Central Vacuum Cleaners: Chapter 2
Routine Maintenance
By the end of this module, you should be able to describe: The importance of routine maintenance of central vacuum cleaners, The daily routine maintenance of central vacuum cleaners, The weekly routine maintenance of central vacuum cleaners, and The monthly routine maintenance of central vacuum cleaners. Skip to quiz!
Maintenance Procedures
Central vacuum systems are generally low-maintenance machines. It is an appliance, and like every appliance, they require some tender loving care. You can forget about the system placed in the basement, but a little goes a long way regarding central vacuum maintenance.
Just as you would have to empty any other vacuum, you must regularly empty the dirt canister. First, we’ll learn to empty the dirt canister.
You may observe the dust viewing window and drain the dirt as it rises above the viewing window. Or you may drain it twice every year. You will unlock the canister at the bottom of the central vacuum unit.
After unlocking, you may see a lot of accumulated dirt and dust. You can drain the dirt into the bin and re-attach the canister. If a bagged unit is in use, you can remove the bag and discard it into a bin.
Turn the power off to the vacuum. Open the latches for the dirt canister.
Remove and empty the dirt canister.
Return the empty canister to the storage compartment.
Some central vacuum systems have filters, and you must clean them regularly. Different systems will have filters, so the process and location may vary. Usually, You must clean these filters 2 to 4 times each year.
You may need a garbage bag to collect dust and clean the filters.
Turn the power off to the vacuum. Open the latches for the filter bag.
Shake the filter bags and loosen the dirt particles from the filter.
Collect the dirt in the garbage bag.
Then, dispose of the garbage bag in the dustbin.
Weekly Routine Maintenance
Let’s learn to change the filter.
Inspect all filter bags for wetness or tears. Replace as necessary.
To replace a filter bag, put your hand inside the central vacuum unit upwards.
Locate a loop at the back of the filter bag and pull it towards the center of the canister.
You will break the seal and pull the filter bag downwards to remove it outside.
Take the new filter bag and squeeze the ring to make an oval.
Snap it into the cavity by turning it into a horseshoe shape and slowly let the ring expand. It will snap into place with an audible click.
After snapping it into place, pull the filter to check whether it’s snapped into place.
The bag should remain tightly attached inside the hole when you pull up on it.
Check for cracks, dents, or deformations in the canister. If you find any deformity in the canister, replace it with the new canister.
Check for tears and deformity in the filter. If you see any tear marks on the filter, replace it with the new filter.
The vital part of the central vacuum system is the motor. The motor must be regularly checked and lubricated. The bearings on the motor will need regular lubrication unless there is a specific problem.
Grease impeller shaft bearings weekly. For each bearing, use one pump of grease only. DO NOT OVER-GREASE.
Monthly Routine Maintenance
The vacuum system may get clogged after a very long time. To start with the unclogging process, you may require:
Portable Vacuum Cleaner,
Hand Auger,
Pair of Gloves, and
Face Mask.
Read the owner’s manual for any information.
Locate the clog by plugging your hose in all the inlet valves.
You may find it if there is no or less suction.
Check for a clog in the hose by dropping a marble or a coin into the hose.
If it doesn’t pass through the hose, it means that the hose is clogged.
If the hose is not blocked, you must check the inlet valves. You know one inlet valve is not receiving suction.
Check each of the other valves in case there are others.
Turn off the central vacuum system.
Take a vacuum cleaner to the clogged inlet valve and insert its hose into the inlet valve and switch it on.
The vacuum cleaner will suck the clog out.
Switching the vacuum cleaner on and off a few times might help to work the clog loose.
If it doesn’t work, you may use the hand auger to unclog the vacuum system.
Feed the auger into the inlet valve and the vacuum tube.
When it reaches the clog, you can rotate it so that the grapple latches on to part of the clog and pull it out of the inlet valve.
Repeat the process until you have most of the clog removed.
Then, turn on the vacuum system and attach the hose to the inlet valve.
A Central Vacuum Cleaner is a low-maintenance machine. Routine maintenance procedures are:
Emptying the dirt canister,
Cleaning the filter,
Changing the filter,
Inspection of dirt canister,
Inspection of filter,
Inspection of motor, and
Unclogging the system.
Question #1: Central vacuum systems are high-maintenance machines.
True
False
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Answer: False
Central vacuum systems are low-maintenance machines.
Question #2: Why do we need to maintain the central vacuum system? (Select all that apply)
To keep the central vacuum system operational
To keep the central vacuum system clean
To keep the central vacuum cleaner dirty
To keep the central vacuum cleaner dusted.
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Answer: To keep the central vacuum system operational
To keep the central vacuum system clean
We need to maintain the central vacuum system to keep the central vacuum cleaner operational and clean.
Question #3: When is the right time to empty the dirt canister? (Select all that apply)
When dust rises above the viewing window.
2-4 times a year
4-6 times a year
5-10 times a year
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Answer: When dust rises above the viewing window.
2-4 times a year
Observe the dust viewing window and drain the dirt as it rises above the viewing window. Or you may drain it twice every year.
Question #4: Why do we clean the central vacuum filters? (Select all that apply)
To keep the proper airflow
To keep the central vacuum system clean
To keep the central vacuum cleaner dirty
To operate the central vacuum cleaner.
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Answer: To keep the proper airflow
To keep the central vacuum system clean
We need to clean the central vacuum filters to keep the proper airflow and to keep it clean.
Question #5: What shall be noted during the inspection of the dirt canister? (Select all that apply)
Cracks
Dents
Tears
Deformity in filter
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Answer: Cracks
Dents
You shall inspect for cracks and dents in a dirt canister.
Question #6: What shall be noted during the inspection of the filter? (Select all that apply)
Cracks
Dents
Tears
Deformity in filter
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Answer: Tears
Deformity in filter
You shall inspect for tears and deformity in a filter.
Question #7: Which tool is used to unclog the system?
Brush
Camera
Hand Auger
Light
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Answer: Hand Auger
Hand Auger is used to unclog the system.