Common Leaf Blower Problems and How to Overcome Them

Fall in Canada is a gorgeous time of the year! Its arrival brings cooler weather, clear blue skies and leaves turn a variety of beautiful colours. As it goes on, however, those leaves fall off and create a mess on your patio, garden and most of your outdoor space.

If you own a leaf blower, you will have no problem clearing them up with minimal effort. However, things get difficult when it stops working smoothly, showing the first signs of malfunction.

At Alberta Small Engine Services, we stock different outdoor equipment from a wide range of brands and models. In this blog, we have detailed the common problems people experience with their leaf blowers and their solutions.

Leaf Blowers: What Could Go Wrong?

The machine has several parts working together that may experience wear and tear with regular use. You can fix some of them on your own, while others may need a specialist. Let us go through the different possibilities such as:

• Fan and vac malfunction: The fan is designed to pick up dry leaves and shred them. Sometimes it ends up taking in twigs, stones and other debris that result in blockage or breakdown. The vac can also be blocked in such cases, leading to further issues. Make sure you pick up only dry leaves with your machine.
• Spark plug fail: Spark plug is the most common part that may malfunction in a leaf blower. You can easily replace it yourself (it is easily available in local hardware stores) and look out for any damages.
• Cracks in blowing or collecting tube: When twigs, stones and other debris are sucked in by the blower, they can hit the tube and create cracks in it. To prevent that from happening, the machine shouldn’t gather up anything but dry leaves. The plastic tube also become brittle when kept in a cold area; be sure to store it in a frost-free place.
• Collecting bag malfunction: Made of fabric, collecting bags can absorb a great deal of moisture as they pick up decaying leaves. These often rot and emit foul odour when they’re stored without being cleaned and dried. The best way to prevent it is to give the bag a thorough wash and sun-dry it after every use.
• Carburetor clogging: It is a common problem with gasoline-powered leaf blowers. When the fuel is left in the tank for a long period, the carburetor is clogged. To avoid this issue, you can buy a cleaner from your local hardware store that’s designed to clear blockages. You should clean the carburetor after the end of the fall season.
• Bag attachment fail: The attachment of your leaf blower’s collecting bag is compromised when it is overloaded. To avoid this, you need to collect leaves on a dry day as wet leaves will add extra weight on the bag. Empty it immediately after every use. Keep it as clean as possible as it can get clogged with soil and dust.
• Insufficient fuel: Don’t panic if your leaf blower doesn’t start after you’ve switched it on. The machine won’t work if it has inadequate fuel; check and refuel if necessary. Ensure the tank valve is open to be able to function properly.
• Dirty air filter: Air filter is a crucial component that prevents debris and particles from entering your leaf blower’s engine. Once it gets dirty, the machine will not function; clean it every week or fortnight.
• Alberta Small Engine Services specializes in sales, rentals and services of outdoor power equipment for homeowners and commercial contractors. We also deal with OEM parts from a wide range of reputed brands. If you are looking for a new leaf blower or need your existing one serviced in Edmonton, St. Albert or the neighbouring areas, contact us.