Weak at every inlet
Check the bag, canister and filter first. If they are fine, the blockage may be near the power unit or in the main trunk line.
Blockages
Central vacuum clog and blockage service
A sock, a pen cap or a buildup of debris at an elbow can stop a central vacuum cold. We find where the blockage is and clear it without opening walls where possible.
Narrowing down where the clog is
Weak at one inlet
The clog is usually in the branch to that inlet or in the elbow right behind it.
Hose test
Connect the hose at a good inlet. If suction is weak at the end of the hose, the hose itself is blocked.
Utility inlet
Many units have an inlet on the unit. Strong suction there points to the pipe or hose, not the motor.
How we clear it
We isolate the blocked section, then clear it with tools made for vacuum pipe. We check the elbows and fittings at that inlet, because a recurring clog often means a damaged fitting or a short-radius elbow catching debris. Once clear, we test suction at every inlet.
Please do not push a plumbing snake hard into the pipe. It can puncture fittings inside the wall, which turns a simple clog into a bigger repair.
FAQ
Common questions
Can I clear a central vacuum clog myself?
Sometimes. Try the hose test and the utility inlet first, and you may find the clog is in the hose. Avoid forcing tools into the wall pipe.
Why does my system keep clogging at the same inlet?
Usually a damaged or tight elbow behind that inlet, or debris that is too big for the pipe. We check the fittings when we clear it.
Ready to talk about your home?
Free in-home installation quotes. Repairs from a $150 plus HST service call.