Why Does My Vacuum Keep Shutting Off?

A common problem with vacuum cleaners is that they won’t turn on at all. But a more frustrating issue for many people is that their vacuum will start to turn on but then immediately turn off. That can be frustrating especially if you spent a lot for a good vacuum cleaner. There are a few reasons this might happen. Obviously, the fact that the vacuum turns on usually indicates that there isn’t an issue with the outlet or the wire to the vacuum cleaner as power is flowing. But the fact that the vacuum is turning off could indicate issues with overheating, failsafes, or a faulty on/off switch. In this article we will discuss a few of the common reasons a vacuum cleaner might turn on but then immediately shut back off or shut off randomly as you clean. One solution for a vacuum cleaner that is turning off intermittently is to visit a vacuum repair shop like ours in Plymouth Massachusetts. We can take a look at the vacuum and let you know the cost of repairs vs. the cost of a new vacuum cleaner. 

How Do I Troubleshoot My Vacuum Cleaner That Shut Itself Off?

There are a few things that could cause a vacuum to suddenly lose power. Other than the obvious situation where a vacuum cord is pulled out of the outlet while you vacuum, which has happened to almost everyone at some point, there are a few things to check for. First and foremost, if your vacuum is hot to the touch, it is possible your vacuum overheated and an internal safety system shut it off. Vacuums can overheat because of clogs and obstructions as well as damage to the motor over time. If your vacuum is hot, wait for it to cool down (leaving it unplugged), and open the vacuum and look for any signs of clogs or obstructions. Even if your vacuum isn’t warm when it shuts off you should check for anything that might be affecting suction or the motor. 

 

In situations where you don’t notice any damage to the motor and there isn’t any sign of clogs or obstructions, the issue might be electrical in nature. The on/off switch could be faulty, an internal wire could be damaged, or other similar problems could be causing the vacuum to suddenly shut off. 

Do I Have A Faulty On/Off Switch on My Vacuum Cleaner?

One reason a vacuum might turn on and then turn off randomly as you clean is because you might have a faulty on.off switch. The switch on the handle that activates the motor is often operated by sliding it forward or pushing it in depending on the model of the vacuum cleaner you are using. Luckily replacing a switch is a pretty easy repair job. That said, if you would prefer a vacuum expert to replace the switch or are interested in getting more troubleshooting before buying replacement parts, a quick trip to a vacuum repair store could definitely help. Depending on the model of the vacuum you are using you might be able to simply remove the old switch and replace it with a new one.

Is It Time To Replace My Vacuum?

One of the benefits of going to a vacuum repair shop is they have the skills and expertise to quickly identify what is wrong with the vacuum, what parts are needed, and what it will cost to repair the vacuum cleaner. Like with any repair vs replace question, it all comes down to the investment. If the cost of repairs are high and the expected lifespan of the vacuum post-repair isn’t great, a replacement vacuum is often a great choice. In fact, replacing a vacuum is also beneficial if there were other issues with your vacuum you were ignoring. I.e. if your vacuum cleaner didn’t have the tools attachments you needed to handle cleaning your whole home or apartment, or if you bought the vacuum when you lived in a smaller residence or before you owned carpets, and a new vacuum could better address those cleaning projects. 

Vacuum Cleaner Repair & Replacement in Plymouth

Bringing your vacuum cleaner to a repair shop can save you both time and money. Instead of buying replacement parts that you end up not needing, a vacuum repair shop can find the parts you need, handle the repairs, or let you know if you are better off swapping vacuums. If you live in the Plymouth area and need a new vacuum cleaner, give us a call.