13 · Floor Care

Wet/Dry Vacuum

Also called Shop vac · Wet and dry vac · Wet vac

A heavy-duty vacuum that picks up both liquids and dry debris — water, sludge, dust, dirt and sawdust.

Electric (corded)
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Overview

A wet/dry vacuum picks up liquid as well as dry debris, because the tank and motor are built to handle water rather than to pull air through a paper bag.

Water from leaks, floods and rain, workshop and site debris, sawdust and drywall clean-up with the right filter, basements and garages.

Check the filter setup before any wet pickup. On most machines the dry filter has to come out or be swapped for a foam sleeve, and pulling water through a paper filter ruins it.

Three things it must not pick up: flammable liquids, hot ash, and fine hazardous dust — that last one is the HEPA vacuum's job. And empty the tank before it gets too heavy to handle, because water is heavier than people expect.

Catalogue specifications

  • AVAILABLE MOD# PF53
  • Tank: 18 gauge stainless steel
  • Waterlift: 100"
  • Power cord: Pigtail with 30'
  • Dolly: Heavy-duty polyethlene
  • Filter Primary: Paper-pleated
  • Filter Secondary: Cloth washable
  • Vacuum Motor: 1200 watts
  • Weight: 61lbs
  • CFM: 114
  • Tank size: 15 gallons
  • Drain: Tip & Pour
  • Hose: 1.5" x 10' w/swivel connector/cuff lock
  • AVAILABLE MOD# PF54
  • Tank: Polyethylene
  • Dolly: Built-in tank wheels
  • Weight: 52 lbs

Best uses

  • Water from leaks, floods and rain
  • Workshop and site debris
  • Sawdust and drywall clean-up (with the right filter)
  • Basements and garages

Not suited for

  • Flammable liquids, hot ash and hazardous dust — use the HEPA vacuum for fine hazardous dust

Troubleshooting

Suddenly stops picking up water

Checks to try, in order

  1. The float has shut off the suction because the tank is full. Switch off and empty it.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Dust blowing out of the exhaust

Checks to try, in order

  1. The filter is missing, wet or torn. Fit a dry, undamaged filter for dry pickup.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Weak suction

Checks to try, in order

  1. Clean or replace the clogged filter.
  2. Clear the hose and wand.
  3. Seat the lid and latches properly.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Tool won't switch onShared · Electric (corded)

Likely causes

  • Tripped GFCI or breaker
  • Lock-off button
  • Damaged cord
  • Dead outlet

Checks to try, in order

  1. Check the outlet works and reset any GFCI / RCD that has tripped.
  2. Release the lock-off button or safety switch before squeezing the trigger.
  3. Inspect the cord and extension lead for cuts, crushed sections or damaged plugs.
  4. If running from a generator, make sure it's running and its breaker hasn't tripped.

A damaged cord or plug means the tool is out of service. Tag it and return it — never tape a cord.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Keeps tripping the breakerShared · Electric (corded)

Likely causes

  • Circuit overloaded
  • Undersized extension cord
  • Blunt accessory

Checks to try, in order

  1. Plug into a circuit with nothing else heavy running on it.
  2. Use a shorter, heavier extension cord. Long, thin cords starve the motor and trip breakers.
  3. Don't force the tool — a dull bit, blade or disc makes the motor draw more current.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Overheating, burning smell or heavy sparkingShared · Electric (corded)

Checks to try, in order

  1. Stop and unplug the tool.
  2. Check the motor vents aren't blocked with dust.
  3. Let it cool, fit a sharp accessory and let the tool's weight do the work.

Heavy sparking from the vents or a burning smell that returns points to worn brushes or a failing motor — workshop only.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?

Safety

For electric (corded)

  • Inspect the cord and plug before every use. Use a GFCI/RCD outdoors or near water.
  • Unplug before changing blades, bits, discs or pads.
  • Wear eye protection, and a dust mask when cutting, grinding or sanding masonry.

Videos & links

Related equipment

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