Why is My Shark Not Sucking? -- Fix It Yourself!

Is your Shark Vacuum not sucking? Maybe it's blowing out dirt? There are some simple places you can check before you bring it to a professional.
Start by checking all the holes. Best way to do this is by taking apart your vacuum.
Remove the hose, remove the cleaner head, remove your wand and remove the dirt cup. Best way to check the hose is to drop a penny through it. If it comes out the other end, the hose is good. Do the same with your wand.
If the penny doesn't come out the other end, it might be clogged. Stick a broom pole gently through it.
Also check the holes the dirt goes into the dirt cup from. The cleaner head might also have an obstruction. You can stick this unclogging tool: www.vac.md/product-page/zip-i... through it.
Last thing to check is your filters. Make sure your filters are all super clean. These filters should be cleaned monthly otherwise you will loose an incredible amount of suction. Bagless vacuums require much more maintenance than bagged, so you need to clean them often to prevent loss of performance.
Don't hesitate to text us photos if you have any questions!
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-Kimberly and the Vac MD team
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[@stevetancredi2151]

You got yourself a new fan and subscriber. While I hope I don't need Shark repair advice too frequently, I really appreciate this video. I was able to diagnose and solve the problem I had (clog in wand). I had been reluctant to take it apart as I didn't want to void the warranty, but your video broke the process down effectively for me. Thanks again!

[@kimberly.thomason]

Thank you so much!!

[@ThePongstress]

Hi Kimberly, Thank you so much! I never thought of using the drain tool. You delivered a great video with effective tips and bright smiles, and you were so personable and that made it nice to watch.

[@kimberly.thomason]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SnapReflex]

Fixed the exact problem I had. Thank you for the video!

[@erikrodriguez8861]

Thank you so much for your video! I was able to trouble shoot my vaccum. It was a simple clog, but I would t have known what to do if you hadn’t of explained that I can take apart my vacuum. You are a life saver!

[@kimberly.thomason]

You/re welcome!

[@pinkely9149]

Thank you so much... The penny saved me, so brilliant👍🏼❤️

[@kimberly.thomason]

Glad it helped!

[@brettmaxwell8856]

Thanks for your help! Penny trick showed us the clog!

[@kimberly.thomason]

Happy to help!

[@user-eg9dc5pi1d]

thanks so much - you are great - I have a relatively new Shark Navigator (had a smaller one before) and am familiar with most of the clog issue spots and how to get to them - but this time I had one right above the roller in the encases short hose/tube - took off the collection unit and straightened out the bebd - tried a wire and a long tool - got a long, drain unclogger with a brush on the end on sale for $2 while looking for one of the plastic ones like you were using (misplaced mine) - it worked like a charm - it was just paper tea bag tag with a bunch of light/loose pet hair collected around it, but it wouldn't budge - the brush end went through past the rollers as well - I recommend one of those on hand - a thicker dowel or thin broom handle might have worked - but I was concerned about compacting the block

[@markloria3216]

Great Video. Mine had a major clog right on the right angle in the handle- couldn't get it out with any tool- used a pressure washer down the hole and worked liked a charm!

[@kimberly.thomason]

Oh my goodness! A pressure washer! That’s a first.

[@isaactungate6669]

I cleaned everything and took it apart , thought were no clogs until put quarter through hose. Was able get bottle cap out of hose! Thanks for the tip!

[@kimberly.thomason]

Nice work!

[@patticarter5887]

Thanks to you, I was able to get a clog out of the hose with a plastic drain snake that I already had.

[@kimberly.thomason]

Awesome!

[@bharadwajuma]

Thanks. It worked.

[@chainman1256]

I'm glad I found this video, I was about to throw out my Shark rechargeable vacuum. I checked the vacuum head/ roller brush area, and sure enough it was completely clogged with dog hair (yuck). Cleared it out and it works great!

[@kimberly.thomason]

Glad I could help!

[@TheReneeoc]

Thanks this helped

[@Alisongabrielle]

Thanks. Helped me fix mine.

[@kimberly.thomason]

Glad it helped!

[@dgoode0424]

thanks for the video helped me fix mine!

[@kimberly.thomason]

Glad it helped!

[@southerndude8250]

I have the shark navigator pet model zu60. Kinda looks like the one in this video but mine has a yellow brush roller. Mine does have a clog that is being a pain to get out. It’s around the handle area and it’s compressed in that part of the hose tight. I’ve rammed a pole and all up in there and still not budging. I’m about at the point of where I just want to cut the hose and get it out of there and try to use really strong tape to mend it back together for a temp fix. Is there a way I could buy a hose and handle from you for my particular model? Or do you have any suggestions for me that I could try?

[@RickJackson-wn6nk]

I have a shark lift away cu510 I have cleaned all filters, checked all hoses and holes. All clean, still no suction?

