smaller, leading to more clogs.
DO NOT VACUUM animal cage wood chips! Actually animal cages in general, there is a potential for straw, chips, and accidental "liquid"
FOLLOW THE HANDY STEPS BELOW TO GET YOU OUT OF CENTRAL VAC CLOG TROUBLE
STEP 1.
STEP 1.
Do the HOSE CLOG TEST:
put a marble (nickel) in the hose (wall end - Lift the hose up and run the marble through the hose until it comes out the handle.
If the marble comes out:
you DO NOT have a clogged hose...move on to Step 2
If your hose is clogged move on to step 5
Step 2.
Step 2.
Do THE TOILET TISSUE TEST:
Empty the Central vac bin, or remove the bag.
Number toilet roll sheets for each suction inlet
Using your newly tested not clogged hose, suck up one number per inlet. (note this number down)
Check the Central Vac Bin.
If you received all of your numbered sheets:
YOU DO NOT have a wall Clog Go to Step 3.
If You are missing a number, go to Step 4
Step 3.
Step 3.
Do THE SUCTION TEST:
Disconnect intake pipe from the Central Vac Unit
(it should not be glued)
Turn unit on and feel suction at the central vac unit.
(some units have a switch right on them, otherwise use your hose switch - you will have no suction through the hose as the pipe is disconnected - Don't be alarmed)
If you have No to Low suction at the Central Vac Unit, we recommend shutting it off, unplugging it, unplug the low voltage wires and bring it in to Energetic Vacuums for further testing.
If you have Good to Excellent Suction go to Step 4
Step 4.
Step 4.
REVERSE SUCTION
Disconnect the intake tube from your Central Vac Canister
Go to the inlet that coincides with the missing tissue test number
Using a house vac or shop vac, apply suction to the outlet. Sometimes what went in, will come out this way!
If this does not work go to Step 5
Step 5.
Step 5.
THE PLUMBING SNAKE:
Use a hand plumbing snake ONLY
DO NOT USE an electric one, or attach a hand one to a drill.
(Central Vac pipe is not as tough as plumbing pipe and you can score or severely damage the inside of the pipe)
Plumbing snakes can be bought at Canadian Tire for a very reasonable price. Make sure you get the spring one and not the hook type.
Gently Feed the snake into the suspect clogged line, until it will not go in anymore. Turn to wind the spring into the clog, try to push more in, twist, see what comes out. Repeat Step 4.
