10 Ways You Can Fix Bissell Carpet Cleaner Troubleshooting

If you’re dealing with a Bissell carpet cleaner that’s giving you some trouble, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with some simple do-it-yourself tips to fix the issues in no time.

The Bissell Carpet Cleaner is a top-notch machine designed specifically for deep cleaning carpets. It’s equipped with advanced features that make it easy to get rid of tough stains, unpleasant odors, allergens, and deep-seated dirt that regular vacuum cleaners can’t tackle.

Key components of the Bissell Carpet Cleaner include the DirtLifter PowerBrush and a pressurized spray, which work together to effectively lift dirt from your carpets while treating them gently. With these essential parts, you can expect a thorough cleaning experience that leaves your carpets looking fresh and revitalized.

However, this machine may experience several hitches during its use, necessitating appropriate fixing or troubleshooting.

This article looks at the 10 best ways of troubleshooting the Bissell Carpet Cleaner and return it to its efficient functioning.

1. Bissell Carpet Cleaner Troubleshooting: Bissell Carpet Cleaner Is Leaving Clumps

The Bissell Carpet Cleaner is able to produce a more profound cleaning effect than many traditional vacuum cleaners.

The technology employed in this machine enables it to integrate sophisticated formula, water, and brush coils in the cleaning process.

The debris or dirt on the carpet surface is loosened up and picked by the machine.

However, some debris may remain on the carpet surface during cleaning, an indication that the machine is running efficiently.

This happens when the suction vacuum in the machine fails to completely take away all the dirt when sucking up the formula and water form the carpet surface.

Many carpet cleaners are designed to be comparatively thinner in order to maximize their suction power.

For new carpets, the fibers and debris left behind during cleaning are more visible than in old and used carpets. The best resolution for the remaining debris and fibers on the carpets when cleaning is to pick them up manually.

This is because the machine cannot be troubleshot for this reason, as the remaining debris implies that the machine is working efficiently.

2. Bissell Carpet Cleaner Is Not Spraying

Occasionally, the Bissell Carpet Cleaner may fail to dispense the cleaning solution to the flow being cleaned. When this happens, you are advised to take the following troubleshooting steps.

• Unplug the machine from the wall power socket and switch it off.

• Following the guidelines on the user manual, fill the water tank with the recommended amount of formula.

• Replace the lid of the tank to its bottom. The lid is safely attached when the tank can be lifted entirely by its handle. 

• Position the tank on the base of the machine’s base and push down its handle.

• The next step is checking for the red gasket at the tank’s bottom. In case the gasket is improperly attached, fix it properly by pushing it over the autoload assembly’s lip.

• Test the machine’s priming ability. After waiting for a minute, turn on the machine and press the trigger to dispense the cleaning solution.

The steps above are enough to make the machine begin to spray the cleaning solution.

However, in many cases, the machine may still fail to spray after the step above and may force you to further take the following actions.

• Turn off the Bissell Carpet Cleaner and unplug it from the power socket.

• Ensure the belt connecting the pump and the motor is appropriately attached.

• Have the machine in a reclined position, pull out the tank while the brush is facing in your direction.

• Remove the access door of the belt and check whether the pump is broken and needs belt replacement. The belt replacement process should make the machine spray the cleaning solution when assembled.

• However, when this fails to work again, especially the spraying through the hose or the attachment to it, detach the tool and squeeze the trigger to check whether the solution comes out through the hose.

• When this happens, check the tool for any clogs, and fix the problem.

• However, in case no spray comes out, wipe the spray tips to get rid of any debris or clogs.

The above procedure is ideal for fixing the spray problem for the Bissell Carpet Cleaner.

When the steps fail to fix this problem, it is advisable to visit an authorized service center.  

3. Bissell Carpet Cleaner Is Leaking

The Bissell Carpet Cleaner may have damage that makes it to bleed while in use. When this happens, the following troubleshooting steps could help fix the leaking.

• Check whether the machine’s trigger has stuck or pressed down.
• Safely and securely attach the lid of the water tank.
• Ensure the front nozzle is appropriately positioned in its rightful place.
• In case the leaking persists, visit an authorized service center.

4. Bissell Carpet Cleaner Leaves Dirty Water or Stains During Cleaning

The remedy for this problem comprises the following troubleshooting steps.

