Bissell Pet Stain Eraser Model 2003T Leaking

[niclonnic]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone else owns this machine, and if so, is having issues with it? My dad and stepmom bought it new from Lowe's back in May 2020, so we've had it for a year and a half now. While it does a great job of removing pet stains, especially with two Chihuahua sisters, it has now developed issues.

The machine is leaking dirty solution out of the vents on the side, as well as near the bottom of the dirty water tank. As Amazon reviewers have noted, it is an extremely common issue with this particular cleaner. It's quite annoying, because the machine creates droplets and/or puddles of dirty solution when I set it down after use, or if I'm carrying it from room to room, it dribbles water onto my laminate floor. As a result of this leaking, the machine is not depositing dirty solution into the recovery tank when I tip it back, and foam simply builds up in the dirty tank intake. However, the suction is perfectly fine.

Second, the motor sounds rough; it's stuttering during operation, especially as it comes on and winds down. When I first turned the machine on this morning, it screamed, which scared me. But then it sounded okay. Sounds like dirty water makes it way into the motor over time, due to poor design.

Ironically, I'm using Hoover detergent (designed for full-sized machines) with this Bissell. With that stuff, I pour a small amount into the clean water tank, and then top it off with water.

So my question is, how should I resolve this issue? I've tried all troubleshooting steps, and even watched a video on YouTube. Both tanks, along with the nozzle, are in great shape. I've come up with a few options:

1. Contact Bissell and see if they'll repair it under the 2-year warranty?
2. Attempt to disassemble the machine myself?
3. Give up and find a spot cleaner from a different company?

I've uploaded a couple videos to illustrate these issues. I used the machine on an IKEA rug.

 

[huskyvacs]

you have to hold and carry it in a specific way so it does not leak, they have detailed instructions in the manual. It's a design flaw.

Likely the main issue is the solution will eat away the rubber tubing and create splitting or leaking in the hose. The motor sputtering is likely being exposed to water (they are waterproof to a point) but it likely has rusted and its affecting operation. This happens to all shampooers and all of my Bissells have done this. IDK if it's a problem with their original patent and they never cared to change it or what but I have a 30 year span of Bissell shampooers and its a reoccurring issue. That's why I spray solution on with a pump sprayer and only use the shampooers for water rinse/pickup.


If you want a good stain pick up cleaner the Hoover Spotless is what I have and it works well. What sold me is it has a hose rinse-out function which ensures that you won't get rubber rot from the cleaning chemicals.

 

[wstonehocker96]

I think this is why you shouldn't buy Bissell.

 

[niclonnic]

huskyvacs

I completely forgot to mention that in my OP, I always used the unit level, and I would periodically tip it backwards and upright to allow the dirty solution to collect in the tank. But lately, when I do that, the machine just leaks. My model doesn't come with a window cleaning tool.

I'm curious, is your Hoover Spotless a corded or cordless model?

 

[huskyvacs]

It's corded.

 

[niclonnic]

Update

Last night, I decided to disassemble the Pet Stain Eraser and see what was going on.

I followed the steps in the manual for battery removal and disposal (I didn't actually remove the battery), and the machine was quite a challenge to take apart and put back together. First I pried off the bottom part of the machine with a flathead screwdriver. I then removed several Phillips screws, and pulled apart the two halves of the cleaner. I got a good look inside, but didn't take pictures of the interior.

The motor fan, as well as some other plastic parts, had some dried pet hair stuck on, which was hard to get off. It was turning somewhat smoothly.

I washed some of the tubes and seals inside, and then dried them in front of a fan for at least 12 hours. After reassembling the machine, I couldn't get the back part pressed together completely, and there is a crack on the bottom Now, when I turn the cleaner on, the motor simply produces a loud screech, similar to a human scream. So the motor is completely shot.

At this point, I had no other choice but to email Bissell about this issue. Hopefully, they can send me a new unit under the 2-year warranty. Fingers crossed!

 

[wstonehocker96]

Even if the warranty, no one will know if this will continue. It's not worth buying another Bissell. So if I were you, I'd scrap the machine and get something better, like the Hoover Spotless.

The only Bissell shampooer worth a damn is the Big Green rental unit, but you're better off getting it from a warehouse club to avoid Bissell's crappy warranty service. Or hell, you could at least look at a Rug Doctor portable. #yourmileagemayvary

 

[niclonnic]

Bad news...

Bissell asked me to send them a picture of the white data label on the bottom of the cleaner. They also needed a picture of the sales receipt as proof of warranty, but sadly, we threw it away upon buying this machine.

Today, Bissell emailed me back bearing some bad news: Unfortunately, this machine is not serviceable and without the receipt, they had to look at the serial number, and the cleaner is already out of warranty; it expired this past April. So the Pet Stain Eraser is now a paperweight.

However, on the bright side, Bissell offered me a 20% off coupon that I can use on their website to purchase a new machine or parts.

 

[wstonehocker96]

But how good will the 20% off be if the machine breaks again? I'm telling you, you're better off buying another brand. The Hoover Spotless is a good option, and at least TTi is not the worst company in the world. I mean, how many Pet Stain Erasers can you buy for the price of a Hoover Spotless?

 

[niclonnic]

wstonehocker96

Those are some excellent questions. Using the 20% off coupon, I simply bought a different Bissell: the newer Pet Stain Eraser PowerBrush, which is arriving today. Hopefully I'll get some peace of mind, if it has a good warranty.

I decided against buying the Hoover Spotless because it's corded and has a hose. I already have a Bissell Lift-Off Deep Cleaner that has both of those things, but it's big and clunky to set up and clean. That's why I like the PSE, as it's cordless and designed for grab-and-go convenience. No need to hassle with a cord and/or hose with it.

I am uploading some final pics of the machine taken apart. Bissell's battery disposal instructions say that I should "disconnect and remove the entire battery assembly," but it's connected with plastic wire nuts.

 

[huskyvacs]

lol just sell the machine on ebay for parts, don't go dismantling the whole thing.