Do you have a question about your Shop-Vac vacuum that you’ve been dying to ask, but just never had the chance? We make every effort to respond to customers’ queries in the most expedient manner possible. We decided to compile a list of some of the questions our customers ask the most. We’re hoping you’ll be able to scan and get an answer to a question you’ve had for a long!
Why does my Shop-Vac wet dry vac blow dust back into my room?
The filter does not stop the dust, therefore it is vented out of the blower port and back into the air. This may be caused by a hole in the filter, improper installation of the filter, or dust that is too fine for the filter. If the dust is too fine, you should update to a filter that can capture the dust and filth you’re cleaning up. When you are picking up fine dust, you need a HEPA or high-efficiency cartridge filter, a cartridge filter with a HEPA collection bag, or a cartridge filter with a high efficiency disposable filter bag. These filters aren’t available for every vacuum.
What is the open port on the back of my Shop-Vac wet dry vac?
The blower port is located here. Connect your hose to this connection and use it as a blower to blow leaves off your patio or grass clippings from the sidewalk, for example. Several blower ports are uncapped and open. This is typical. If you are seeing dust blowing out of the blower port
Why does my Shop-Vac wet dry vac blow air out instead of pulling it in?
The hose is attached to the blower port rather than the tank’s intake. Simply remove the hose from the blower port and connect to the inlet located on the front of the tank.
Why does my Shop-Vac wet dry vac shock me?
A buildup of static electricity causes the shock. In dry locations or when the relative humidity of the air is low, static shocks are widespread. To reduce the frequency of static shocks, the best remedy is to add moisture to the air with a console or installed humidifier.
Why did my Shop-Vac wet dry vac lose suction?
The most typical reasons for suction loss are dirty filters or a blockage in the hose. To troubleshoot, remove the hose from the vacuum, place your hand at the opening of the tank inlet and turn the vac on.
If you feel suction at the inlet, the issue is with your hose or accessories. Examine your hose and attachments for clogs. If no clogs are found, check the hose for a hole or crack – even a small crack can cause a loss of suction. Replace the hose if a fracture or hole is discovered.
If there is no suction at the input, switch off the vacuum and unhook it from the outlet. To clean the filter, follow the instructions in the vac’s user handbook. If there are any rips or tears in the filter, replace it with a new one. Drain the tank or, if using a collecting bag, replace it when it is full. After ensuring that the filters are correctly placed, fasten the housing to the tank. Connect the cable into an outlet, switch on the device, and check for suction at the tank intake. If there is still no suction at the input, switch off the vacuum and unhook it from the outlet. Check the tank for any cracks and make sure the drain cap, if applicable, is secured to the tank.
Which filter should I use for wet pickup?
A foam sleeve is the ideal filter to use for wet pick up. The foam sleeve prevents dirt in the water from being sucked into the motor. When collecting up water with debris, such as glass or stone, you might consider using a tear-resistant wet / dry collection bag. The bag will catch the trash while enabling water to enter the tank. The debris bag may then be removed, disposed of, and the water dumped into an appropriate drain. These filters are not compatible with all models.
Which filter should I use for dry pickup?
The filter you need is determined on the sort of trash you are collecting.
- Use a filter with a typical home filtration level or higher for heavy particles (wood chips, gravel, etc.).
- Use a filter with a medium filtration level or above for medium-sized material (sand, sawdust, etc.).
- Use a fine filtration level filter for fine particles (drywall dust, cold ashes, etc.).
It is important to use the correct filter for your pickup needs. If the improper filter is used, dust may be blown back into the room. Filter needs for specialty vacs may vary. For these vacs, follow the instructions in your user manual.
Do I need to use a collection bag?
There are several advantages to utilizing a collecting bag. It makes emptying the tank and disposing of the garbage simple. It also helps to keep the filter on the lid cage from becoming clogged and lessens how often you need to clean that filter. To respond to the query, “Do you need a collecting bag?” – it depends on the vac you are using and the type of dry debris you are picking up.
- If you’re collecting up big to medium-sized trash, you don’t need to use a collection bag. Instead, use a vacuum with a cartridge filter or reusable dry filter. To capture fine dust while picking up fine trash, use a high efficiency filter bag or a HEPA collecting bag. Without the bag, fine particles will pass through the filter and return to your room.
- You don’t need a collecting bag if you use a vacuum with a HEPA cartridge filter.
- Vac with a foam sleeve: Several of our smaller vacuums have a foam sleeve as well as a collecting bag. For these vacs, you must use the collection bag with the foam sleeve.
- Some speciality vacuums need a collecting bag, while others do not. For these vacs, follow the instructions in the user manual that came with the vac.
If I add a HEPA filter to my Shop-Vac wet dry vac can I pick up lead paint?
No, we cannot use our vacuums to take up lead paint because it may distribute small lead particles into the air.
Which size accessories fit my Shop-Vac wet dry vac?
You must first establish the diameter of your hose in order to decide which attachments will suit your vacuum. To do so, measure the distance across the aperture of the accessory end of the hose using a measuring tape. Hoses from the Shop-Vac® brand will be around 1.25″, 1.5″, or 2.5″.
Adaptors are also available to enable you to utilize various size tools with your hose.
Since most vacuum cleaners have a 2.5″ intake, you may use 1.25″, 1.5″, or 2.5″ hoses. If you have an inlet other than 2.5” in diameter, look for hoses that fit your model number or vac type (All Around EZ®, Micro®, etc.).
Can a Shop-Vac wet dry vac be used for vacuuming hazardous materials?
Do not vacuum toxic, carcinogenic, combustible or other hazardous materials such as asbestos, arsenic, barium, beryllium, lead, pesticides or other health endangering materials. For these uses, specially built units are available.
Can I run my Shop-Vac wet dry vac continuously?
Do not leave the vacuum running and/or plugged in unattended. Filters must be examined and cleaned on a regular basis. Always turn the vacuum off and unplug from the outlet before servicing the filters. If you are picking up fine dust, the filter will need cleaned more often.