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My Bissell Velocity Vacuum Has No Suction

The Bissell Velocity vacuum cleaner is an upright cleaner with cyclone suction and no dirt bag. The vacuum has a 12-amp motor with a 15-inch-wide cleaning path and a multi-cyclonic cleaning system. Sold online or in many stores, it has a 35-inch long power cord and weighs 24 lbs. overall. While the vacuum is designed to work well under many conditions, if owners find that the vacuum has no suction, it can be fairly simple to fix through some troubleshooting.
  1. Height Adjustment

    • The height of the Bissell Velocity vacuum can be adjusted according to the type of floor being cleaned. If the height adjustment is incorrect for the floor, the vacuum might be lifted up too high, resulting in no suction. Turn the height adjustment knob to the "Bare Floor" setting for non-carpeted floors, "Lowest Setting" for short pile or delicate carpets, "Medium Setting" for short or medium pile carpets and "Highest Setting" for thick or plush pile carpets.

    Hose Obstruction

    • Another reason why the Velocity vacuum cleaner may lose suction is if there is a clog in the hose. Disconnect the power to the vacuum and turn the hose to the right while pulling up. When you remove the hose from the vacuum, shake it to loosen any blockages or use a long broom handle to push the debris through. Return the hose to the vacuum when you clear the clog.

    Dirt Container

    • If the dirt container is full and has not been emptied, the vacuum cleaner will not be able to suction up any more dirt. Disconnect power to the vacuum and slide the lock on the dirt container to "Unlock." Hold the dirt container handle and pull it out of the unit. Empty the container over a waste bin and then return it to the vacuum.

    Filter

    • It is necessary to clean the filter on a regular basis because the vacuum cleaner may lose suction if the filter gets too dirty. Disconnect the vacuum from the power source and open and remove the dirt container. Slide out the tray under the dirt cup and wash the tray and the filter with cold water. If necessary, add a drop of liquid dishwashing detergent to clean the filter and rinse well. Air dry the filter before replacing it in the Velocity vacuum. Replace the other filter in the vacuum regularly, which is located behind a small door on the side of the vacuum cleaner. Open the door, remove the filter and replace. This is a HEPA filter and it cannot be washed to clean.

    Brushes

    • Check the brushes on the bottom of the vacuum cleaner for obstructions, debris or long strings that might be preventing the vacuum cleaner from suctioning well. Disconnect power and clean the brushes with your fingers or a pair of scissors to remove strings if needed.