Loss of suction? Most clogs happen in the hidden elbows of your Shark Navigator. Learn how to clear a blockage and repair a split hose without tools.
If you can feel suction at the handle but the vacuum isn’t picking up anything from the floor, you have a clog. Most Shark Navigator clogs aren’t in the main bin—they are trapped in the “S-curves” of the internal tubing.
Loss of suction? Most clogs happen in the hidden elbows of your Shark Navigator. Learn how to clear a blockage and repair a split hose without tools.
- Symptoms: no suction at the floor nozzle, vacuum motor sounds high-pitched, dirt falling back out
- Tools: Broom Handle, Flashlight, Warm Water (optional)
- Difficulty: Easy
Step 1: Divide and Conquer
To find the clog, you must isolate the parts:
- Test the Handle: Detach the hose from the wand. If there is suction at the handle, the hose is fine.
- Test the Wand: Connect the wand only. If suction disappears, the wand is blocked.
- Test the Base: If suction is fine at the wand but the floor nozzle does nothing, the clog is in the lower duct hose.
Step 2: The Broom Handle Trick
If the long stretchy hose is blocked:
- Disconnect both ends of the hose.
- Drop a heavy coin down the hose. If it doesn’t fall out the other side, you’ve found the spot.
- Gently push a broom handle through the hose to slide the clog out.
- Caution: Do not use a coat hanger; the sharp wire can easily puncture the thin plastic of the hose.
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Complete User Guide
Step 3: The Hidden Elbow Clog
On the Shark Navigator (NV350/NV360 series), there is a small “U-tube” at the very bottom of the machine.
- Turn the vacuum over.
- Check the small transparent hose that connects the floor nozzle to the main body.
- Use a flashlight. 90% of pet hair and socks get stuck right in this bend.
Temporary Hose Repair
If your hose has a split:
- The Seal: Clean the area with rubbing alcohol.
- The Tape: Use Self-Fusing Silicone Tape (available at hardware stores). This tape sticks only to itself and creates an airtight, stretchy seal that moves with the hose. Regular duct tape will fail within minutes.