Wet Vac

A wet vacuum, as the name suggests, is a vacuum that can be used to pick up wet materials. Traditional vacuums are typically used on dry floors and carpets. Fluids can block or clog their mechanisms, cause damage to the machine, or even cause an electrical short in the machine. Wet vacuums, on the other hand, are specifically designed to suck up wet messes, via a specialized system that protects the suctioned water from the other parts of the vacuum. In most cases, wet vacs can also be used to pick up dry materials. They are sometimes referred to as shop vacs.

How Does it Work?

A typical wet vac includes several key parts. Firstly, the motor unit sits on top of the collection chamber and powers a fan that suctions air in through the cleaning head.

The suction is powerful enough to lift both liquid and solid particles, which then enter a long, thin hose which transports them to the collection chamber. The collection chamber, also sometimes called a bucket, it typically made of plastic. It provides a watertight seal for liquids that are lifted from the floor surface. As the air and particles enter the collection chamber, the suction decreases and the particles are released. Air leaves the wet vac through a vent on the upper portion of the body.

Who Makes it?

The Shop-Vac® is one of the most famous types of wet vacuum. This model was designed for use at construction sites and home workshops. But since their introduction, the popularity of these types of wet vacuums has increased and they have been used for a variety of other purposes. Rigid also creates quality models that will work hard to clean any carpets and spills.

Price

Wet vacs can range in price, from approximately $30 USD to hundreds of dollars. It depends on the amount of power and the size of the machine, which are two important characteristics to keep in mind if you are in the market for a wet vac. If you will only be using the vacuum to clean up small spills, a handheld model can work well and is at the lower end of the price range. A unit with a more powerful motor and a larger collection chamber can be purchased for approximately $100 USD. The most common units have approximately ten gallons of collection capacity in the chamber – an advantage if you don’t want to be emptying the canister every five minutes.

Advantages and Disadvantages

A wet vacuum is a great product if you are looking for versatility. It can offer powerful suction, sucking up debris, nails, screws, and other large or heavy particles on the worksite that would cause damage to a regular vacuum. The fact that it can also be used in a wet, outdoor environment is also an advantage. Wet vacuums have safety features that enable liquids to enter the machine without passing through any electrical components.

Quick Wrap Up

A wet vac is a great investment if you find that you have wet, messy spills to clean up in your home workshop or garage. While wet vacs aren’t typically necessary for cleaning indoors, smaller models can come in handy in the kitchen or the car.