suction is really weak on my bissell pet hair eraser, even with a brand new filter

Diagnosis

Suction loss in the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Rewind (27909) despite a new filter almost always indicates a "bottleneck" blockage. Because this model is designed specifically for pet hair, the dense clumps of fur often bypass the initial debris chamber and lodge themselves in the narrow transition point where the hose connects to the vacuum body or inside the flexible hose itself. When the filter is clean but suction is weak, the motor is spinning at full RPM, but the air cannot move through the system, creating a vacuum seal that prevents debris from being lifted. To confirm this is a blockage and not a motor failure, perform a "seal test." Remove the hose from the main body and place your palm firmly over the intake port of the vacuum. If the motor sounds strained (a higher-pitched whine) and the suction against your hand is powerful, the motor and filter are functioning perfectly. This confirms the obstruction is located further down the line, specifically in the hose or the brush roll head.

How to Fix It

Follow this precise sequence to clear the airflow path and restore maximum suction:

1. Isolate the Hose: Detach the flexible hose from the vacuum body. Inspect the interior of the hose using a flashlight. Look for "plugs" of hair and dust, typically found near the bends. If a clog is visible, use a stiff wire coat hanger or a plumbing snake to push the debris through toward the floorhead.
2. Clear the Intake Port: Look directly into the port on the vacuum body where the hose connects. Pet hair often accumulates in a dense ring around the edge of this opening. Use a pair of long-nose pliers or a vacuum-attachment tool to pull out any compacted hair clumps.
3. Inspect the Brush Roll Head: Turn the vacuum over. Remove the floorhead from the hose. Check the "neck" of the floorhead—the plastic tube that connects the brush roll to the hose. This is the most common failure point. Use a flashlight to ensure there is a clear tunnel from the brush roll up into the hose attachment.
4. Clear the Brush Roll: Use a pair of scissors to cut away hair wrapped around the brush roll. If the hair is too tight, the brush cannot spin at full speed, which reduces the "agitation" necessary to push debris into the suction stream, making it feel like a loss of suction.
5. Verify Dust Cup Seal: Ensure the dust cup is snapped fully into place. If the latch is slightly skewed or a piece of debris is trapped in the seal, air will leak from the sides of the cup rather than being pulled through the hose.

If That Didn't Work

• Check for "Ghost Clogs" in the Hose Ribs: Sometimes a small object (like a coin or a pebble) gets stuck in the ribs of the flexible hose. This doesn't fully block the air but creates turbulence that kills suction. Drop a heavy coin or a small ball through the hose; if it doesn't slide through instantly, there is a partial obstruction that needs to be cleared with a vacuum or a rod.
• Inspect the Motor Exhaust: Check the exhaust vents at the rear of the machine. If the exhaust is blocked or if there is an internal leak in the motor housing, the vacuum cannot create the pressure differential needed for suction. Ensure no fabric or curtains are blocking the rear vents.
• Deep Clean the New Filter: Even brand new filters can occasionally have manufacturing debris or a plastic film that restricts airflow. Ensure the filter is seated perfectly flush against the housing. If it is slightly tilted, the air will bypass the filter and the vacuum will lose prime.
• Inspect the Gaskets: Check the rubber gaskets where the hose meets the body. If the rubber has perished or been pinched, you will lose significant CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) of airflow, resulting in weak suction at the floorhead.

Heads Up

• Avoid Overfilling: Never let the dust cup exceed the "Max Fill" line. Once the cup is too full, the airflow is restricted, and pet hair begins to back up into the hose, causing the exact suction loss you are experiencing.
• Filter Maintenance: While you have a new filter, remember that the 27909 requires the filter to be tapped out over a trash can every 3-4 uses to prevent "micro-clogging" of the pores.
• Brush Roll Care: Cut hair off the brush roll weekly. When hair builds up, it creates friction that slows the motor and prevents the "turbo" action from lifting pet hair out of the carpet fibers.
• Hose Handling: Avoid sharp kinks in the hose during storage. Permanent creases in the plastic can create permanent airflow restrictions that cannot be fixed by cleaning.