Are You Able to Use a Shop Vac Without a Filter?
Are you looking to buy a shop vac? If so, you should first learn a thing or two about these versatile vacuums.
These can draw fluids and pick up scattered nails, which is ideal if you’re into wood-working or have a mechanic’s shop.
But, a shop vac isn’t like your traditional vacuum for carpets, meaning that using it is also different.
Take a few minutes to learn a thing or two about these impressive cleaners and how they work. We also answered some of the most common questions you might have.
Shop Vac Filter Guide
How does it work?
The first thing you should do is empty the collection tank. Some units have a dry dust bag and a wet tank while others have just one container for both. Make sure to empty it either way.
If you’re vacuuming water, you should remove the filter. Some models will allow you to use one specially made for wet cleaning but only if you’re dealing with a little liquid. In that case, don’t forget to rinse it afterward and leave it to dry.
Attach an adequate accessory for this kind of cleaning. The tools for this might look different depending on the model in question, but it should make it easy to remove water nonetheless.
Turn it on and listen to the sound of the motor as you work. Many models have a floating ball mechanism that stops the motor when the tank is full. This creates a high pitch sound that’s your signal to turn the unit off.
Empty the tank before resuming where you left off.
Wet Cleaning
The foam sleeve filter would probably be the best choice for vacuuming dirt from swimming pool areas and other wet surfaces. This one prevents the dust and debris from entering the motor.
In addition to that one, you should also get a tear-resistant collection bag. This one is a must if you’re cleaning extra dirty fluids that may have stones and pebbles in it.
This bag catches the pieces inside while all the water is pushed into the chamber. When you’re done, simply empty the bag and flush all the liquid out.
Still, make sure your Shop-Vac unit is compatible with these filters because not all models are.
Dry Cleaning
Though only some can do the wet cleaning, all Shop-Vac units can perform on dry surfaces. However, there are three different filters each made for a specific kind of debris.
The first one is pretty basic and meant for domestic use. It can pick up most of the big pieces such as wood chips and smaller stones.
The second filter is a bit more advanced and suitable for bigger debris that the first one. This one collects gravel and sawdust among other similar things.
Last but not least is the finer filtration system that sucks in ashes, powder, and fine dust.
Can You Use One Without a Bag?
If you’re going to vacuum dry things, it’s recommended you use a bag for best performance. It’s even more important you use one if you’re vacuuming water.
So, the answer is yes, you can use it without a bag, but it’s highly recommended that you don’t. Using a bag saves you a lot of trouble. For example, if you clean dry stuff without it, it will end up making a mess inside the canister. Your filter might clog, and it can even leak stuff out of the vacuum.
Not using a bag might work, but the chances are, you’ll end up damaging your unit. It’s best to use a bag at all times to make sure you avoid any leakage, clogging and anything like that.
Can a Shop-Vac Be Used For Water?
It can, but it’s too much hassle. If you’re just sucking in some that a broken pipe created, that’s fine. However, we wouldn’t recommend you actually clean pools and other such large areas.
It’s not that you would damage your unit in any way, it’s just that you’d probably have to empty it every 20 seconds. The vac would fill up quickly, and it might even get clogged from whatever is in your pool.
Vacuuming as much water is inconvenient and simply too much work, but if you have to do it, make sure to have an output hose. This hose allows all the liquid to go right out as it goes in making the process a bit faster.
Still, be careful with it because sometimes a hose might not be able to keep up with the amount of water coming in.
Extraction
Though you shouldn’t suck up your entire pool, you can still extract some fluids from a carpet. Small amounts of fluids are fine, and most Shop Vac models can deal with it.
If that’s something you have in mind, make sure to get the right tool. Carpet Extraction Tool attaches to the hose and helps extract all with ease.
FAQ
Can You Use it in a Basement?
Shop Vac has an entire series of units for this. These are pump vacuums can move large quantities of water from point A to point B. So, if your basement is flooded from the last heavy rain, this is one of the ways to get it out.
Attach one end of your garden hose to the pump and leave the other end somewhere you wouldn’t mind the water. As it works, all fluids are pumps through the vacuum tank and the hose.
Why Does it Blow Dust Back in My Room?
This usually happens if you don’t install the filter correctly or if there’s a hole in it. Sometimes it happens if the dust is too fine.
If you think the dust is too fine, you should get an adequate filter for what you’re cleaning. HEPA or any high-efficiency type will do in this case. Cartridge filter with a HEPA collection bag or a high-efficiency disposable bag is also a good choice.
These aren’t compatible with all the vacuum cleaner brands so make sure to check that.
Which Filter Should I Use For Wet Pickup?
A foam sleeve filter is best for wet pickup. It stops debris from ending up in the motor. However, if you think there are stones or glass, make sure to add a tear resistant collection bag.
This bag traps all those pieces but allows water to go into the tank. The foam sleeve isn’t suitable for all models.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that Shop-Vac units shouldn’t be used without a filter. The vacuum will work without one, but it might not work as well.
There are also several other consequences that might occur. It’s possible that you’ll create an even bigger mess than the one you wanted to clean. Plus, if you opt to use the unit without one, some of its internal parts might end up damaged.
The more you take care of your vacuum, the longer it will last you. Using one without some kind of filter will undoubtedly shorten its life.
