Fix Your Bissell CrossWave When It Stops Picking Up Water

If you own a Bissell CrossWave, you know how convenient this 2-in-1 vacuum and floor cleaner can be. With the ability to vacuum and wash hard floors in one step, the CrossWave saves time and effort on your cleaning routine.

However, this handy appliance can suddenly stop picking up water properly, leaving you with wet floors and frustrated. Before you think about expensive repairs or replacing your machine, try some troubleshooting steps first. In many cases, you can get your CrossWave working again with minimal effort.

Damaged or Worn Filters

The filters inside your CrossWave play a critical role in ensuring effective water pick up. Over time, these filters capture all sorts of dirt, debris, pet hair and more. If the filters become too clogged and dirty, suction power drops substantially.

To check the filters, remove the dirty water tank from your CrossWave. Now inspect the filter inside closely. Do you notice any accumulated grime, pet hair or particles? If so, take the filter out and rinse it under warm running water. Using a soft brush, gently dislodge any stuck-on debris. Rinse until the filter appears clean again. Reinstall and test your machine.

However, filters do wear out eventually. An overly dirty filter that seems permanently clogged or a filter with visible tears needs replacing. CrossWave filters are inexpensive and switching them restores suction power. Follow instructions to remove the old filter and click a replacement into place.

When to Change Filters

As a rule, inspect and clean CrossWave filters each month. This regular maintenance prevents excessive buildup that can hinder water pick up. How often you should replace filters depends on use. With heavy machine use, switching filters every 6 months ensures optimal pickup. For lighter use, plan yearly filter changes.

Faulty Water Pump

Inside your CrossWave, a small but powerful water pump draws in the water mix as you clean. This pump pulls dirty water through internal tubes and into the removable tank. If the pump becomes faulty, the machine struggles to pick up adequate water for cleaning floors.

Signs of a failing water pump include loud or odd grinding noises when you turn the CrossWave on. You may also notice weak suction power even as you pass the machine over very wet areas. To further test, place the CrossWave directly over a puddle of water. If it cannot pull the liquid through properly, suspect a water pump problem.

Replacing the Water Pump

Locating the internal water pump in a CrossWave takes some disassembly. Check your model's official manual for detailed steps. In most cases, you can order an exact replacement pump and swap it yourself relatively easily with basic tools. Using manufacturer-approved parts ensures proper fit and performance.

However, extensive disassembly raises the risks of causing other internal damage. Weigh the costs of a professional repair versus a DIY pump swap. In machines under warranty, always contact Bissell first about coverage and recommended service options before taking apart your CrossWave.

Clogged Ducts

For the Bissell CrossWave to suck debris and water up efficiently, all its internal tubes and ducts must stay clear. But just like the filters, these pathways inevitably capture dirt, hair and particles over time.

Examine the ducts closely by removing both the clean and dirty water tanks first. Shine a flashlight inside the open duct areas and check for any traces of blockages. Pay particular attention near tank connection points. Even small obstructions make it harder for the CrossWave to pick up adequate water.

Clearing Out Clogged Ducts

If you spot a clog inside your CrossWave's ducts, use tweezers, a small soft brush or a thin vacuum crevice tool to gently dislodge and remove it. Take care not to push any debris further into narrow ducts instead. Patience and gentle persistence clear out even stubborn clogs to restore water flow.

Prevent future duct clogs by emptying and rinsing tanks after each use. Also check duct openings and connections for lingering dirt or particles after heavy-duty cleaning sessions. Regular upkeep keeps your CrossWave's internal pathways clear.

Malfunctioning Motor

The motor inside your CrossWave provides all its suction power for both vacuuming and water pick up. A malfunctioning motor therefore greatly hampers water intake efficiency. Weak suction even when placed directly over very wet floors points to a possible motor issue.

First, double check the water tanks, filters and all ducts to rule out clogs. If the motor still seems lacking in power, it likely needs professional service. Mot moisture or leaks indicate a failed seals that allows water past the motor windings.

Signs of Motor Failure

Along with decreased suction power, listen for odd noises when you switch on your CrossWave. Screeching, grinding or clicking sounds signal a problem inside the motor. Burning smells also indicate motor windings may be severely overheating.

Don't continue trying to use a CrossWave with these failure symptoms. You risk safety hazards plus further damage. Instead, contact Bissell to determine warranty coverage and repair options. Replacing the entire motor may be required.

Low Battery Charge

The convenience of a cordless CrossWave comes at the cost of relying on its rechargeable battery. Allowing the battery to drain too low hinders optimal performance. Very weak suction despite cleared ducts, filters and pumps points to battery issues.

Check your battery charge level and the age of your current battery. Most lithium-ion batteries slowly lose maximum capacity over a few years. If your battery no longer holds adequate charge, replacement restores cordless runtime and suction strength.

Maximize Battery Life

Avoid running your battery to complete exhaustion before recharging. Allowing lithium-ion batteries to drop below 20% capacity strains them. Instead, whenever possible plug in your CrossWave at around 40% charge or higher.

Also don't leave batteries unused for over 6 months at very low charge levels. This also degrades maximum capacity over time. Every few months, give batteries a refresh charge. Optimizing usage and storage preserves suction power.

When your CrossWave suddenly stops picking up water properly, don't panic. Instead, troubleshoot possible causes systematically to identify and resolve the issue.

As covered already, common culprits behind reduced water intake lie in clogged filters, ducts or pumps. Battery charge level plays a role for cordless models as well. Thorough cleaning and replacements restore function when needed.

Strategically tackle one area at a time instead of taking your entire machine apart needlessly. Test for pick up improvement after each corrective step too. This isolates the root cause efficiently. Remember to consult CrossWave manuals as needed for model-specific guidance.

While frustrated with subpar performance, stay calm and tackle basic maintenance first. In many cases, this saves the cost and hassle of complex repairs or expensive replacements unnecessarily.

An ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure when it comes to maintaining your Bissell CrossWave. Follow some proactive steps to minimize problems with water pick up happening again down the road.

Care For Filters Properly

As covered already, dirty filters greatly contribute to poor water pick up issues. But simple monthly maintenance keeps them clear. Mark your calendar to check filters and rinse away any accumulated debris. Also replace filters as needed to maintain potent suction flow.

Rinse Out Water Tanks

While the dirty tank catches all the grimy water, even the clean tank can accumulate mineral residue over time. Once a month, give both a thorough rinse until they appear fresh. This also clears any lingering particles from sticking inside outlet ducts.

Watch Out For Overheating Motors

Using your CrossWave properly within reasonable time limits avoids overtaxing its motor. Don't allow the motor to run nonstop for longer than 10-15 minutes. Also listen for any odd sounds or smell any unpleasant odors indicating strain.

Additionally, make sure vents stay clear of dust buildup or debris blockage. Overheating motors eventually fail or blow seals leading to water ingress damage.

Reasonable care optimizes performance and longevity. But even well-maintained machines encounter issues eventually. Should your CrossWave face problems picking up water despite troubleshooting efforts, don't hesitate to contact Bissell.

When your Bissell CrossWave stops picking up water properly, systematic troubleshooting helps identify the cause. In many cases, simple filter cleaning, replacing worn parts or clearing clogs resolves things.

Catching and addressing problems early also minimizes cost and hassle before extensive damage might occur internally. Some handy diagnostic and maintenance tips keep your machine picking up water properly for longer.

While frustrating when appliances malfunction unexpectedly, have confidence you can get your CrossWave working like normal again. Stay calm, tackle one issue area at a time methodically and don't hesitate to contact Bissell as needed either. With some handy troubleshooting, you'll enjoy convenient floor cleaning once more.