How And Where To Repair Robot Vacuum?

2024-05-06

a robot vacuum cleaner on a living room floor

Appliances like robot vacuum cleaners aim to make cleaning a hands-free process, thereby helping people spend less time on housekeeping tasks. So, it can be frustrating when these devices face issues while operating, sometimes requiring them to be repaired. According to industry research report specialists IBISWorld, the computer and electronic equipment repair industry — which includes smart vacuums — in Australia reached an estimated AU$4.8 billion in 2023, and is projected to increase from 2024-2028.

There are several ways to repair these appliances. While minor problems can be dealt with at home, you can contact professional repair services — either at physical stores or online — to fix more serious issues. Some manufacturers, like ECOVACS, provide customer support to assist with these problems.

Can A Robot Vacuum Be Repaired?

Yes, a robot vacuum can be repaired, depending on the nature and extent of the damage. Common issues like sensor malfunctions, battery problems, or trouble with the device’s brush mechanism can be dealt with by either replacing the faulty component or repairing the existing parts. These concerns can be addressed through various repair options, such as DIY solutions, professional repair services, and manufacturer support.

The following types of problems in smart vacuums are generally fixable:

Battery issues: Replace your device’s battery if it isn’t holding a charge or has diminished battery life.

Sensor malfunctions: Recalibrate or change faulty sensor components so your appliance can navigate around and detect obstacles while cleaning.

Brush mechanism problems: Sort out issues with the brush motor or belt by replacing them if they’re damaged.

Wheel and suspension problems: Change your robotic vacuum’s wheels or suspension if they’re impeding your appliance’s ability to move through your home and detect objects in its path.

Dustbin or filter blockages: Clean or replace these components to restore your machine’s cleaning capabilities.

Software or firmware issues: Update or reinstall your device’s software or firmware to resolve issues with its performance.

Physical damage: Broken casings or cracked components can be fixed professionally or replaced, depending on the severity of the damage.

Charging dock problems: Faulty connectors or issues related to power supply can be sorted out by repairing or replacing malfunctioning components.

When deciding whether to replace or repair your automatic vacuum, remember to check how expensive new parts and repair services are. Go over the terms of the device’s warranty to see if you’re within the warranty period, and whether you’re entitled to free repairs or part replacement. Consider buying a new robot vacuum cleaner if the replacement parts aren’t available or if too many parts need to be repaired or changed.

How To Repair Robot Vacuum?

If you suspect your smart vacuum needs repairs, unplug it and refer to the user manual to familiarise yourself with any safety precautions you should adhere to. Then follow these steps to fix your robot vacuum cleaner, which will apply to most models and manufacturers:

Identify the problem: Figure out what’s wrong with the device by checking for common issues like when your robot vacuum won’t go straight, or when it experiences loss of suction, battery issues, or physical damage.

Read the manual: Check the user manual that came with your appliance, which should contain troubleshooting tips and instructions specific to your model.

Check for blockages: Inspect the vacuum’s brush, dustbin, and filters for any obstructions or build-up of debris. Clear any blockages you find.

Clean the sensors: Use a soft cloth or brush to clean the sensors of dust or debris that may interfere with the vacuum’s navigation.

Inspect moving parts: Check the brush mechanism, wheels, and other moving parts. Replace any damaged components or clear obstructions, as needed.

Reset or reboot: Rebooting or resetting the robot vacuum can resolve minor issues. Go through the manual for instructions on how to do this.

Update software or firmware: Updates often fix bugs or improve the performance of smart vacuums.

Replace the battery: Consider changing the battery if your appliance isn’t charging or has reduced battery life. Remember to dispose of the old battery responsibly.

Contact customer support: If DIY solutions don’t work, contact the manufacturer's customer support for troubleshooting guidance or repair services.

