The Hoover SteamVac is a carpet cleaner with the ability to heat water as it treats your flooring. The machine comes in a wide selection of variations, such as a wide-path model, dual-floor model or turbo-power model. Regardless of the specific attributes of your Hoover SteamVac, the process for troubleshooting a machine that fails to pick up water is similar and could keep you from the hassle of filing a warranty claim or coordinating professional repair.
Turn off the SteamVac. Unplug it from the power supply.
Remove the carpet cleaner's clean solution tank. Check the water and detergent levels, and refill if necessary. Set the tank aside.
Remove the unit's recovery tank -- this is the dirty-water tank. It is held in place by latches on its right and left sides.
Unlatch and remove the tank's lid. Empty its contents into a sink.
Replace the lid on the recovery tank. Confirm that the lid has a tight seal all the way around the top of the tank -- an improper seal can result in a loss of suction.
Seat the recovery tank back in its compartment, and relatch it on both sides. Replace the clean solution tank.
Plug the SteamVac back in, and turn it on to test.