The valve that controls the flow of water from the Vax is opened when you pull the trigger up. It is stuck in the open position. Ours had the same problem. It is possible to get to the valve, by removing various bits of the case. Check where the screws come from, and keep them safe. Working the valve about with a few pushes to force the valve shut did the trick. A spring behind the valve activator forces the activator out, and closes the valve. The end of the trigger is a triangular piece of plastic, which forces the valve open, and the spring should return it to the closed position. After refitting the case it worked OK for a short while, then stuck open again. A few days ago I wanted to use it again, but water had seeped into motor, lots of smoke, and a strong smell of burning. Now it's been binned. Wouldn't buy any VAX product again, having had trouble with VAX vacuum too. Good luck with your leaking machine
Dave, Whitworth
May 2011