How To Fix A Plastic Zipper That Splits

You're probably reading this article because you're interested in troubleshooting FoodSaver vacuum sealers.

That's good because that's what we're going to be talking about.

Caring and maintaining your vacuum sealer is an important part of owning a sealing unit. Versatile and reliable, vacuum sealers are valuable kitchen appliances that can preserve almost any type of meat, veggie, or fruit.

FoodSaver Troubleshooting How To Fix Your Vacuum Sealer In Simple Steps

Food items that are vacuum-sealed generally last 5x longer than normal. Not only that, but a good vacuum sealer can prevent freezer burn, dehydration, and bacterial growth, saving you money and time.

However, without proper care and maintenance, any high-end vacuum sealer can malfunction. Instead of calling FoodSaver's customer service every time a problem arises, read these easy FoodSaver troubleshooting solutions to fix your vacuum sealer.

In this article, we'll be reviewing quick and simple ways to fix your FoodSaver vacuum sealer.

Is your FoodSaver not vacuuming? Is your LED indicator light not turning off? Will the accessory hose latch onto the vacuum canister, but not a masonry jar?

We'll be analyzing every problem for a quick and simple FoodSaver troubleshooting.

How To Fix Your Vacuum Sealer: Steps By Steps

Suction Malfunctions

FoodSaver excels at making vacuum sealers with powerful suctions. This is important for avoiding wrinkles and holes in your pouches and bags.

It also sucks out every drop of moisture and space of air, allowing fresher foods and longer-lasting results. Sometimes suction malfunctions arise, which leads to freezer-burned meals and bacterial growth. Sometimes the vacuum doesn't even activate.

Let's look at what we can do to fix your vacuum sealer's suction.

Problem: The FoodSaver vacuum sealer's vacuum suction has either weakened or won't work.

FoodSaver Troubleshooting Solutions:

1. Is The Lid Fully Closed?

Make sure that the latch is fully closed and clear of debris. If dirt or debris is present then clean it with a damp cloth and close the latch until it clicks.

2. Are The Gaskets Inserted Properly?

Open the lid and check that the gaskets are in place and are clear of debris. If dirt or debris is present then remove the gaskets and clean them. You can reinsert them, but wait for 10 to 20 seconds for expansion if compressed.

3. Is The Accessory Hose Still Attached?

Be sure to detach the accessory hose before starting your vacuum sealer.

If you are using the accessory hose to vacuum seal: Open the bottom panel of the hose and check that the vacuum tubes are still connected. Check that the lid is closed and the LED indicator light is not flashing.

Sealing Malfunctions

People buy vacuum sealers with the sole purpose of sealing and preserving their foods. So, when the "sealing" part of the vacuum sealing process malfunctions, it can be pretty frustrating.

Reliable seals guarantee that air can't slip-in after vacuuming. It keeps food from becoming dehydrated, freezer-burned, or spoiled.

It also keeps your food fresh while preventing spillage and frustrating messes. A reliable seal makes an exceptional vacuum sealer.

Problem: The vacuum sealer doesn't seal well or at all. Sometimes there are wrinkles in the seal that lets in air.

FoodSaver Troubleshooting Solutions:

1. Is The Vacuum Bag Or Pouch Correctly?

First, try rotating the bag at a 90-degree angle. If the pouch or bag has ridges or textured, the lines should run perpendicular to the strip with the smooth end facing upwards. You can then try to reseal the pouch or bag in a moist setting.

To avoid wrinkles: When you are inserting it, stretch the material until it's flat. Then curl the rim downward so it slips into the vacuum channel. This should effectively seal the bag or pouch.

2. Did You Overfill The Bag Or Pouch?

There should be three inches (7.62 cm) of extra space between the sealer and food content. If it contains liquid, you can freeze the bag before vacuuming. Slip it in the freezer overnight or for a few hours if you're in a hurry.

Some vacuum sealers can't seal liquid-based foods. This can cause malfunctions that the manufacturer's warranty might not cover. If liquid gets into the pump, you may need to pay repair fees. Check the customer reviews and product overview to determine if your vacuum sealer can seal liquid-based foods.

