Some units utilize the single entry closed filtration bags pictured here. Buy closed bags.
Most units produced prior to the release of Tru-Seal used our genuine Hyperflow bags.
Convert your dusty, open top filtration to a completely encapsulating, hypoallergenic filtration system. It even connects to the utility port! Buy the Tru-Seal Upgrade Kit now. Also available are the Replacement Tru-Seal Bags.
Cleaner Bag Changes!
Tru-Seal Upgrade Kit
Closed bag with 3 connections.
Easier, cleaner, healthier.
More capacity.
Only hear a "click" at the motor when trying to start the Flo-Master system? Or, does it shut off and start back up in a few minutes? These are common signs of a dead motor, which leaves two options: replace the motor or replace the unit. If you liked the amount of suction the Flo-Master model had, then replace the motor using the information above. If you'd like stronger suction, or a cleaner disposal system, then consider a different unit or alternative brand from MD Vacuum. Our units are Assembled in the USA with the finest materials and backed with excellent customer service.
Filtration Maintenance
Much like a regular portable vacuum, the basic maintenance of a Flo-Master Central Vacuum System is changing the bag in the main unit. To do this, remove the top of the unit, remove the black gasket, if installed, then lift the paper bag and support bag out together, and place a paper bag into the trash can. Put a new paper filter into the support filter, wrapping the elastic over the edges. Set the filter into the vacuum putting it below the necks of the intakes. Some vacuums have a closed bag that slips off an elbow and a new bag is simply slid back on. Below the support filter is a mesh filter that keeps large debris out of the motors if there was an accident with the main filter. The Flo-Master Owner's Manual is available here and please note that over the years the look of the vacuum has changed.
Flo-Master Main Motor Maintenance
All Flo-Master units used permanently sealed motors in their main collection unit. They require no lubrication or oiling. Routine maintenance for typical residential usage should include checking the motor brushes approximately every five years. While checking the motor brushes, make sure the center motor shaft is solid and has no play or wobble. If it does, the bearings are going out and the motor will need to be replaced. If the motor brushes are worn to 3/16 inch long, replace the motor brushes.
If the unit does not have any paper or cloth bag filtration, then a certain volume of debris may accumulate on the motor's internal fan blades. This is not easy to remove and any attempt to remove it has the high possibility of offsetting the balance of the fans. An imbalanced fan causes premature motor failure on the motor bearings.
Here are instructions for checking and replacing vacuum motor brushes. Motor brushes conduct electricity into the motor while touching the center shaft. Over time, they wear down. If they wear all the way down, they can damage the motor.
Click on the image above to understand how a vacuum motor works.
Flo-Master Pipe System Maintenance
The pipes in your system should last for the lifetime of your home if properly installed. If black carbon dust has gathered on the exterior of the pipes through static electricity, it can removed with a damp, soapy cloth.
We recommend cleaning out the interior of the piping system at least once per year. The most effective method is with Free Flow Central Vacuum Maintenance Sheets. They do a couple of things. As the sheets are pulled through the pipes, they push along all kinds of items that sit in dead spots, as well as deodorize the hose, pipes, and unit. Some amazing things can be pushed out from your Flo-Master Central Vacuum pipes, resulting in better suction. We have seen Match Box Cars, C02 cartridges, pencils, rocks, paper clips, and huge clumps of nasty debris.
Flo-Master Vacuum Hose Maintenance
Your vacuum hose will last longer if it is stored on a hose hanger, always being detached from the vacuum after each use. Simply create four or five loops and hang it up. Consider a Hose Cover to protect the hose and your baseboards. See if any of these Storage Items can help your situation. Consider hose hangers, wand hangers, hose straps and more. You can get everything off the floor for a more organized closet.
Reminder Emails Sent to Empty Your Flo-Master Vacuum
Sign up for Free Quarterly Email Reminders to remind you to dispose of your central vacuum debris. Operating your unit with a full filter can reduce suction, making the unit run hotter and clean less efficiently. Your email will not be used for any other purpose, or be sold or borrowed. We simply want to help you remember to keep your Flo-Master Central Vacuum working at its top performance.
(The image above does not reflect all types of central vacuum filtration.)
Troubleshooting Your Flo-Master Central Vacuum
Self diagnose your system using this Interactive Troubleshooting and Repair Solutions Guide for Flo-Master Central Vac. We guide you through a simple, methodical deduction of tests and symptoms to find the problematic source of anything from:
We then offer a description of the problem and solutions to repair your Flo-Master Central Vacuum. We also have 100s of local, independent dealers you can reach out to for help.
Visit the Troubleshooting and Repair Solutions Guide for Flo-Master Central Vacuum
Flo-Master Central Vacuum Motor Replacement
You have a couple of options when it comes time to replace the motor on your Flo-Master Central Vacuum. Contact a local dealer for service, or consider doing it yourself. Motors on the Flo-Master vacuum have a few fasteners and wires that need to be unattached, then reattached on the new motor. It should take less than one hour to change your motor(s). Here is a quick "how-to" change your motor:
Note: Your new motor may not have the correct wire ends. If that is the case, we recommend cutting the wires from the old motor and wire nutting the new motor wire to the old motor wire. Using the original wire with the correct end to attach to the components makes your job a lot simpler and the connections safe and secure.
Note that a motor may have many numbers on it, but typically the complete motor number starts with "11" followed by 4 more numbers and maybe a dash with two more numbers (e.g. 115334-00). Years ago, they didn't put the complete part number on the motor.
For more information, see our detailed Flo-Master Motor Replacement Instructions.
Circuit Board, Relay, Transformer, MiniBreaker
In 2004 all Flo-Master Central Vacuums transitioned to an all-in-one control board. If your Flo-Master Central Vacuum needs a new relay, transformer, mini breaker, or even a new control board or circuit board, use one of these powerful, durable, cost-saving central vacuum circuit boards. You save money, time, and headaches. The reality is, a central vacuum really only requires a motor and one circuit board. It is not terribly difficult to retrofit a circuit board. An electrician can do it in under an hour.
To find the circuit board you need, verify the number of motors in your unit and the amperage requirements. The most common board replacement for Flo-Master Vacuums is the Vacuum Motor Circuit Board for Single Motor Units 110 Volt. For other voltages and motor configurations choose one of these Durable Generic Circuit Boards made by the industry leading manufacturer. Or, use your model number and the Motor Replacement Parts Chart for Flo-Master to see our recommended circuit board. There are other Generic Circuit Boards for units with different voltage and multiple motors. Print and use the large photograph of the board as the wiring guide.
Older wiring diagrams for pre-board units:Motor Brush Help for Flo-Master Central Vacuum
The Flo-Master motor has two carbon brushes in each motor that wear down but can be replaced before they damage the motor. Flo-Master motor brushes should be checked every five years in typical residential applications and should be replaced if the 3/4 inch-long solid carbon "brush" is worn down to anywhere near 3/16 inch. Here are instructions for Checking and replacing vacuum motor brushes. Motor brushes conduct electricity into the motor while touching the center shaft. To find the replacement motor brush for your Flo-Master Central Vacuum, type the motor replacement number (not brand model number) in the search box and the motor brush will come up in the search result; instructions are on the motor brush page.
Know that the Flo-Master motor may go bad for other reasons, such as bad bearings or dust build-up in the motor (both are not repairable). If your motor brush doesn't show up under your original motor model number, replace the motor, not the motor brush.
