it's leaving behind a lot of pet hair and sand on my medium pile carpet, not picking up like it used to

Diagnosis

The loss of suction and debris pickup on the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Rewind (27909) is typically caused by a failure in the "agitation cycle." In medium pile carpets, pet hair and sand settle deep into the fibers. If the brush roll isn't making aggressive contact with the carpet, the vacuum simply glides over the debris rather than lifting it. This happens because the manual height adjustment dial has shifted or the brush roll has become "caked" with hair, reducing its rotational speed and effectiveness. Another common culprit is a partial blockage in the "Turbo" airflow path. Sand is heavy and abrasive; it tends to settle in the neck of the floorhead or at the bend where the hose meets the canister. If you notice the motor sounding higher-pitched than usual (a "whine"), it indicates a restriction. To confirm, check the brush roll for "hair rings"—tight bands of hair wrapped around the axle that prevent the bristles from extending fully into the carpet pile.

How to Fix It

Follow these steps to restore the pickup power of your 27909 model:

1. Calibrate the Height Dial: Locate the manual adjustment dial on the front of the floorhead. For medium pile, rotate the dial to setting '2'. If the vacuum feels like it is "floating" and not pulling the carpet upward, move it to setting '1'. You should feel a slight resistance (drag) when pushing the unit forward; this confirms the bristles are penetrating the pile to flick out sand and hair.
2. Clear the Brush Roll: Turn the vacuum off and unplug it. Flip the unit over and locate the brush roll. Use a pair of heavy-duty scissors or a seam ripper to cut through the hair wrapped around the agitator. Be careful not to cut the bristles themselves. Ensure the ends of the roll spin freely by hand.
3. Purge the Intake Path: Remove the canister and inspect the intake port. Use a flashlight to look down the throat of the floorhead. If you see a clump of sand or hair lodged in the curve, use a long flexible brush or a coat hanger to push it into the canister.
4. Deep-Clean the Filter: Remove the foam filter from the canister. If it is grey or clogged with fine dust/sand, rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. Let it air dry for a full 24 hours. Installing a damp filter will kill the suction and may damage the motor.
5. Test the "Turbo" Mode: Engage the Turbo Rewind feature and perform a slow, overlapping pass. The brush roll should be spinning at maximum RPM to lift the pet hair.

If That Didn't Work

• Inspect the Drive Belt: If the motor is running but the brush roll isn't spinning, the rubber drive belt has likely stretched or snapped. Remove the floorhead base and check for a loose belt. If the belt is slipping, it won't have the torque necessary to agitate medium pile carpet. Replace it with a genuine Bissell replacement belt.
• Check the Hose Gaskets: Inspect the connection points where the hose attaches to the canister. If the rubber gaskets are pinched or cracked, the vacuum will lose "static pressure," meaning it can move air but cannot create the vacuum needed to pull heavy sand particles from the carpet.
• Clear the Secondary Filter: Some users forget the pre-motor filter. If the primary foam filter is clean but the machine still struggles, check the secondary filter located near the motor housing. If this is clogged, the airflow is throttled, reducing the "lift" at the floorhead.
• Check for "Brush Roll Wear": If you have used the vacuum for several years, the nylon bristles may be worn down to the plastic core. If the bristles are shorter than 1/2 inch, they can no longer reach the base of a medium pile carpet, and the brush roll assembly needs to be replaced.

Heads Up

• Avoid "Over-Setting": Never use setting '1' on hard floors or very thin rugs, as this can overheat the motor by restricting airflow too severely.
• Sand Warning: Sand is an abrasive. If you vacuum sandy areas frequently, check your brush roll every two weeks, as sand can wear down the bristles much faster than pet hair does.
• Filter Maintenance: Wash your foam filters every 30 days. A clogged filter doesn't just reduce suction; it forces the motor to run hotter, which significantly shortens the lifespan of the Turbo Rewind system.
• Hair Removal: Always cut hair away from the brush roll immediately after a cleaning session. Allowing hair to build up into "ropes" puts immense strain on the drive belt and motor.