• Turn off the machine and unplug it from the wall power socket.

• Remove the tanks for the clean and dirty water from the machine.

• Tilt and have the machine resting its side or the handle.

• The machine has to be wiped to remove all the dirt, lint, and hair from its underside and wheels.

• The area inside and around the machine’s brush roll should also be cleaned.

• The tank with dirty water has to be emptied, and the other tank be filled with clean water.

• The next step involves repeating the cleaning procedure over all the previously cleaned sections with finer brushing.

• This finer brushing and suctioning have to be repeated until clean water comes out.

When clean water starts coming out, it is an indication that the problem has been fixed, and the machine can be used without leaving behind dirty water or stains on the carpet.

5. Bissell Carpet Cleaner Leaves Streaks

In case the machine cleans the carpet and leaves behind streaks, the following troubleshooting steps could help you fix the problem.

• Unplug the machine from the wall power socket and pull out the tank for clean water.

• Detach the front nozzle from the machine.

• The area around the brush has to be thoroughly wiped to remove any dirt, lint, and hair.

• The brush roll should also be thoroughly cleaned.

• The tank with dirty water should be emptied and refilled with clean water.

• The previously cleaned areas should be gently cleaned with finer brushing and suctions.

6. Bissell Carpet Cleaner Leaves Stripes

The Bissell Carpet Cleaner may leave behind stripes in the absence of overlap cleaning.

Therefore, when dirt or tire marks, lines, or stripes are visible on the carpet after cleaning, the following troubleshooting steps have to be taken to fix the problem.

• The machine should once again be run over the carpet only with water. These movements should be performed in small and overlapping strokes.

• The machine movement should produce grid or fan patterned strokes.

• When cleaning along a hallway or a room’s full length, it is recommended not to use long strokes.

7. Bissell Carpet Cleaner Has No Suction

This problem has several remedy steps. The following are the most common steps in the troubleshooting procedure for a Bissell Carpet Cleaner with a faulty suction system.

• Ensure the dial on the machine’s foot is on the floor cleaning mode.
• Pull out the tank from the machine.

• Wipe off any debris present on the red filter screen near the dial.

• Turn on the machine and check for any suction action on the filter screen. In case no suction is felt from the screen, it is recommended to visit an authorized service center.
  
  However, in case there is suction, continue with the following troubleshooting steps.

• Check the machine’s tank for any damages or cracks, and replace the tank in case there are damages.

• The contents of the collection tank should be poured out.

• Ensure the red float can freely move and possibly be replaced in case there is a difficulty in the movement.

• With the tank lid back in its original position, the tank should be fitted onto the front with the latch to the back. The latch has to be fixed appropriately for the tank to be lifted by its handle.

• The next step is safely removing the nozzle from its position and closely inspected in case there are damages or cracks. In case the nozzle is damaged, it has to be replaced with a new one.

• The nozzle is then placed back in its position.

• Securely set the tank on the base.

• Turn on the machine and test for any suction action again. In the case of no suction, visit an authorized service center.

Occasionally, the suction ability of the hose might fail. In this case, the following troubleshooting steps are applicable.

• Have the machine standing upright.

• The dial on the machine foot has to be removed.

• Feel for suction from the hose after removing the tool for the end of the hose.

• In case there is no suction from the hose, visit an authorized service center.

• Replace the tool back to the hose and test for any suction. When no suction is noticed, you have to order for a new tool.

8. Bissell Carpet Cleaner Has No Power

This problem involves the transfer of power through the Bissell Carpet Cleaner. In case there is a problem with power transmission, the following troubleshooting steps are to be applied.

• The entire cord of the power and the plug have to be checked for any damages. In case of any damages, visit an authorized service center.

• In case no damages exist in the power cord, try plugging the machine into several power outlets.

• The circuit breaker should also be examined in case of any tripping.

• The machine should then be unplugged from the wall power socket.

• After about 25 minutes, plug the machine back in the power socket and turn it on.

• In the case of no power, it is recommended to visit an authorized service center.

9. Bissell Carpet Cleaner Is Not Turning

This happens when the brushes in the Bissell Carpet Cleaner cannot turn while the machine is standing in an upright position. Such a problem is fixed by the following troubleshooting steps.

