How to Keep a Shop-Vac From Blowing Out Dust
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A Shop-Vac, also known as a wet/dry vacuum, is capable of picking up large debris like sawdust and screws. However, sometimes it blows dust back into the air. Here’s why your Shop-Vac is blowing out dust:
A Shop-Vac that is blowing out dust can be caused by a hole in the filter, the filter not being properly installed, or the dust being too fine for the filter. To keep your Shop-Vac from blowing out dust, shake off the dust from the filter each time you empty the bin or upgrade the filter.
In this article, you’ll learn the 5 reasons why your Shop-Vac is blowing out dust. I will also share with you 2 genius hacks that are not only effective but also inexpensive to prevent your Shop-Vac from blowing out dust.
Why Does My Shop-Vac Blow Dust?
It’s annoying to see your trusty old Shop-Vac blow out dust as fast as it sucks it up. The good news is, the solution is very simple and straightforward. Here are 5 reasons why your Shop-Vac is blowing out dust:
1. Incorrect Shop-Vac setting (using the blower port)
Some Shop-Vacs have an open port on the back. This is the blower port. Before you move on to the other possible causes, first make sure that you are setting your Shop-Vac properly (not using the blower port).
Most blower ports are open and do not have a cap. You can connect the hose to the blower port and use the Shop-Vac as a blower to blow leaves from your patio or grass clippings from the sidewalk.
Since a blower port is not the standard with all Shop-Vac models, make sure that the hose is connected to the inlet of the tank and not connected to the blower port. Otherwise, it will blow dust out.
When you connect the hose to the blower port, it can seem as though something is wrong with the Shop-Vac itself as it blows out dust and particles start to fly around instead of sucking dust in.
2. The dust container is full
How do you expect the Shop-Vac to pick up dust if it's this full?
Just like a regular vacuum cleaner, a Shop-Vac will not only lose suction power but it is also more likely to start blowing dust back into the air if the dust container is full. Always leave some space in the container.
A simple tip to prevent your Shop-Vac from blowing out dust is to empty the dust container, also known as the collection drum, as often as possible. Wipe any leftover dust that lingers on the sides as well.
3. The filter is super dirty and clogged
In addition to keeping the dust container empty, make sure to keep the filter of your Shop-Vac clean. Generally, you should clean the Shop-Vac filter once every week, especially if you use your Shop-Vac often.
A dirty filter restricts the airflow and can cause the Shop-Vac to spew dust back into the air.
If the filter of your Shop-Vac has not disintegrated, but is completely covered with caked dust and dirt, tap it gently against the side of a trash can and rinse it off with a hose. Let it dry overnight and put it back to use.
To keep your Shop-Vac from blowing dust out the back in the future, I recommend shaking off the dust from the filter each time you empty the bin. This will help to keep the filter from clogging up on you.
4. The filter is damaged or not installed properly
A Shop-Vac has the tendency to blow dust back into the air whenever there is a hole in the filter or the filter is not installed properly. When a filter is used past its limits, it may develop tears where debris can pass through.
If you see a hole or a tear in the cartridge filter, please stop using your Shop-Vac immediately and replace the filter with a new one. I recommend buying a HEPA-rated filter that is able to capture the finest particles.
- 5-LAYER FILTER: HEPA replacement filter fits RIDGID 5-20 gallon dry and wet vacuums, perfect for eliminating all types of for cleaner indoor air
- PLEATED DESIGN: Increased surface area resists clogging and enables efficient capture, removing 99% of all particles 1/2 micron and larger from the air
- EASY TO CLEAN: For convenient maintenance, simply wash with water, dry it off, snap it onto the vacuum, and it's ready to be used again
Alternatively, the filter may not have been installed properly. One of the issues I’ve found when I took apart my neighbor’s Shop-Vac was that the filter had actually fallen into the dust container.
When buying a new filter for your Shop-Vac, make sure that it fits perfectly. Don’t install the filter if you have bought the wrong size, otherwise, the filter won’t fit properly and your Shop-Vac will blow out dust.
5. The dust is too fine for the filter
If your Shop-Vac’s filter is in good condition but your Shop-Vac is still blowing dust, then the dust is too fine for the filter. You need to upgrade to a filter capable of catching the dust and dirt you are cleaning up.
