Diagnosing and Repairing a Bissell Big Green Shampooer That Is Not Picking Up.

Before You Begin

1. Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Repairs should only be done by factory-authorized technicians. If you’re unsure of your skills, do not attempt this repair. Bringing a disassembled machine to a repair shop may result in refusal of service.
2. Required Tools: You’ll need a Phillips-head screwdriver, duct tape, and possibly a garden hose or plastic drain unclogging tool (avoid metal objects like coat hangers).

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Verify the Condition:

   • Ensure the issue is not picking up water, not that the machine is failing to spray water. If the machine is not spraying water, this is a separate issue and requires a different repair guide.

2. Check Suction at the Motor Outlet:

   • Remove the dirty water tank.
   • Turn the machine on and check if there is suction at the motor outlet (where the air exits near the red grill).
   • If there’s no suction:
     • The motor gasket may have moved. Refer to a motor replacement guide to remove, reposition, and reseat the motor gasket.

3. Test Suction at the Hose Port:

   • Reattach the dirty water tank.
   • If you have a hose attachment, connect it to the machine and feel for suction at the hose’s end.
   • If suction feels weak, it may be due to the design of the hose attachment (air disperses across a slit).

4. Check Suction at the Dirty Water Tank Inlet:

   • Remove the dirty water tank.
   • Locate the air inlet on the bottom of the tank.
   • Cover the inlet with duct tape to seal it.
   • Turn the machine on and feel for suction at the inlet.
   • If there’s no suction:
     • Check for leaks in the dirty water tank.
     • Common issues:
       • Damaged/missing gaskets around the tank or its lid.
       • Warped tank lid from prolonged use of hot water.
     • Seal leaks with duct tape temporarily and replace gaskets or the tank if necessary.

5. Inspect for Clogs in the Suction Path:

   • Turn the machine off.
   • Look through the suction path at the base of the machine (you should see daylight through the channel).
   • If there’s a clog:
     • Use a garden hose to reverse flush the debris.
     • Alternatively, use a plastic drain unclogging tool to clear the path.
     • Do not use metal objects like coat hangers to avoid damaging internal plastic hoses.

Repairing a Damaged Internal Hose

If no clogs or leaks are present, the issue may lie with the internal clear hose.

1. Remove the Water Tank:

   • Take out the dirty water tank to access the base of the machine.

2. Remove the Base Screws:

   • Unscrew the six shorter screws securing the baseplate.

3. Access the Damaged Hose:

   • Tilt the base forward and locate the clear internal hose.
   • If the hose is unseated or damaged, it will need to be replaced.

4. Disassemble the Hose Assembly:

   • Remove four smaller plastic screws securing the hose assembly.
   • Detach the old hose from its fittings.

5. Transfer the Gasket:

   • Remove the gasket from the old hose and reinstall it on the new hose (new hoses don’t include gaskets).

6. Install the New Hose:

   • Attach the new hose to the fittings, ensuring it is properly aligned.
   • Re-secure it using the four plastic screws.

7. Reassemble the Base:

   • Snap the assembly back into place, ensuring the ridge aligns properly.
   • Reinstall the six screws (two large screws at the top and four shorter machine screws at the bottom).

Final Steps

1. Test the Machine:

   • Reassemble the dirty water tank.
   • Turn the machine on and verify that suction has been restored.

2. Prevent Future Issues:

   • Avoid using extremely hot water, which can warp the tank or damage components.
   • Regularly check for and clear debris or pet hair to prevent clogs.

Additional Notes

• This guide addresses common issues with suction. If you experience other problems, check the repair videos on the Vacuums R Us YouTube page for solutions.
• The replaced internal hose can be purchased through the video description or a local vacuum repair shop.

By following this guide, you should be able to restore your Bissell Big Green shampooer’s suction and functionality. Happy repairing!