• Turn off and unplug the machine from the wall power socket and pull out the tank.

• Let the back of the machine to face upwards.

• Check and remove any debris that could be present around the brush roll and causing obstruction.

• Using your hand, turn the brush around and check for any damages on the belt or brush roll. A damaged brush should be replaced with a new one.

• In case the belt has damages, replace the tank into the machine.

• Have the machine standing upright, plug it back to the power socket and turn it on.

• Check whether the brush is turning and, in case it is not, visit an authorized service center.

The following actions should be taken to change the damaged belt with a functional one.

• Unplug the machine from the wall power socket and turn it off.

• Tilt the machine in a reclined position while holding the handle and pull out the tank.

• The machine should be turned over for the bottom to face upwards.

• The screws on the access door of the belt are to be removed.

• Remove and inspect the cogged brush belt for any damage.

• Similarly, remove and inspect the smooth pump belt for any damages.

• The pump belt should then be attached to the motor shaft.

• The cogged brush belt is then slid over the brush roll.

• The access door is placed back and screwed onto the machine.

10. Replacing the Cleaning Diverter Assembly

• The replacement of the cleaning diverter assembly is performed in the following steps.

• The nozzle on the front of the machine is taken off.

• Tilt the machine and undo the screw on the lower part of the rectangular gasket.

• The diverter is then pulled out of the machine and thoroughly cleaned or replaced.

• After replacing or cleaning the diverter assembly, assemble the machine.

why is my bissell carpet cleaner not picking up water?

* Only use BISSELL Oxygen Boost or Spot & Stain Formula in this machine

• Empty the recovery tank
• Press the fuel cap firmly on
  • If it is loose or off, the machine will not vacuum

• Lift the hose over the unit
• Turn on the machine
• Allow excess water in the hose to drain into the recovery tank
• Switch off the machine
• Remove the recovery tank
• Feel for suction at the motor channel at the bottom where the collection tank is located.
  • If there is no suction at the motor  channel, contact BISSELL  customer service
• If there is suction from the motor channel, check for the black “duckbill” seal under the recovery tank.
• Remove & squeeze the flat side until it opens
• Reinstall the valve by placing the high end in the right curved outer side of the tank.

• Remove attachments from the hose
• Vacuum some water from the sink or a cup
• If there is no suction at the hose, check for blockages
• Lift the hose over the unit and let the water flow into the collection tank
  • If the water does not run into the collection tank,  contact BISSELL  customer service
  • If there is no suction at the hose, check for cracks
    • If there is any damage to one of the parts, a new one must be ordered
    • Clean the nozzle of this tool with a brush or paper clip
  • Switch off the machine and unplug it
  • Check the float for debris

• Wait 30 minutes and try the suction afterwards

How Do I Remove the Bissell Floor Nozzle Window?

The machine has to be turned off and unplugged from the wall power socket.  The handle is then reclined backward and the machine adjusted to a normal setting mode before pulling out the two tanks.

The nozzle window is then removed by undoing the two screws holding it in place.

How to Unclog a Bissell Proheat 2x Carpet Cleaner

When planning to unclog a Bissell Proheat 2x Carpet Cleaner, the machine has to be turned off and unplugged from the wall power circuit.

The handle should be completely reclined backward and the machine adjusted to a normal setting mode.

The two tanks in the machine should be pulled out, separated, and set aside. The nozzle is then removed by undoing the two screws holding it in place.

The four screws on the main housing unit are also undone, and the housing pulled off.

The first step is to remove and reinsert the water tank in the machine, ensuring it fits snuggly. Check the bottom of the device to ensure that there are no hair clogs or carpet fibers in the water nozzles.

Have the spray tip soaked in warm water for about 7 minutes to get rid of any clogs stuck on the nozzle.

Alternatively, inspect the lines in the unit for any clogs. In case of any clogs in the lines, remove them using a small, suitable tool, such as a thin nail. Using fingers or a screwdriver, straighten any kinked or pinched lines.

This ensures that no clogging is again experienced while using the Bissell Carpet Cleaner. Therefore, the machine is then reassembled.

How Do You Take Apart a Bissell Proheat Carpet Cleaner?

Disassembling the Bissell Proheat carpet cleaner involves several steps.

