Last Updated on 16/09/2024 by Jonno
Quick answer – it’s probably either a faulty motor, a power issue, a blockage or clog an issue with damp. All of these are usually pretty easy to solve.abcde
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The Numatic Henry Hoover has been a household favourite for its reliability and efficient cleaning performance. It’s a testament to the quality of these hoovers that over 10 million have been sold, and most of them are still in use today. How many other hoover manufacturers can say that!
However, like any other appliance, it’s inevitable that sometimes Henry Hoover will stop working. Don’t worry; in this comprehensive troubleshooting guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step solutions to get your Hoover up and running in no time. Let’s dive in and resolve those pesky issues!
Why Henry is so reliable
With its iconic smiley face and robust design, the Numatic Henry Hoover has earned a reputation as a reliable and durable vacuum cleaner. Part of the reason Henry is so reliable is that he’s very, very simple – effectively he’s just a drum with an electric motor attached. That means that there’s very little to go wrong, and when Henry does go wrong he’s usually pretty simple to troubleshoot.
Your issue is likely to be one of the following. It’s very rare in my experience for a Henry Hoover that doesn’t work to not be fixed after following through these troubleshooting steps:
- The power is off or there’s a problem getting power to the motor
- The motor has worked too hard and has overheated
- There’s a clog or a blockage which means Henry won’t suck
The motor has become wet or damp and has cut out
Let’s run through some of these troubleshooting steps and exactly what you need to do to remedy your Henry hoover problems to get him back into tip-top condition.
Troubleshooting Tips for a Henry Hoover That Has Stopped Working
Henry doesn’t turn on at all
The first thing to check when your Henry Hoover suddenly stops is the power supply. Ensure that the power cord is plugged in securely and that there are no visible signs of damage or fraying. Make sure the socket you’ve plugged Henry into is operational by testing another appliance in it.
You should also check that other appliances work in your home – if none of them do, your issue isn’t with Henry, it’s with your electricity supply. Also, if Henry is tripping out your electrics (you turn him on, start to use him and all your electrics blow and you have to reset them at the consumer unit) the motor is likely damaged and will need to be replaced.
If you’ve sucked water into Henry this can also cause significant damage to the motor. If you have done this, you may be able to save Henry – take him apart and leave the motor to dry in a warm place like an airing cupboard. Leave him 24 hours, replace the filter and the bag and try again.
If you can’t identify the issue with any of these troubleshooting steps, your motor is likely to be faulty and will need to be replaced.
If you have a burning smell
This is usually the result of the motor working too hard. The motor will only have to work too hard if the filter is clogged – so this is most likely your issue. Again, it’s possible that the motor has gone bad, in which case you’ll need to have it replaced. If you do get a burning smell that isn’t resolved by changing the bag and filter, stop using your Henry and book it in for repair.
If the motor spins, but Henry doesn’t suck up dirt
If Henry hoover is not picking up, detach the hose and turn Henry on. Put your palm up to Henry’s “nose” – the bit where his hose attaches to. If you don’t feel any suction, or you feel reduced suction, your problem is likely a clogged filter. Your Henry also may have a LO-HI setting – so make sure it’s turned to the HI setting if you feel the suction is a bit weak.
Replace the filter and the bag, and this should resolve the issue.
You may also find that Henry does suck but not as well as he did before, and he might make a strange noise. If this is the case you likely have a blockage. Inspect the brush head for any tangled hair or stuck pieces of dirt and debris, and check each hose to ensure nothing is lodged inside.
If Henry smells musty or mouldy
You’ve likely sucked up water or just left it too long to replace Henry’s filter. Replace both the filter and the bag and this should resolve your issue.
Getting Help Beyond These Troubleshooting Steps
If none of the troubleshooting steps above work, don’t hesitate to reach out to Numatic’s customer support. They are well-equipped to provide further guidance and may suggest professional repair services if necessary. Numatic are also likely to be able to ship out spare parts to you, as they tend to keep spare parts in stock for most models they sell – and they may be prepared to do this under warranty with no cost to you.
The warranty protects all vacuums for two years, accessories included in the vacuum for three years, and individual accessories and spare parts 1 year. If you purchase the vacuum from the official stores at MyHenry, Amazon and eBay, you are also allowed to extend the warranty for 1 year
Keeping Henry Working in Future
To keep your Henry Hoover running smoothly and prevent future issues, follow these preventive maintenance tips:
- Clean or replace filters regularly. I like to change my filter out every five bag changes – so for every five times I fill the bag and have to change it out, I replace the filter. Don’t wash the filter unless you have an aftermarket one that you know you can wash – the standard Numatic filters can’t be washed. Also note that if non-Henry dust-bags are used, this can be detrimental to the performance and life of the machine, and will invalidate the warranty
- Empty the dustbag before it reaches full capacity to prevent clogs.
- Check the brush head for tangled hair or debris and remove it promptly – also, large bits of dust and debris can cause the brush heads to stop spinning and a strange noise to be emitted, so ensure you check the brush head every so often.
Store the Hoover in a clean and dry area, away from extreme temperatures.
When to Seek Professional Help
While most issues with the Henry Hoover can be resolved with the troubleshooting guide, some situations require professional attention:
- Persistent motor issues.If the motor continues to malfunction even after testing, it’s best to seek professional repair services.
- Electrical problems. Any electrical issues, such as exposed wires or burnt smells, must be addressed by professionals to avoid safety hazards. If you do experience any of these issues, stop using Henry and get him checked out.
Conclusion
In this troubleshooting guide, we’ve covered various reasons why your Numatic Henry Hoover might stop working unexpectedly. Power supply issues, motor overheating, and clogging are some common culprits behind these malfunctions. We also provided a step-by-step troubleshooting guide to help you identify and resolve these issues efficiently.
Remember that safety should always be your top priority. Before attempting any troubleshooting steps, ensure that you unplug the Hoover from the power source. Additionally, regular maintenance is key to keeping your Henry Hoover in top shape. Clean or replace the filters, empty the dust container, and inspect the brush head regularly to prevent future problems.
While this guide covers most common issues, there may be situations where professional help is required. Persistent motor problems or any electrical issues should be addressed by professionals to ensure your safety and avoid any potential hazards.
By following this guide and taking proactive measures, you can extend the life of your Numatic Henry Hoover and enjoy its efficient cleaning performance for years to come. Remember, a well-maintained Henry Hoover is a happy Hoover!
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Susan Greene is a busy mother of two who has worked in the cleaning and vacuum industry for twenty years. Having used Henry hoovers for almost all that time, she's a passionate advocate of Numatic products and this is what led her to start henryhooversonline.com. While she's not seeing which Numatic model picks up dirt the best, she can be found travelling the country with her children and two dogs.