How to Vacuum Water with a Shop-Vac (Complete Guide)
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Your floors are soaked, and you need to suck up the water before anything gets ruined. A Shop-Vac is a handy tool to solve this problem. By following some simple guidelines, you will be able to vacuum the water.
Although using a Shop-Vac is easy, you need to take steps to ensure your Shop-Vac does not become ruined. Proper use also ensures your safety. Let’s explore how the Shop-Vac works and how to use it properly.
How to Vacuum Water with a Shop-Vac
It is possible to use a Shop-Vac to remove water and other non-flammable liquids from hard or carpeted floors. Make sure the vacuum is empty. Remove the dry vacuum bag. Replace the dry filter with the wet filter. Attach the wet vacuum head to the vacuum hose. Turn your Shop-Vac on and begin vacuuming up the water.
1. Empty Contents of the Shop-Vac
Make sure the vacuum is unplugged. Open the Shop-Vac by unlatching the clips on the sides of the canister. If there is a bag inside the wet/dry vacuum, remove it. If there is dust and dirt in the dry bag, this can be emptied into a trash bag and discarded.
Check to make sure there is not any hardware, such as in the collection bag, if the vacuum was used in a shop setting. If there is anything that should be saved, be sure to remove it before discarding the bag’s contents. Check inside the canister to make sure there isn’t any dirt or debris inside it.
2. Check the Filter of the Shop-Vac
Now that you have cleaned out the canister, it is time to check the filter of the wet/dry vacuum. This filter is found inside the lid under the motor.
If the vacuum has been used for dry vacuuming, this is the paper filter you will likely see. If it is a paper filter, it needs to be removed. Just undo the screw in the bottom of the filter and pull it off.
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Change This Paper Filter |
Into This Wet Filter |
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Now, you need to replace the dry filter with the wet filter. This is what a wet filter looks like. It is made of foam. Simply slip this foam filter over the filter holder in the center of the lid. The filter holder resembles a cage. Once you have replaced the filter on your Shop-Vac, put the lid back on the canister and lock it in place.
3. Use the Correct Suction Tools
Your shop vacuum comes with multiple tool heads that attach to the hose. Do not use any nozzles with brushes or motors on them. Water could damage them. Use only the heads designed specifically for suctioning up liquids. Some shop vac heads to choose from for liquid pick-up are
- The Utility Claw is designed to fit snuggly against the floor to prevent excess air from being sucked into it. This creates a better, deeper suction, allowing you to vacuum up liquids easily.
- A Wet Nozzle looks like a normal vacuum head without the brush inside of it. It works the same way but is designed to pick up liquids.
- A Crevice Tool can be used for wet and dry vacuuming. This is an excellent choice if you need to remove water from crevices or baseboards of walls.
- The Squeegee Nozzle has a rubber attachment in the head and works like a window squeegee by pulling the water towards the vacuum suction, helping to remove the liquid and dry the floor.
- A Carpet Extraction Tool is designed to get deep into the carpet to remove liquids and stains.
You should also check your shop vacuum hose. You do not want the suction hose to be too long, as this makes your Shop-Vac work harder.
You also do not want a hose that is too short. A short hose could result in your Shop-Vac tipping over. If the Shop-Vac tips over, the liquid causes the vacuum to register as full, and you will lose suction.
Begin Cleaning up the Water
Before you start cleaning up the liquid, please ensure it is not a combustible substance such as gasoline. You should never use an electric tool to clean up flammable substances due to fire or explosion risk. If you know the liquid is something basic like water, plug your Shop-Vac in and turn it on.
1. Vacuuming a Wet Carpet
Wet carpeting needs immediate attention. The longer a carpet is wet, the more likely there will be damage to the carpet padding and the floor beneath it.
Wet carpets will also develop a foul odor if the water is not removed quickly. Water damage can cause:
- Mold
- Mildew
- Stains
If you have a carpet extraction nozzle, place this on the Shop-Vac hose or the rigid plastic wand that attaches to the hose if you are using one. Take the hose and extend it as far as you comfortably can in front of you. Very slowly, pull the nozzle back toward yourself. You should be able to hear the Shop-Vac sucking up the water.
2. Vacuuming a Wet Bare Floor
It is important to clean up wet surfaces quickly as water will destroy flooring such as wood and linoleum by causing it to swell. Moisture will also ruin the finish of hardwood flooring. Wet areas are also prone to mildew and mold growth.
Use the nozzle you feel will work best for your situation. If you have a squeegee nozzle, this might be the best choice. Slowly drag the head of the vacuum over the wet area. You will be able to see the liquid being sucked off the floor. You can use other attachments to remove water from baseboards and cabinets more easily.
3. Emptying Your Shop-Vac
You will need to empty the Shop-Vac canister as it becomes full of water. As you are vacuuming, listen to the sound that your shop vacuum is making. As it fills up, the sound it makes will change. When the sound changes, it is time to empty the canister.
Turn off your Shop-Vac and unplug it. Take the wet/dry vacuum to your designated place to empty it. Water without debris in it could be emptied down a drain in a toilet or tub. However, debris should not be emptied into a drain, as this could cause a block in your pipes and result in more water for you to clean up.
You can safely empty the water from your Shop-Vac outside so long as it has not been used to clean up toxic materials. Take your Shop-Vac to an area outside and slowly pour the water out.
Remove any bits of plastic or garbage and discard them in the trash. Check for small items you may have vacuumed by accident, such as jewelry pieces.
After you have emptied the canister, you will need to continue vacuuming the wet floor until you have removed as much as possible. When you finish, your carpet or hard floor will probably be slightly damp. To help dry carpeting quicker, you could place a fan in the room and direct the airflow over the carpet.
Clean Up and Care of Your Shop-Vac
And there you have it, how to vacuum water with a Shop-Vac.
Empty any remaining liquid in the collection bin. Remove the wet filter, rinse it with water, then allow the filter to air-dry. Add warm, soapy water to the collection bin and scrub it with a cloth or sponge. Empty the bin and refill it with water to rinse it. Empty it again.
Use a clean, dry cloth to dry out the collection bin and the lid area before putting the Shop-Vac back together. Clean the hose and other tools you used in a sink of warm, soapy water. Rinse these well and allow them to air dry. Hang the hose so water can drain out of it and the air can circulate through it.
These steps will help ensure your Shop-Vac is operational for its next use.
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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.