by Brian Chartier

Created on: June 13, 2008

This Sucks!

Wet-Dry vacuums. How do they work? Well if your basement is flooded you should hope that they work very well!

Vacuum principles are essentially the same regardless if wet or dry applications. Air needs to move through a motor and suction needs to be created in a chamber in order to draw either the liquid or the dry particulates.

Some brands boast dual capabilities, wet or dry. Some vacuums are built specifically for wet applications. If planning to suck water off the winter pool cover or your baasement floor, usually a vacuum built specifically for wet applications will do a better job than the dual purpose types.

Water must be sucked into a chamber. There needs to be a good filter to prevent water from going beyond that chamber and into the motor housing. Suction needs to be strong in order to pick-up liquid so make sure you get a vacuum that has at least 12 Amps of power.

Some commercial grades may be better as often contractors or restoration companies know which models perform better. The cordless value ones that can be bought relatively cheap are of little use. They are not likely to last or perform to standards that are acceptable to the average homeowner. One of the best performing rechargeable wet application vacuums that I have seen is one made by the Milwaukee Tool company. It is commercial grade but is proven more powerful and reliable than other brands. Shop-Vac is the original wet-dry vacuum that we think of. It actually performs pretty good though there are some steps that should be followed when alternating between wet and dry applications. Specifically, there is a bag for dry material and a foam filter that must be used for wet applications.

Another consideration is holding capacity. Do you want to empty the reservoir every few minutes or do you want to not have to deal with it for awhile. Remember, the larger the reservoir, the more time before it requires emptying. The downside here is the weight. Larger holding tanks, or reservoirs, mean they get really heavy as they fill. If you do not mind the added weight, then you may prefer a larger tank.

Cord length and hose length should also be considered. Do you need a larg reach? If you do then a longer cord and hose may be preferable. This could also be factored into the 'wand', the solid piece that fits between the hose and the floor-tool. If the wand is long then it will add to the overall reach of the vacuum. Also, is the wand metal or plastic? Plastic does not rust. If the machine is going to sit for a long-time then maybe a metal wand is not the best material to have. Even if treated or powder-coated, a simple scratch can lead to holes or some deterioration of the wand. If it is for occasional home-use, then maybe plastic is a more advisable route to go.

When done, clean-out your wet-dry vacuum. Water contains minerals and other fun stuff that can be harsh on your machine. Simple calcification can cease pump impelers or other components that can render your machine inoperable.

Wet-Dy vacuums can work on a variety of priciples but the fact remains that somehow suction needs to be created and sustained. I can only suggest that you learn and read before you buy. There is much informationi out there and a well-informed vacuum dealer should be able to guide-you in the right direction.

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