We all love a clean house, and there are incredible tools on the market to help us achieve it. Sometimes though, the tools don’t work as planned. You’re not alone if you own a Vax carpet cleaner and notice it’s leaking. Many customers have noted that these machines are prone to leaking. But what can you do about it?
Vax carpet cleaners can leak from multiple places on the machine, depending on which part is damaged. The most common cause of water leakage is an improperly installed water tank and the connected rubber grommet breaking or becoming loose.
It’s good to know we’re not alone in this problem. This article will offer some possible reasons why your Vax carpet cleaner is leaking and what you can do to fix it.
Water Tanks
A crooked water tank is one of the most common causes for your Vax carpet cleaner to leak. It’s very easy to incorrectly install water tanks after you’ve finished filling or emptying them. Check to ensure the tank is properly sitting on the bottom seal if you notice leaks.
If the tanks or the machine have been banged up, there you may find small cracks in the tanks that can produce a water leak. These tanks can be replaced or sealed with duct tape if you don’t mind the rougher appearance. You can also purchase new tanks from Vax to replace the damaged ones if the cracks are too large to seal.
If the machine is under factory warranty, call Vax first to see if that type of damage is covered.
Bad Grommets
You’ll find a small rubber grommet (or o-ring) at the base of the clean water tank. This grommet ensures that water doesn’t escape and helps to form a tight seal. Over time, the rubber can break down and become cracked or ripped, causing your machine to begin leaking.
The grommet also falls off when you take the fresh water tank on and off the appliance. Each time you move the water tank, check to see if the grommet is still in place. This can save you a lot of hassle later!
Vax doesn’t sell replacement parts for these o-rings, so if one breaks, you’ll need to find your own replacement (or contact Vax if the machine is still under warranty). If you can’t find a replacement from local shops or home improvement stores, you can try to fashion a stop gap from rubber cable.
Formula Tank
You may have a problem with your formula tank if your Vax carpet cleaner isn’t leaking water. The formula tank may be cracked from use or pressure like the water tank. Duct tape may not work well on these tanks because of the solution within the tank.
Our recommendation is to purchase Flex Seal Liquid Rubber. Follow all directions and use protective equipment when applying the liquid rubber. The last thing you want is rubber on the carpets you’re trying to clean!
Overflow
The machine can leak while running if the water tank or the formula tank is overfilled. Vax carpet cleaners have a “fill to” line within the water tanks and instructions on how much cleaning solution to put in. When the machine turns on, the water begins to spin around and can leak when there’s too high of a volume.
Overflow can be dangerous for numerous reasons, but the most important is that the water can potentially damage the Vax’s electrical components. This can lead to electrical shortages, frying the machine, and potentially electrocution or shock risk to the user.
Bad Valves
In conjunction with the grommet, you may have bad valves connecting to the water or solution tank. Replacing the valves yourself doesn’t need to be complicated and can be far more cost-effective than trying to purchase all new tanks. The valve kits run around $20-$30 and replace only the valve, not the tank.
This solution is a cost-effective way to determine whether the problem is with the valves, grommets, or the tank itself.
Bleed Valves/Drainage Holes
These holes under the back solution tank are designed to let excess water out near the base, which helps prevent flooding in the tank area. These holes normally only dispel water when you want them to but work in conjunction with the water tanks to avoid overflow.
Summary
Your Vax carpet cleaner could leak for various reasons, but rest assured that you’re not alone in the struggle. Check your water and solution tanks for apparent damage or improper placement, and keep an eye on the valves and rubber grommets that create water-tight seals.
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FAQs
Will the Vax carpet cleaner leave the carpet wet?
With just one wash, your Vax carpet cleaner removes built-up dirt, odors, and pet stains. Some models have a quick dry technology that ensures your carpets will be dry within an hour. This is great for when you’re short on time or plan on hosting an event later that night.
Do you put warm or cold water in a Vax carpet cleaner?
You’ll want to use warm water in your clean water tank. This helps the solution break down grime and built-up dirt. The machine and solution will still work if you use cold water, but the results won’t be as good.
How do I dry my carpet after I use my Vax?
If your Vax doesn’t come with a quick dry feature, you can open the windows for fresh air and a nice breeze. If it’s too cold outside, put the central heating on for a few hours to aid and quicken the drying process. If you don’t have central heating (or it’s old), place a few box fans on the edges of the carpet.
Can I use my Vax carpet cleaner on hard floors?
Not all Vax machines can be used on carpet and hardwood floors, but the Dual Power Pro can be. To utilize the device on wood or tile, you can add the hard floor tool to the front of the machine.