Sweeper Filters: How to Stop Dust Blow-By and Get Suction Back

Sweeper filters letting dust escape or killing suction? Use our quick checks to stop dust blow-by, restore airflow, and protect your machine.
Sweeper Filters: How to Stop Dust Blow-By and Get Suction Back

If your sweeper is puffing dust or losing suction, it’s almost always a filter or seal problem—not the whole machine. Use the checks below to fix it fast. If the issue hangs around, book our sweeper servicing

in Christchurch & Canterbury.

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  1. Fast Checks When Dust Escapes
  • Filter seating & gasket: Make sure the canister/panel is squarely seated and the perimeter seal isn’t nicked or flattened. Any gap = bypass dust.
  • Door/latches: If the filter door isn’t fully latched, you’ll get unfiltered air.
  • Shaker / pulse-air: Run a full shaker cycle; confirm it actually moves. For pulse systems, verify the pulse fires.

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  1. When Suction Feels Weak
  • Hoses & ducts: Look for splits, loose clamps, or packed elbows.
  • Pre-filters/screens: Empty and clean—starved pre-filters choke airflow.
  • Hopper level: Overfilled hopper reduces flow. Empty and retest.
  • Fan/impeller: Listen for rub/debris. If in doubt, schedule service.

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  1. Cleaning vs Replacing Sweeper Filters
  • Blow out correctly: Blow from the clean side to the dirty side. For most paper elements, do not wash—water destroys the media.
  • Light taps only: Smashing the canister cracks pleats → permanent bypass.
  • Replace when: Pleats/seams are damaged, gasket won’t seal, or blow-by returns quickly after cleaning.

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  1. Seal the System (this fixes most “mystery dust”)
  • Replace filter gaskets and door seals when they compress flat.
  • Check inspection caps/blanking plates—a missing cap = constant leak.
  • Torch test: After reassembly, run the machine and use a light; dust trails around joints mean re-seat/re-seal.

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  1. Operator Habits That Protect Filters
  • Pre-sweep heavy debris to avoid overloading the filter.
  • Avoid wet piles—moist dust cakes pleats.
  • Shake/pulse at end of shift and when pick-up drops.
  • Store under cover; wet filters = mud and clogs next shift.

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When to Book Professional Sweeper Servicing

  • Dust still escaping after a new/clean filter
  • Shaker/pulse not working or hoses collapsing
  • Repeated blockages or obvious bypass trails inside the housing

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Need help? Book sweeper servicing in Christchurch & Canterbury. We test airflow, replace gaskets/seals, set shaker/pulse timing, and fit the correct filter element for your model.

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