The bag won't deflate, or the vacuum won't start
Share
Start here: this is almost always the zip, not the unit. It is the single most common issue we hear about, and it is fixed by pressure, not by a replacement.
The 30-second check
- Close the zip properly. Run your thumb and forefinger along the whole length of the seal, pressing down hard, then go back the other way. A ziplock needs real pressure — more than feels necessary. If any part of the top is open, the pump will run and the bag will never tighten, because it is pulling air in from the room.
- Use the sealing clip. Slide the clip along the closed zip. This is what it is for. If you have arthritis, sore hands or limited grip, the clip is not optional — it is the difference between working and not working. Sealing Clip — $3.95
- Check the food is clear of the zip. Crumbs, marinade or a stray piece of mince sitting in the seal will hold it open. Wipe the inside of the zip dry before closing.
- Seat the nozzle flat on the valve. Press the Turbo Seal Pro straight down onto the one-way valve and hold firm, light pressure. Do not tilt it. A tilted nozzle breaks the seal against the valve and the unit will run without pulling anything.
If it still won't start
- Charge it. A flat battery will run the motor weakly or not at all. Full charge takes about two hours and the ring on top turns blue when it's done.
- Look at the nozzle. If the rubber nozzle is cracked or split, there is no seal against the valve and the unit cannot build suction. This is a known wear part. If your unit is under 12 months old, we replace a cracked nozzle free — email us, don't buy one.
- Try a second bag. If a different bag works, the first bag's valve is the problem, not the machine.
Why it takes practice
Most people get this on the second or third bag and then never think about it again. The reviews that say “takes a bit of practice but once you get it, it's brilliant” are describing exactly this. The technique is the zip.
Still stuck? Email hello@sealit.com.au with your order number and a photo of the bag and nozzle. We answer every message and we'd rather fix it than have you give up on it.