For finer dust particles, like cement dust or powder, upgrade to a VF5000 filter. It is enough for picking up most of the debris that you are able to see. However, if you’re concerned about dander or pollen, upgrade to a VF6000 filter which is capable of capturing 99.97% of all particles 0.3 microns or larger.
Genius Hack 01: Install a Shop-Vac Filter Bag
A Shop-Vac is amazing at picking up sawdust, dirt, and debris. However, without any modifications it is most likely to cover your rooms with toxic dust and pollute the air you breathe.
Here’s what most people get wrong with their Shop-Vac: they rely on the filter alone to do everything. The cartridge filter of a Shop-Vac has pleated ridges designed to capture dust as air passes through it.
It does a good job of capturing big dust and debris that comes through, but smaller fine particles will just exit the exhaust outlet and go blasting into your room. Basically, you’re cleaning the room of visible dirt, but blanketing the room with way more harmful micro particles.
So what can you do to prevent your Shop-Vac from blowing harmful particles into the air? The best thing you can do to prevent your Shop-Vac from blowing out dust is to install a Shop-Vac filter bag. It is a porous, woven fabric bag that sits inside the Shop-Vac’s dust container.
- COMPATIBLE VACUUMS: WD1950, WD1956, WD1850, WD1851, RV2400HF, WD1450, WD1680, WD1270
- FINE PARTICLE PICKUP: These bags work for drywall, dust, sand, dirt, and other non-hazardous, non-toxic, non-flammable materials
- DISPOSABLE: Easily clean up your work by removing from the vacuum and tossing in the garbage
As the dirt and the air passes through your Shop-Vac, the filter bag captures most of the dust, fills the filter bag first, passes through the filtered walls, then reaches the cartridge filter mostly already clean.
Now all that’s left for the Shop-Vac’s cartridge filter to do is to catch the remaining fine particles that pass through the filter bag. The air that leaves the blower now contains far less contaminants.
By installing a Shop-Vac filter bag, the original cartridge filter of your Shop-Vac will last longer and work better. It is easier to clean too because all the collected dirt is sitting in the filter bag. To dispose of the dirt, just remove the filter bag from your Shop-Vac and throw the entire bag away.
Genius Hack 02: Install a Shop-Vac Diffuser
A Shop-Vac diffuser prevents the Shop-Vac from blowing out dust everywhere.
Most Shop-Vac models have an exhaust port, also known as the blower port, at the back of the machine. It is designed to blow air should you wish to use your Shop-Vac as a blower. However, under normal circumstances, the exhaust port can blow dust everywhere from the back of the machine.
To minimize the amount of dust your Shop-Vac blows out into the air, install a Shop-Vac diffuser. A diffuser is an attachment that is attached to the exhaust port of a Shop-Vac. It works by diffusing the air stream that comes out of the exhaust port, preventing dust and debris from flying all over the place.
This Shop-Vac diffuser works very well. It fits a 2-½ inch port. Using the diffuser, my Shop-Vac exhaust port went from producing a strong blast of air into a harmless emission, without noticeably sacrificing power.
- QUIETER OPERATION: Vac muffler diffuser helps reduce air noise for quieter operation
- REDUCES BLOW BACK: Diffuses wet dry vacuum airstream to reduce blowing debris and dust
- EASY INSTALLATION: Connects to the blowing port of the shop vacuum
Without a diffuser, the exhaust port from my Shop-Vac is powerful enough to create a mess if it is aimed at an area with sawdust, dust, and debris. The filter can be easily removed for cleaning too.
Conclusion
When your Shop-Vac is blowing dust everywhere, it is easy to panic and think that you need to buy a new machine. There is no need to panic, though, as it is likely a simple issue with the filter.
By adjusting or replacing your filter, you will likely notice a huge difference in how your Shop-Vac runs. Cleaning and inspecting your Shop-Vac frequently will make it work like new for years to come.
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Ryan O'Connor
I write about house cleaning and vacuum cleaners. For me, nothing is more important than a clean environment to ensure both a healthy and happy life. Learn more.