October 25, 2011 I bought this piece and she broke the same location 1 year + 5 months later, ie on the end that enters the pipe at the junction with the handle. She broke clear. I think this place is thin on the product and that it is a manufacturing defect. I carpets (residential area of 135 m2) or one live dog + 2 cats, so as to suck hair regularly, with repeated passages + the power of the high suction for carpets, over time it breaks . I'll recommend it because I need it and vacuum TOP model is when you have pets, but I think it re-break. Just under 30 for the 2nd time :-( damage to the brand.