[@EstherGhurpersad]

hi! do you have the handle and hose for the shark NV480 vacuum cleaner i live in Trinidad i need to get this to use my vacuum please help

[@cessliebautista11]

Shark navigator zu60 series turns on will pick up dirt but it’s just staying at the base of vaccum and not suction up into tank. Any idea what this could be searched for clogs and seems to not be clogged

[@kimberly.thomason]

100% clogged somewhere or it needs its filters cleaned.

[@sheryltheriault5267]

Fixed it!

[@aronkaspar6369]

Our neighbors are very persuasive trying to convince us to buy a shark. I still use my 1979 Kirby tradition. Built like a tank and besides changing brush roll belts every 3-4 years has never let me down.

[@kimberly.thomason]

Everyone has their own opinions on vacuums. Just because someone likes a shark doesn’t mean you will. Stick with what you love if it’s working for you!

[@mattieedunnell5337]

Thank you for your video. I have Shark Model UV420. How do I go about changing the brush? Thank you.

[@kimberly.thomason]

Unfortunately I cannot explain that via text. I hope you found your answer.

[@darrinauxier541]

Thanks for that, it helped a lot! It actually ended up being a pen somehow got pulled in and stuck in the bend (and then trapped a bunch of debris behind it). How?? No idea how a pen got into the hose in the first place.

[@kimberly.thomason]

Sometimes those pens can be hiding under a bed or dresser and you don’t realize it’s being picked up. Glad this video helped!

[@xxSydneyFox]

The hose on mine broke in the most awkward place between the head and the body where it tilts as you show. So can't really glue or tape

[@kimberly.thomason]

That’s a very difficult if not impossible hose to fix or replace.

[@phosphorous75]

I have model AX92 and it has green lights that are supposed to detect when an area of the carpet is clean from dirt, however it stopped working and is now always green. How do I fix that? Thanks for the videos!!!

[@kimberly.thomason]

You will need to buy a whole new cleaner head from Shark. Shark doesn't make their vacuums repairable because they don't provide parts.

[@1992mattyowen]

I cleared out everywhere as you suggested, but still getting suction issues, mine makes a weird high pitch noise too that comes from the back of the vacuum, are small holes on the back left, like an air filter. Any idea what could cause that? Maybe the motor is shot. Shark Lift Way is the model. Same as in the video.

[@kimberly.thomason]

Did you clean all the filters?

[@user-vw7hq1ki9q]

Tried the penny in the hose idea. It didn't go through. We couldn't find the clog in the hose so we ran the hose through the hose and out came a sock! That fixed it. Thanks for the help.

[@kimberly.thomason]

Great job! So glad it was helpful.

[@williamschrack7904]

​@@kimberly.thomason9😅😅😅

[@vacuumgeniusasmr7662]

What do you do if you still have no suction after you check the filters and for clogs?

[@kimberly.thomason]

Bring it to a repair store or we can FaceTime or Zoom with you to help you out!

[@Doggieflicks]

Kimberly thank you! The penny trick told me where the clog was wooo hoo!!! :)

[@kimberly.thomason]

Yay!

[@paula.mcguinness6075]

Shark Vertex Duo Cordless, WZ440H, Simply no suction. Filters clean, all tubes clear. Powers up, No suction at the smallest attachment nor with the Floor Attachment. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[@kimberly.thomason]

Sounds like there still might be a clog somewhere. But also, those attachments are mean to make contact with a surface and create suction with a surface. If you are putting your hand over it, you may not feel suction. Its hard to explain by typing....

[@texmikeparacords4693]

I have a shark Rocket Pro, model UZ145 26, cleaned it all out, it turns on great but no vacuum suction. Where else can I check. Cleaned out all the filters and tube's no clogs.

[@kimberly.thomason]

Sounds like you did it all. Bagless vacuums lose suction and motors can lose power too.

[@jnicholson061905]

I have a shark UV900, and my husband made the mistake of vacuuming an entire bag of flour that my dog busted open... i have cleaned every part i can think of. Theres no clogs in the hoses, holes, rollers, ive washed the canister, the hoses, rollers, and filters. It has no hepa filter. Ive shop vacced all i can out of the motor area, and taken it outside with all things unattached to blast flour out of the motor compartment as best i could. Any other ideas before i start tearing it open?

[@jnicholson061905]

I dont see the point of paying a vacuum person to do something and pay what I'd pay to just buy a new one.

[@ariailandries1370]

I have a shark ultrapro pet vac and debris is constantly getting stuck at bottom of hose or in middle of rod, akways have to poke it out ..any suggestion 3:33

[@kimberly.thomason]

Unfortunately sometimes this is just a design problem. To help over come it, keeping your filters squeaky clean and also not picking up too many large things at one time that might cause a jam. It’s all you can do!

[@laurafoster717]

Ok I need help i have a Shark Rotor model number NV501 31 I was vacuuming and it sounded really weird. Turns out there was a lot of stuffing from my dogs toy. I cleaned it out and it still wont suck through the hose. Can you please help me?

[@kimberly.thomason]

Sounds like it might still be clogged, need filters cleaned or have a hole in one of the hoses.

[@douglasveazey1070]

4:10 where do you find the model number on the shark?

