A split hose kills your suction. Learn how to replace the main handle hose or the difficult 'lower' nozzle hose on your Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away.
A vacuum is only as good as its seal. If you have a split in your Shark Rotator hose, you aren’t just losing suction—you are letting dust leak into the air and putting extra strain on the motor.
A split hose kills your suction. Learn how to replace the main handle hose or the difficult ‘lower’ nozzle hose on your Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away.
- Tools: Phillips Head Screwdriver, Replacement Hose, Pliers
- Difficulty: Hard
There are two hoses on your Rotator, and replacing them requires very different levels of effort.
1. The Main Handle Hose (Easy)
This is the long, stretchy hose you use for cleaning stairs and upholstery.
- The Fix: This hose is a “Plug and Play” part.
- Press the release button on the handle and pull the hose out.
- Press the release button at the base of the canister and pull.
- Insert the new hose until you hear both ends click.
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2. The Lower Duct Hose (Difficult)
This is the short, ribbed hose located on the floor nozzle. It often splits because it kinks every time you tilt the vacuum back.
Step-by-Step Replacement:
- Remove the Soleplate: Turn the floor nozzle over and remove the several Phillips-head screws holding the bottom cover on.
- Disconnect the Brushroll: Carefully lift the brushroll out to reveal the hose entry point.
- The “Twist” Move: The lower hose is usually threaded or glued into the plastic housing. Use a pair of pliers to grab the old hose and twist it counter-clockwise to unscrew it.
- Insert New Hose: Thread the new hose in. If it’s not staying, a small dab of clear silicone adhesive can help create a permanent seal.
Can You Use Tape to Fix a Split?
If you have a tiny pinhole, duct tape can be a temporary fix. However, the internal wire skeleton of the Shark hose is very flexible. Tape will usually peel off within 5 minutes of use as the hose stretches and contracts.
- Recommendation: For a split longer than 1 inch, replacement is the only reliable option for senior users who want consistent cleaning power.