Why Is My Vacuum Cleaner Making High Pitched Noise

Why Is My Vacuum Cleaner Making High Pitched Noise?

Have you ever tried sleeping when someone uses a vacuum cleaner in the room or the next one? It's like sleeping on a construction site! The noise vacuum cleaners normally make already bad enough, now when it starts making a high-pitched noise - it becomes insufferable.

A low-pitched noise coming from your vacuum cleaner is normal, but a high-pitched noise means that there is something wrong. It can be due to one of two reasons; either the vacuum cleaner has not been set to the correct height of the type of carpet or floor you are cleaning, or other is an airflow obstruction in the vacuum.

Now, since we all want to maintain a peaceful ambiance in our homes, even using vacuum cleaners, it is important to know the cause and solution to fixing the high-pitched noise vacuums make. With the correct assessment of the problem and correct know-how, it is quite easy to fix. Read on to find just how. 

Vacuum cleaner making high-pitched noise - Where is the problem? 

Vacuum cleaner making high-pitched noise - Where is the problem

Your vacuum cleaner is probably giving you grief with the high-pitched noise it keeps on making. Like many others, you're wondering where or what exactly is the problem? Well, let me narrow it down for you.

Hoover vacuum making high pitched noise

When you start experiencing a high-pitched noise or vibrations coming from your hoover vacuum, it is likely because some debris has got tangled in the brush roll or agitator situated at the bottom of the vacuum cleaner. Remove everything that can cause an airflow obstruction, long strings of hair have a habit of getting caught in the brush roll.

Check if the brush roll is broken or damaged; it can get damaged when it picks something hard. If damaged, purchase a replacement from your manufacturer or get it fixed.

Bissell vacuum cleaner making high pitched noise

When your Bissel vacuum cleaner starts making a high-pitched noise, the problem could be coming from the electric motor. Check the underside where the drive belt comes off the electric motor. The chances are that something got wound up on the motor pulley, which can also reduce the vacuum cleaner's suction power. Also, check the area of the brush roll for any debris.

Dyson vacuum cleaner making high pitched noise

For a Dyson vacuum, pitched noise could be a result of different problems. If you are getting a whistling sound, the source of the problem is an air leak (vacuum leak). When it is a popping sound followed by a pungent smell, the problem is most likely a motor failure with your Dyson vacuum cleaner.

Then there is the dreaded pitched noise; this mostly occurs in Dyson vacuums with a clutch. The sound comes when something is obstructing the brush bar. It makes the pitched noise to warn you that there is an airflow obstruction, and you should remove it. If your Dyson vacuum cleaner is making a Loud vibrating, whistling sound or squealing sound, then the problem is some blockages in your machine. Check your bin and the brush bar. 

How to fix a noisy vacuum cleaner?

How to fix a noisy vacuum cleaner

After finding out the source of the odd noises from your vacuum cleaner, here is how you can try to fix it.

Step 1

Check out for any clogs or debris in your machine. Remove the dust bag and check out for anything that could be causing an airflow blockage. Excessive debris in the dust bag will cause an airflow blockage, making the vacuum cleaner whine - essentially begging you to empty it. Also, clean the brush roller and the nozzle. Often, long strings of hair and dust get caught up in the brush roller, and these obstructions can lead to high-pitched noise. Turn the vacuum cleaner over so the brush roller is facing up and lay it flat. Remove the screws that hold the brush roller in place and clean it. Check the nozzle connection point in your vacuum cleaner as well and ensure it is clean.

Step 2

Inspect the vacuum hose; large debris, dust Stones, or other hard materials may be trapped inside the tube. When these things bounce in the vacuum hose, they may cause a high-pitched noise. Remove any debris or hard material that may be clogging the inside of the tube and empty it into a trash can. Do not forget the diverter and foot hose; these are important hose connection points that could be causing airflow blockage. The foot hose is located at the lower back of your device. The suction aperture on your vacuum cleaner should not have a hose attached to it. Grasp the hose wand and firmly insert it into the base of the hose wand. Be sure to check on any cracks and holes in your hose.

Step 3

People often forget to clean the filters in the vacuum cleaner. Well, This neglect may be the reason you cannot clean in peace. Clean the vacuum filter by tapping gently over a trash can. If the filters are washable, rinse and ensure they are completely dry before reinstalling them into the vacuum. Do not reinstall the vacuum filter while it is still damp; it may cause molds to form inside the vacuum cleaner.

Step 4

The next step is to check the fan for any clogging or damage. Take out the housing that covers the engine of your vacuum cleaner to inspect the fan. Clean out any debris or dirt that may be preventing it from moving with ease. Check for any damages such as excessively sharp blades or if it is bent in any way. If the fan is damaged, replace the fan blades as required following the instructions manual for your machine.

Step 5

Tighten the screws of the fan using a ratchet if it's loose. When the fan is loose, it makes a rattling sound as the motor turns, which can cause the vacuum cleaner to make odd noises.

Step 6

Clean any dust or dirt from the engine. When there is a large amount of dirt or dust around the motor, it will cause it to overheat, making it vibrate hence a high-pitched noise. Wiping the dirt off the frame of the engine will prevent overheating, vibration, and consequent loud noise.

Step 6

Check for any corrosion in the engine of your vacuum cleaner. If you find that your engine is corroded, replace it. An old vacuum cleaner is more susceptible to having a corroded engine. If you have an old vacuum cleaner, take it for maintenance often.

Step 7

When you start getting a grinding sound from the vacuum cleaner, you need to grease the engine's bearings. More often, greasing is done through the reports in the engine or by removing the bearings. Every vacuum cleaner has its method of greasing. Please consult your owner manual or, better send it to a service professional to help.

Step 8

Check for any broken or worn-out parts inside the vacuum cleaner. Worn parts or broken pieces inside the vacuum cleaner can cause the squealing noise you are experiencing. Take the machine in for service if they are broken parts or order new material from the manufacturer.

Step 9

Lastly, ensure you set your vacuum cleaner to the correct height adjustment. Check the height adjustment knob and adjust it to the right carpet or surface being cleaned. Different types of floors require different settings. The high-pitched noise or squealing sound may be due to a high setting on your vacuum cleaner. Your vacuum cleaner should not be so high above the carpet fibers - you will not get a good clean, and you will experience the high-pitched noise. Change the head setting or brush level.

Adjust your vacuum cleaner to the low settings when working on bare floors, flat surfaces, or delicate carpets. Low settings height adjustment on flat surfaces or bare floors will produce low-pitched noise. High settings on delicate carpets will generate a high-pitched noise from the vacuum. Most carpet surfaces work best with medium settings. High settings are only appropriate for high pile carpet surfaces or plush carpet surfaces. If you are not sure the type of surface you want to clean, use the medium settings. When you ensure that your vacuum is on the right setting for the floor you are cleaning, it will run smoothly, and you won't get the irritating squealing sound. 

Why does a vacuum cleaner make high pitched noise after turning it off?

You may still experience a high-pitched noise coming from your vacuum cleaner even after turning it off; worry not - it is not uncommon. The whooping sound is a result of air coming between the post-motor filters and seals of your machine.

If you want to get rid of the high-pitched noise, clean the post-motor filters. Afterward, clean the seals where the filter sits. Dirt can easily get trapped in between the seals. Be careful to clean the seals gently so as not to break them.

Wrap-Up

Before you discard your vacuum cleaner for making odd noises, try to look into what could be the source of the problem. Vacuum cleaners also need to be maintained for them to function effectively. Make a habit of checking for any damages, doing the necessary repairs, and ensuring it is clean.