how to tell if your hose is leaking

[sfcoronet]

Hello,
I just got an original looking hose for my Electrolux LX - can anyone recommend a good way to test it for leaks. I do hear a slight whistling sound where it connects to the canister, but am not sure if it's leaking under the fabric covering the hose.

Thanks!

 

[aeoliandave]

Connect the hose to the blower end. Dust the suspect area with baby powder. Block off the wand end. Turn the vacuum on and watch where the powder blows; you can dust & test along the length of the hose to find other leaks.

Of course a vintage hose leaks from age. The question is how severely, in isolated spots or the entire length. Sometimes there is a neat hidden fix, an ugly tape wrap fix, or no fix at all other than a new replacement hose grafted to the original couplers.

Alternatively you can hold the hose close to your cheeks and feel the escaping air blasts.
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Dave