my bissell cleanview pet 2252 just stopped sucking up anything, it sounds like it's running but there's no suction.

Diagnosis

When a Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet 2252 continues to roar but fails to lift debris, you are experiencing a total loss of airflow. Because the motor is still spinning (creating the noise), the motor itself is likely functional, but the vacuum has become a "closed loop." This happens when a blockage prevents air from traveling from the floor nozzle, through the hose, and into the dirt tank. The most frequent culprit in the 2252 model is the flexible stretch hose. Because of the swivel mechanism, this hose is prone to kinks or "plugging" where pet hair and large debris (like coins or pebbles) create a dam. Another common failure point is the intake port—the narrow throat where the brush roll housing meets the hose—where clumps of hair and carpet fibers compress into a solid wall. You can confirm this by removing the dirt tank and placing your hand over the hose intake; if you feel no suction at the hose, the clog is between the hose and the floor head.

How to Fix It

Follow these steps in order to clear the airflow path and restore suction:

1. Power down the unit and unplug it from the wall outlet to prevent accidental activation.
2. Press the release button to remove the dirt tank. Inspect the filter (the foam and felt layers); if they are grey or caked in fine dust, they will choke the motor. Wash them with warm soapy water and let them dry for 24 hours.
3. Locate the stretch hose connecting the handle to the base. Gently pull the hose away from the base assembly to expose the connection point.
4. Inspect the interior of the hose. If you see a blockage, do not use a sharp knife as you may puncture the plastic. Instead, use a flexible plumbing snake or a bent wire coat hanger. Push the wire through from the handle end toward the base to push the clog out.
5. Check the "intake throat" at the base of the vacuum (the area directly above the brush roll). Use a flashlight to look for a "plug" of hair and lint. Use a long screwdriver or a broom handle to push any debris forward into the hose or pull it back out.
6. Remove the brush roll by unscrewing the bottom plate. Ensure the brush roll isn't so clogged with hair that it's blocking the air channel itself. Cut away hair wraps using scissors.
7. Reassemble all parts, ensuring the hose is seated firmly in the base to prevent air leaks.

If That Didn't Work

• Check for a Cracked Hose: Inspect the entire length of the stretch hose for small tears or punctures. Even a 1/2 inch rip in the rubber can cause a massive drop in suction. If you find a hole, use heavy-duty duct tape or a hose repair kit to seal the leak airtight.
• Inspect the Motor Head Seal: Check the rubber gasket where the dirt tank seats into the vacuum body. If the gasket is pinched or missing, the vacuum will pull air from the gap rather than from the floor. Replace the gasket if it is brittle or torn.
• Verify the Brush Roll Belt: If the motor sounds high-pitched (screaming) but the brush isn't spinning, the belt may have snapped. While the vacuum may still "suck," it won't "lift" carpet debris. Replace the drive belt if it is loose or broken.
• Deep Clean the Filter Housing: Sometimes dust bypasses the filter and coats the internal motor intake. Use a can of compressed air to blow out the area where the filter sits to ensure there is no debris restricting the motor's airflow.

Heads Up

• Filter Maintenance: Never use a vacuum with a damp filter. This can lead to permanent motor damage and a musty smell that is nearly impossible to remove.
• Hair Removal: To prevent future clogs, clear the brush roll every two weeks. The 2252 is a pet-specific model, but the "tangle-free" claims still require manual cleaning to maintain peak suction.
• Debris Warning: Avoid vacuuming up wet materials or large chunks of drywall/plaster, as these create a "cement" effect inside the stretch hose that is significantly harder to clear than pet hair.