Professional repair: Take the appliance to a professional repair service if you find that you need specialised tools or knowledge to fix it.

ecovacs robot vacuum being controlled by ecovacs home app

If you own an ECOVACS DEEBOT, check the support page on the manufacturer’s website to see if there are solutions for the problems you’re facing with your device. For instance, you may find that the robot vacuum is offline, in which case it’s likely that the ECOVACS HOME app function is temporarily unreachable. You may need to consider options like pulling down the product list within the app to wake your robot up, or completely closing the app on your phone, then opening it again. Some issues may be resolved by updating the ECOVACS HOME app or by ensuring that the cleaner is within range of the Wi-Fi network when it’s in use.

If you need to replace components of your DEEBOT, you’ll find that ECOVACS has a wide range of accessories you can purchase by themselves or as part of a kit with other parts, which may be more cost-effective than buying each item separately. You can also check the ECOVACS Warranty Statement to find out how long the warranty period is, whether you’re entitled to part replacement or repair services, and under what circumstances the manufacturer won’t cover the cost of changing or fixing your robot vacuum cleaner.

Where To Repair My Robot Vacuum?

Finding a reliable repair service ensures that your robot vacuum is fixed correctly, safely, and efficiently — ultimately saving you time, money, and hassles. You’ll get the benefit of expertise and experience from professionals who can understand the working of different models and can diagnose and fix problems accurately. These experts are more likely to use high-quality parts and follow proper repair procedures, thereby extending the lifespan of your device. If your smart vacuum is still under warranty, using an unauthorised repair service may void the warranty.

Here are some options you can consider to repair your robot vacuum:

Contact the manufacturer

The manufacturer of your self-cleaning vacuum should be your first point of contact as they will have the best knowledge of how your device works. They will give you a list of authorised service centres you can take your appliance to be repaired. The ECOVACS customer care page will provide you information on possible internet connection issues and how to resolve them, the accessories you can buy to replace faulty or damaged components of your device, and the terms of your warranty.

Reach out to retailers

Retailers don’t usually offer repair services for the robot vacuums they sell. So if you bought your robot vacuum from a retailer, ask them about the repair options or assistance they can provide. They can direct you to authorised service centres or give you information about how to contact the manufacturer of your device. Retailers that offer extended warranty or service plans that cover repairs can help you file a claim or put you in touch with the right service provider.

Find local repair shops

If you choose to get your smart vacuum fixed by a local repair shop, find one that has experience with small appliances or electronic devices. Do your research online or ask family and friends for their recommendations. Once you find a few options, call ahead to ask whether they have the necessary parts and tools to fix your specific model. If your device is still under warranty, check the manufacturer’s policy on getting their products repairs at an unauthorised service centre.

Online repair services

Some online repair services let you mail in your device for repairs and will ship it back to you once they’ve fixed it. Other providers offer remote diagnosis and repair solutions, for which you need to give them detailed information about the problems you’re facing with your appliance, and then follow the troubleshooting steps they provide remotely. If you want to repair your robot vacuum yourself, order the necessary parts from the websites of these providers and follow the instructions to carry out the repairs at home.

a robot vacuum cleaner on the floor with replacement parts on the side

When choosing a repair service, check reviews online to see what other customers have to say about their work. Find out how expensive it would be to use the manufacturer’s repair options as opposed to an unauthorised service centre, and whether your warranty covers the use of these services. If you live in an isolated area, a mail-in or remote repair centre may be a better option.

FAQ

Is it better to repair or replace a broken robot vacuum?

Find out which option best suits your budget, needs, and preferences. In some cases, repair costs are lower than buying a new vacuum. It may also be more practical to fix a relatively new device that’s still under warranty, but more expensive to repair an older model. It’s also better to repair your appliance if the parts are readily available or if it has minor damage.

Can I repair my robot vacuum myself?

DIY repair can be a cost-effective option for a robot vacuum cleaner if you’re confident in your abilities and the repair is within your skill level. First check whether your device is under warranty and if the necessary parts are available. Switch off the appliance before you begin fixing it and exercise caution when working with electrical components.

Can software updates affect the performance of my robot vacuum?

Software updates will help improve your device’s functionality and fix bugs that impact its performance. Some updates may introduce new features or capabilities, such as additional cleaning modes, scheduling options, or compatibility with smart home systems. Keeping the software up to date also helps safeguard your device and personal data.

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