Rental-Day Troubleshooting

Bounce House Losing Air or Not Fully Inflating?

Get everyone off the inflatable first.

If an inflatable is noticeably losing firmness, don't continue using it while you troubleshoot the problem.

Start here

  1. Blower is still running Start with airflow and inflation-tube checks.
  2. Blower stopped Check the power and blower.
  3. Power keeps shutting off Go to Breaker & GFCI Help.
  4. See damage or something unusual Stop using the inflatable and contact Redline.

Call or text Redline: (519) 560-7701

What's Happening?

Three situations cover almost every air-loss call. Find yours, then work through the checks in order.

Path A

The blower is running, but the inflatable is soft

  • Is the inflation tube securely attached to the blower?
  • Is the inflation tube twisted, folded or pinched?
  • Is anything blocking the blower's air intake?
  • Is a second inflation/deflation tube open when it should be closed?
  • Can you see obvious damage or a tear?
  • Has the inflatable suddenly become significantly softer than it was earlier?

You're welcome to check and resecure an inflation tube that has come loose. Don't modify or take apart any equipment.

Step-by-step airflow checks

Path B

The blower isn't running

  • Is the blower still plugged in?
  • Is the electrical connection completely dry?
  • Has the GFCI or household breaker tripped?
  • Is anything obstructing the blower intake?

If everything is completely dry, a tripped GFCI or household breaker may be reset once. If it trips again, don't keep resetting it — stop troubleshooting and contact Redline.

What to do when the blower stops

Path C

The inflatable seems firm, but I feel air coming out

Is Air Coming Out of Bounce House Seams Normal?

Often, yes. Commercial inflatables are continuously inflated rather than airtight. Some air escaping through seams and designated areas can be normal while the blower continuously replaces that air.

  • Air escaping + inflatable maintains its proper shape and firmness = may be normal.
  • Air escaping + inflatable noticeably losing structure or firmness = investigate.

Why Does a Bounce House Blower Run Constantly?

Commercial bounce houses are generally continuous-air inflatables. The blower supplies air continuously because the inflatable is not designed to be completely airtight.

  1. Blower Runs the entire time the unit is in use
  2. Inflation tube Carries air into the inflatable
  3. Inflatable Holds its shape while air keeps moving in
  4. Small normal air loss Seams and designated areas release some air

That's why airflow into the unit matters more than sealing air inside it. When the inflatable goes soft, something has interrupted the air supply or is letting far more air out than usual.

Blower Running but the Inflatable Is Still Soft?

Work through these three checks in order. Stop and call if anything looks damaged.

  1. Check the inflation tube

    The tube between the blower and the inflatable should be securely connected, not twisted, not pinched and not crushed under anything. If it has worked loose during the day, you may resecure it.

    • Securely connected at the blower
    • Not twisted or folded over
    • Not pinched by a stake, cord or furniture
    • Not crushed under the unit or a foot path
  2. Check the blower intake

    The blower pulls air in through its intake. Make sure grass clippings, leaves, bags, blankets or other objects aren't restricting airflow into it, and keep the area around it clear.

    • Nothing leaning against or covering the intake
    • No bags, towels or blankets nearby that can get pulled in
    • Intake not pressed into long grass or a wall
  3. Check the second inflation/deflation tube

    Many commercial inflatables have a second inflation/deflation tube. If it has accidentally come open, a large amount of air can escape and the unit will feel soft even with the blower running normally. You may check it and resecure it.

    • Look for a second tube, usually near the base of the unit
    • If it's open, close and resecure it the way you found it
    • Don't cut, tape, remove or alter any permanent equipment

Is My Bounce House Supposed to Feel Rock Hard?

No. An inflatable doesn't need to feel rock-hard to be properly inflated. Some movement and flex are normal while people are bouncing or sliding. What isn't normal is a noticeable loss of structure, sagging areas or a sudden change in firmness.

Normal

  • Some flex during use
  • Blower continuously running
  • Minor seam airflow
  • Inflatable maintains its intended shape

Not normal

  • Walls noticeably sagging
  • Steps or slide losing structure
  • Unit suddenly much softer
  • Blower repeatedly stopping
  • Inflatable beginning to collapse

What If the Inflatable Blower Stops Completely?

Get everyone out of the inflatable immediately.

  1. Confirm the blower has stopped.
  2. Make sure the electrical area is completely dry before touching plugs, outlets or GFCI controls.
  3. Check whether the blower is still plugged in.
  4. Check whether the GFCI or household breaker has tripped.
  5. Check whether the blower intake is obstructed.

Breaker & GFCI help

If everything is dry, a tripped GFCI or household breaker may be reset ONCE.

If it trips again, don't keep resetting it. Stop and call Redline.

  • Open the blower or remove blower covers
  • Repair wiring or modify plugs
  • Bypass a GFCI
  • Modify any electrical equipment

How Fast Does a Bounce House Deflate if the Blower Stops?

An inflatable can begin losing usable structure very quickly after airflow stops. Different inflatable sizes and designs lose structure at different rates, so don't wait to see how long yours stays inflated. Riders should exit immediately when the blower stops or the inflatable begins losing structure.

What If I See a Tear or Damage?

Stop using the inflatable and contact Redline.

From a safe position, take a clear photo or short video of what you're seeing. That usually lets us work out what's happening — and what to do next — much faster than a description over the phone.

Please don't try to repair it with

  • Duct tape
  • Glue
  • Patches
  • Zip ties
  • Rope
  • DIY repair products

What Should I Leave Alone?

You may

  • Check and resecure an inflation tube
  • Check the second inflation/deflation tube
  • Clear obvious debris from around a blower intake
  • Reset a dry tripped GFCI or household breaker once

Please don't

  • Move the inflatable
  • Move or reposition the blower unless Redline instructs you
  • Remove stakes
  • Adjust anchoring
  • Move sandbags
  • Modify tie-downs
  • Open the blower housing
  • Modify electrical equipment
  • Attempt equipment repairs

If Redline staff gives you specific instructions by phone or text, follow those instructions instead.

Still Losing Air? Let Us Help.

If you've checked the obvious things and the inflatable still isn't maintaining proper inflation, stop using it and contact Redline.

Call Redline · Text Redline · (519) 560-7701

Have ready

  • Name on the reservation
  • Event address
  • Photo or short video
  • What changed and when you first noticed it