[@kimberly.thomason]

It usually located in the body near cord or on the base of neck?

[@Mia-if5qo]

What do i do if the blades dont want to roll when im vacuuming??

[@kimberly.thomason]

You may need a new cleaner head.

[@brittanyroush1067]

On my shark navigator model nv60 all the hose and filter sand clean and no blockages but it sound like a flap internally is opening and closing causing it to loose suction. There’s a place on the side of it that says “ if sound from here becomes high pitched look for clog.” It’s not high pitched but it’s definitely sounds different. I’m at a loss. Thanks I’m advanced

[@kimberly.thomason]

Sounds like a clog to me still...usually that sound you are explaining is a clog.

[@emmanuelguerrero5814]

Mine has the same issue with a flap sound and a high pitched noise. All the filters are in great clean condition but there's barely any suction. I'll comment below once I figure out what the issue was.

[@TheOnyx823]

Did you ever figure this out I have the same issue

[@emmanuelguerrero5814]

There was a sock stuck in my vacuum. It was in the middle of the hose so you couldn't really see.

[@Savannah-ou9lv]

May I ask how you was able to see it to remove it , thanks in advance​@@emmanuelguerrero5814

[@robinowens2577]

I got a shark cordless model XSBT620. It literally worked for a week and now doesn’t pick anything up. I checked it for clogs. Cleaned it thoroughly and am at a loss. Help!

[@watermelon7916]

Is it charged? Check if anything is clogged and check the filters

[@kimberly.thomason]

I agree with @watermelon7916, you might be missing a clog somewhere...

[@myfuyf5050]

Hello, my shark NV360 has low almost no suction and when it picks stuff up it doesn’t go to the bing I stays in the vacuum head. How can I fix it?

[@kimberly.thomason]

It sounds like it’s clogged…this video should help you check it!

[@myfuyf5050]

@@kimberly.thomason we checked everywhere and ran a snake through it any nothing. The brush head spins but nothing goes inside the bin

[@user-ub3rr1ys2i]

I am having the same problem.

[@tinastecco2938]

Me too. Cuando la enciendo el motor se se calienta y no succiona ( revisé todos los filtros, las mangueras, etc) Es como si algo estuviera atascado en el motor, cerca del filtro. Tendré que usar un destornillador y desarmarla por completo.😢

[@simonboyes2550]

Hey. Thanks. I had no idea so much blockage was in the rotor section. Staggering amount of gods know what. No doggie in this video 🙁

[@kimberly.thomason]

Sorry, the pup’s aren’t interested in helping me fix vacuums.

[@Bryan-jd7os]

Do you any Dirt Devil Maintenance?

[@kimberly.thomason]

I don’t have a video on it but if you text us a model number I can help you through what to do!

[@Bryan-jd7os]

@@kimberly.thomason I got, thank you. Your general maintenance helped me out.

[@user-qv2dl1rd1x]

How do I replace the hosr

[@kimberly.thomason]

What's your model number?

[@Doggieflicks]

Just subscribed thanks again!

[@kimberly.thomason]

Thank you!

[@mattwilhelm9340]

My bar stopped spinning what do I do?

[@kimberly.thomason]

When the bar stops spinning I usually recommend replacing the whole floor head if possible. Unless you can find a belt…but usually they are motor driven and don’t have belts. Shark doesn’t make motors.

[@JohnSmith-ly2qp]

Any idea why when i turn on my Shark and push the handle down the suction doesn't work and i have to do it several times before it actually engauges the suction and the green light comes on?

[@kimberly.thomason]

Hard to say what is causing it...it all depends on what shark you have. Can you text us the model number 561-558-9339

[@justins3847]

Not fixing anything...

[@Sciencedgofood]

I fixed the problem of my Shark not sucking by watching the video. It worked. If yours isn't working after doing what she says, just buy a new one. Good luck 👍

[@BWebb]

These things are junk. It just shuts off after 5 minutes doesn't matter how clean it is. Loses power and sounds like it's struggling just by basic vacuuming.

[@kimberly.thomason]

I agree with the junk part but there’s a reason why it’s shutting off so quickly…

[@BWebb]

@@kimberly.thomasonyeah, because it's junk. I've had the entire thing taken apart and cleaned and it doesn't help it. It cuts power and doesn't work right. I'm going to trade it in for a different vacuum.

[@KT-ed8hj]

Jesus christ use some dam gloves and a mask when messing with a dirty filter like that

[@kimberly.thomason]

Very valid point. So sorry.

[@tacocatt6808]

jesus christ no need to yell

[@kimberly.thomason]

My goodness no need to take the lord’s name in vane!

[@victorkelly7348]

Mine acts like a leaf blower? It blows instead of sucking!? MN: NV351WM2 31

[@kimberly.thomason]

Definitely sounds like it’s clogged and needs filter cleaning!

[@victorkelly7348]

@@kimberly.thomason already took it all apart without un-screwing it and checked the flow the air is going the wrong way it's going out instead of in