3. Does The Seal Bar Need To Be Cleaned Or Replaced?

Check the seal bar and gasket for debris. If present, you can clean them with a damp cloth and then reinsert them into the vacuum sealer. Make sure that the seal is not damp during the sealing process. If it is, then pull out the profile, dry it with a cloth, and then reinsert it into the unit.

No Power

Sometimes your vacuum sealer refuses to activate. This is a problem for an obvious reason, but it might have not-so-obvious solutions.

Hopefully, fixing your FoodSaver vacuum sealer won't cost you any extra money or time. Just in case, let's look at a few common glitches that might cause your sealing unit to stop working.

Problem: My vacuum sealer won't turn on.

FoodSaver Troubleshooting Solutions:

1. Does The Outlet Work?

Check the outlet before trying anything else. Unplug and then re-plug the cord. If nothing happens, try plugging a different appliance into that outlet. If the other appliance works, then you should try something else. But if the other appliance doesn't work, then you should try a different outlet.

2. Check The Cord

Firmly attach the cord to the vacuum sealer. You should check the cord for loose wires or gnaw marks made by pets or mice. You may need to purchase a new cord. In the long run, this would be a cheaper and easier option than buying a whole new vacuum sealer or going without.

3. If It Is Battery Powered, Is The Battery Charged?

Many portable vacuum sealers contain batteries. The LED indicator light should light up when the vacuum sealer is charging. If it doesn't turn on, then it might not be charging. Try jiggling the battery or vacuum sealer until the LED light turns on. If you try this and it still doesn't work, you might want to consider purchasing a new battery for your vacuum sealer.

Other Issues

No matter how durable and handy they are, FoodSaver vacuum sealers are still simple kitchen appliances. That means they break down, experience malfunctions, and can be down-right frustrating.

Not all problems can lump into suction, sealing, and power failures. In this section, we'll look at what else can happen and their possible solutions to fix your vacuum sealer.

Problem: LED "Tray-Full" light won't turn off.

FoodSaver Troubleshooting Solution: Dampness along the sensor causes this. First, find a hairdryer or blow dryer and remove the tray inserts. Then blow air along with the sensor and upper area of the tray until it's dry.

Problem: Bag Melts

FoodSaver Troubleshooting Solution: The vacuum sealer may have become too hot for use. Some FoodSaver vacuum sealers can sustain high-usage, while others can't. Be sure to check the product overview and customer reviews to determine which are best for continuous, repetitive seals. Otherwise, we recommend a 20-30 second cool-down period between sets or sealing processes.

Problem: Accessory hose won't latch

FoodSaver Troubleshooting Solution: Make sure that the vacuum pouch, bag, or canister is the FoodSaver brand. If it's not, then make sure the vacuum sealer can support non-FoodSaver brand materials. The jar or canister should be unbent and clear of dirt and debris. When sealing jars, you might need to remove the outer ring and just use the flat top.

Customer Service

If your problems persist, call FoodSaver's customer service at 1-877-777-8042 (U.S).

FoodSaver Troubleshooting Conclusion

FoodSaver vacuum sealers are kitchen appliances and every appliance may experience malfunctions. That doesn't mean that FoodSaver vacuum sealers are less durable or reliable than other vacuum sealing units.

In fact, FoodSaver appliances tend to receive quite a few positive customer reviews. These vacuum sealers rarely malfunction and tend to focus on easily fixable sensory issues. But, most FoodSaver vacuum sealers come with a 1 or 5-year warranty.

Overall, FoodSaver vacuum sealers contain unique, sturdy, and attractive designs that can provide you years of reliable vacuum sealing.

If you decide to purchase a FoodSaver sealing unit, please tell us about how it works. Did you experience malfunctions or problems?

How did these FoodSaver Troubleshooting solutions help to fix your vacuum sealer? Did the FoodSaver not vacuum like it's supposed to?

About the Author

Heloise Blause

Since always, I am passionate about food; I enjoy writing and want to share my passion and offer quality articles to my readers. On Homekitchenland, I like to research, review, and compare kitchen appliances, write product reviews, and develop recipes.