Dyson Vacuum Not Sucking (No Suction Power): Fix!!

Full Bins and clogged hoses are common causes that will cause a Dyson to lose suction. However, there are other reasons for lost suction in Dyson vacuums like clogged filters, side valve etc. Cleaning the washable filters and clearing any hair stuck from the roller can help improve the suction of your vacuum. 

Despite their exceptional build quality and performance, Dyson vacuum cleaners can lose suction. Why is my Dyson vacuum not sucking, and How can you fix it? 

Let’s find out!

What Causes A Dyson To Lose Suction?

Fix Dyson Vacuum Not Sucking

If your Dyson vacuum isn’t sucking properly, the problem could be caused by a few different factors.

Make sure that all the Dyson parts are in good shape and haven’t been damaged from regular use or from being mishandled. This means checking the filter and hose for any blockages or obstructions that may be preventing suction.

If the hose is clogged, make sure to clean it out with a vacuum attachment.

How To Fix Dyson Vacuum Not Sucking (No Suction Power)?

If your Dyson has stopped sucking, follow the below troubleshooting tips to fix the problem. (1)

Dyson Vacuum Roller

vacuum roller problems

If your Dyson vacuum loses suction the roller is the first thing you should check. If your vacuum motor is still running but the roller is not turning or is clogged, your vacuum will not be able to pick up anything. 

To check the roller you will need to unplug your vacuum. You should never attempt to service any part of your vacuum unless it is unplugged and the power is off. 

You will need to turn the vacuum upside down to access the roller.

Rollers can become wrapped in hair, string, or other debris and become clogged. This can stop your roller from spinning and cause damage to the roller, belt, and put extra strain on the motor of the machine. If your roller is filled up with hair or other strings you will remove it and clean it.  

To remove the roller you will need to swivel the fasteners holding it in place. This will allow you to remove the bottom plate and access the roller.

The roller is turned by a rubber belt that connects it to the motor. If this belt is worn or broken it will need to be replaced. You can clean the roller effectively with mild soap and water. 

The roller will need to be completely dry before it is replaced in your Dyson vacuum. The vacuum should not be operated with a wet roller. Replace the roller in the reverse order of removal. 

Clogged Filters

blocked vacuum filters

Having a clogged filter can lead to reduced suction for your Dyson vacuum. It should be checked after you have cleaned and replaced the roller brushes.

Most Dyson vacuums have a washable filter so you will be able to wash them and allow them to dry when they become clogged. 

Check this article "Dyson Brush Not Spinning: Why and How To Fix" if your dyson brush stopped spinning

Removing Your Filter

To remove the filter on your model of Dyson vacuum cleaner you can refer to the our page “Dyson filter replacement” to find the exact instructions for your model.

Be cautious when removing any plastic housing to ensure you do not damage it when you are removing the filter. 

Cleaning Your Filter

Some models of Dyson vacuums require a presoak when cleaning the filters, and others do not. 

To clean a filter you should submerge it in a bowl of cold water for at least five minutes. You should not use any detergents or soaps when cleaning the filter.

After soaking your filter, squeeze it gently into a drain.

Repeat this at least five more times or until the water coming from the filter is clear. 

Drying the Filters

You will need to leave the filter to air dry after shaking the excess water from it.

You should never use an open flame, microwave, or dryer to dry a Dyson vacuum filter.

The filter must dry compeletely before you reinstall it back into your Dyson vacuum.

Vacuum Hoses

vacuum hose

Another common area that your Dyson vacuum will clog is the hoses. 

If you have a canister model, remove the suction hose and inspect the inlet to check the suction that is able to come out of it. If it is still producing suction, the blockages will be in the extension wand or the suction hose. 

Inspect the hose and wand to see if you are able to spot the obstruction. Take care when attempting to remove an obstruction from the hose or wand carefully to not damage the hose when removing the obstruction from it. 

In upright Dyson vacuum models, you will first need to remove and clean the bin. If you are able to feel suction from the exhaust and it is stronger than the suction at the floor cleaning head, the cleaning tool and cleaning head might be blocked. 

Remove any hair or debris from the head. Pay close attention to the top shelf as it accumulates the most dirt and debris and can cause a loss of suction. 

Full Bin 

Vacuum Bin is Full

You will need to ensure the bin on your vacuum is emptied. A full or dirty bin can be a common cause of your Dyson vacuum losing suction. Ensure you empty the bin of your vacuum often to keep the bin of your Dyson vacuum from becoming too full and not having the suction to pick up additional debris. 

When you empty the bin of your vacuum, take the opportunity to check the seals for any damage.

If the seals of your vacuum are damaged it can cause air leakages. These leakages will cause your vacuum to lose suction and will need to be repaired or replaced. 

The Nozzle

On handheld Dyson models there could be a blockage or foreign obstruction in the nozzle that will cause your vacuum to lose suction.

This obstruction can make your Dyson vacuum lose suction and be easily cleared to restore your vacuum to its proper working order. 

The U-Bend Pipe

If your Dyson model is equipped with a U-bend pipe that connects the attachment hose to the dust container, it can become clogged and cause your vacuum to lose suction.

Some of them are clear to help you locate and clear the blockage for this reason.

If your U-bend pipe is not clear check inside it to ensure there is no blockage robbing your Dyson vacuum of its suction.  

Side Valve of Dyson Vacuum Cleaner

blockage in Dyson valve

If there is a valve on the side of your Dyson vacuum it can become blocked and need to be cleaned. It can be removed from your machine by pushing a button near it to remove it.

If you find clogged or dirty filters, this can be the cause of your Dyson vacuum losing suction.  

Checking the Bristles 

Lastly, if the bristles of your vacuum cleaner are worn they may not be as effective as they were when they were at the beginning.

If your Dyson vacuum bristles are too worn they may not be able to pick up the debris.  You will need to replace the entire brush bar to replace the worn bristles with new ones. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why has my Dyson lost suction?

The most common cause of no suction in Dyson is a clogged filter and the accumulation of dirt and debris in the machine itself.
If you find that the filter has become clogged, then it should be replaced with a clean one. You can also check whether there are any hoses or pipes that have become blocked or damaged; if you find one, then you may need to replace them.

How do you reset the suction on a Dyson vacuum?

The suction on a Dyson vacuum can easily be reset by cleaning or replacing the filter. For most models, you’ll need to remove the cyclone assembly and locate the filter (or filters).
Remove the old filter and replace it with a new one according to your model’s instructions. Be sure to check that all seals are secure before replacing the cyclone assembly.
Once the filter is replaced, you should experience increased suction power from your Dyson vacuum.

Are dyson vacuums worth repairing?

If you have a relatively simple fix, like replacing a belt or filter, then it may be worth repairing your Dyson vacuum.
On the other hand, if you need major repairs like replacing parts such as motors or brushes that could get costly, it might be better to consider purchasing a new vacuum instead.

Conclusion

Figuring out the question of your Dyson vacuum not sucking, and how to fix it is an easy task. Simple solutions from emptying the bin, and checking to make sure the hoses and U-bend pipe are clear can help solve the issue. If they have not cleared up the issues you may need to remove and clean the roller or remove and wash the filters located in your Dyson vacuum.

With a little troubleshooting, you can find the cause of your Dyson vacuum losing suction and have it running back to its peak performance.

Robbert Randy

Robbert is an expert in vacuums. He graduated from the University of Applied Science with a degree in Commercial Economics in 2019. He tests and provide troubleshooting tips to vacuum users on his website. He don’t do this for profit–he simply want to research the best models out there and share his findings.

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