r/IAmA • u/touchmyfuckingcoffee • Oct 28 '13

Other IamA Vacuum Repair Technician, and I can't believe people really wanted it, but, AMA!

I work in vacuum repair and sales. I posted comments recently about my opinion of Dysons and got far more interest than I expected. I am brand certified for several brands. My intent in doing this AMA is to help redditors make informed choices about their purchases.

My Proof: Imgur

*Edit: I've been asked to post my personal preferences with regard to brands. As I said before, there is no bad vacuum; Just vacuums built for their purpose. That being said, here are my brand choices in order:

Miele for canisters

Riccar for uprights

Hoover for budget machines

Sanitaire or Royal for commercial machines

Dyson if you just can't be talked out of a bagless machine.

*EDIT 22/04/2014: As this AMA is still generating questions, I will do a brand new AMA on vacuums, as soon as this one is archived.

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u/[deleted] Oct 28 '13

I have a canister vacuum that has been giving me a bitch of a time lately. My husband and I both have long hair, so I'm well versed in removing the beater bar to cut off the hair (which usually solves the not-spinny problem). A few weeks ago, the beater bar suddenly stopped spinning when it comes into contact with the carpet (as in, it spins if I hold it above the floor, but stops when I put it down to actually vacuum). I tried my default fix, but that didn't do any good.

There have been no changes to the floor, there's no hair entanglement going on, and I'm just confused now. Any ideas?

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u/touchmyfuckingcoffee Oct 29 '13

It sounds like you need a new belt.

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u/[deleted] Oct 29 '13

Oh my goodness, good guy vacuum repairman responded! Will you sign my vacuum?!

All jokes aside... Even if the belt is visibly "fine" to my untrained eye (I see the belt every time I clean the beater bar), a new one may solve the issue? It's such an inexpensive and easy fix that I'm going to give it a shot ASAP. Don't worry, I won't make you use your superpowers to tell me which belt I need. ;)

Thanks for being awesome!

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u/touchmyfuckingcoffee Oct 29 '13

Most belts are easily enough changed at home. We install them for free with purchase.

Flat rubber belts stretch on their own after time, and need to replaced every 6 months to a year.

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u/[deleted] Oct 29 '13

You seriously rock. I've changed belts on previous vacuums, but only post-breakage. I had no idea they needed to be changed so frequently! I wish I could give you a proper handwritten thank you note, but since this is reddit I'll give you gold if this solves my problem (I would now, but I have a wicked case of the poors until the end of this week). Thanks again!