First, the water and recovery tanks are pulled out of the carpet cleaner. The hose on the back of the machine is unwrapped and released, followed by removing the tools from their caddy.

Using a Phillips screwdriver, the hose is loosened from its position and its rack removed.

The nozzle is then unscrewed with the cleaner on the floor. The last items to be dislodged are the cleaner’s brushes by undoing the silver screw and removing the pivoting arm.

Using the Bissell Carpet Cleaner

There are different types of Bissell carpet cleaners performing similar functions. When using this machine, the tank must be filled with water and the cleaning solution to clean the chosen carpet floor.

The device can heat and maintain the water temperature in the tank at about 25⁰C throughout the cleaning process.

When refilling the machine with water, you have to switch it off and unplug from the power socket. The cleaning process involves the following stages.

• Room Preparation. The area to be cleaned has to be thoroughly vacuumed to prevent machine clogging.
  
  This includes hard floors, upholstery, and carpets. Also, stained surfaces must be treated before cleaning.
  
  It is advisable to clean the pet and protein stained surfaces with enzyme-based cleaners, while surfaces with food spills are better cleaned using oxygen bleach-based cleaners.
  
  The stain marks are sponged with dilute laundry detergent. Lastly, your pretreatment cleaner has to be left for about 25 minutes.

• Launching the Bissell Carpet Cleaner. The two-in-one water tank is filled with a suitable cleaning detergent according to the surface to be treated.
  
  Bissell Carpet Cleaner is ideal for cleaning because it uses several detergents for different surfaces. For instance, there is a special detergent for hard floors and cleaners with a Scotchgard for upholstery and carpets.
  
  The cleaner’s tank should be filled with hot water and left for 2 minutes for the tank contents to sufficiently heat up.

• Cleaning Floors. While standing farthest from the room’s entrance, adjust the Bissell Carpet Cleaner to the floor-cleaning mode.
  
  A suitable tool is clipped onto the nozzle for hard floors before launching the trigger to spray the cleaning detergent onto the floor.
  
  Several more passes should be made over the cleaning area after releasing the trigger.
  
  This procedure has to be repeated in 3-foot sections around the room while avoiding stepping on the damp carpet.
  
  Avoid applying an excess cleaning solution on the carpet surface because it makes the rinsing process difficult.

During the cleaning process, the machine disperses the cleaning solution to the floor and sucks back dirty cleaning detergent.

The tank is refilled with clean, hot water when it stops giving off the cleaning solution.

• Upholstery Cleaning. The Bissell Carpet Cleaner works better for upholstery cleaning with a “W” or “WS” tag on the upholstery.
  
  In contrast, the fabric could be damaged by the water when the label reads “S” or “X.” The machine is adjusted to Ready Tool mode after ensuring the fabric is in the right condition.
  
  The removable part of the hose is then disconnected from the machine and fitted to your chosen attachment.
  
  The flat and bristled attachments are suitable for fragile, less soiled upholstery and durable, more dirty surfaces, respectively.
  
  The machine trigger is held onto the attachment to spray the cleaning detergent and released to suck the dirty solution off the furniture and into the tank bladder.

• Carpet Cleaning. The carpet has to be prepared and thoroughly vacuumed to remove dirt. The stained areas should be pretreated with a suitable product.
  
  The next is preparing the carpet cleaner and filling it with water. When cleaning your carpet, use the available options, such as light clean, water clean, and normal clean.
  
  Do not step on the damp carpet surface while cleaning. The cleaning procedure is similar to floor cleaning.
  
  On finishing, the machine tanks’ contents are disposed of, and the tanks are rinsed and left to dry.

Bissell Carpet Cleaner Troubleshooting summery

The Bissell Carpet Cleaner is a powerful machine that is useful in cleaning various household surfaces.

However, being such a sophisticated device requires a high maintenance degree, either from home or by visiting authorized service centers.

The troubleshooting techniques discussed in this article are of great help to you that want to fix minor problems of the machine at home.

The techniques are going to save you a great deal of time and money, as opposed to hiring experts.

However, you should stick to the instructions in the user guide when attempting to disassemble your Bissell Carpet Cleaner for any reason.

In bigger and challenging problems, you are free to reach for advanced help from experts.