My wet/dry vac float keeps catching, even when the drum is empty
I'm trying to replace my pool filter sand by vac'ing the old sand out. The first few drums (filling maybe 1/4 of my 16 gallon tank) went fine but now every time I turn the suction on, the float pops up to block the air flow.
I have the regular "QwikLock" dry filter in place but not the filter bag.
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The hose can be flushed out using a garden hose. The problem with wet vacs not sucking into the bucket is the float ball sticking. It rises and seals when the bucket has reached its fill level. This stops water reaching the motor.
If the loss of suction occurred during wet vac,the float has blocked the discharge vent , and this can be cleared by unplugging vac and emptying tank. if you tip the unit over while running it will close exhaust vent and can be cleared by turning unit off and wait 1 minute and restart unit.The most common causes of loss of suction are dirty filters or a clog in the hose. To troubleshoot, remove the hose from the vacuum, place your hand at the opening of the tank inlet and turn the vac on.
If you feel suction at the inlet, the issue is with your hose or accessories. Check your hose and accessories for a clog. If no clogs are found, check the hose for a hole or crack - even a small crack can cause a loss of suction. If a crack or hole is found, replace the hose.
If you do not feel suction at the inlet, turn the vacuum off and unplug from the outlet. Follow the steps in the user manual that came with the vac to clean the filter. Check the filter for rips or tears; replace with a new filter if any are found. Empty the tank or if you are using a collection bag replace it if it's full. Make sure the filters are properly installed then secure the housing to the tank. Plug the cord into the outlet, turn the unit on and place your hand at the tank inlet to check for suction. If you still do not feel suction at the inlet, turn the vacuum off and unplug from the outlet. Check the tank for any cracks and make sure the drain cap, if applicable, is secured to the tank.
generally you remove the filter and just use the foam sleeve (if it has one) it should have a float ball in a cage under the filter. this is to keep the water from going into the motor if it gets too full. That is pretty much it. You should have it plugged into a GFCI outlet when using it for wet pick up, also do not pick up flammable or hazardous liquids.
Hello again. When it says wet vacuuming, it means that the vacuum will pick up water, not dispense it. When you are using the vacuum to pick up water, you'll need to remove the paper filter element under the motor, inside the canister, to avoid ruining it. When the filter is removed, you will see a plactic ball inside a cage under the motor. It's purpose is to float up on the surface of the water being vacuumed up, and prevent the motor from getting water into it. You'll be able to tell when the canister is full; the noise the vacuum makes will change and sound higher. Also, the suction at the hose will quit. At that point, shut off the vacuum and drain the water. Be sure to replace the paper filter when you swap back from liquids to solids. Best regards, --W/D--
# 1 myou just take the bag out make sure ytou sponge filter is in place athe top and turn it on the power switch just turns on ,machine ther is no wet dry switch just an empty bagless cannister is all you need make sure the ball outlet in vacumn is working it stops water from overfilling cannister # 2 just use the proper bag and attachment to vacumn up the drywall dust a good building supply store has special sanding attachments for vacumn so you can sand and vacumn at the same time
If it's a paper filter, take it off. If it's a cloth filter that can be washed and dried, leave it on. Your machine will have a float to close off the suction when the tub needs emptying. Anyway, air from the tub only goes through the turbine, not through the motor itself, so you need not worry. It's good practice to run the vac dry for a few minutes after using it wet, just to make sure the turbine's dry.
If you are going to use the wet vac to remove water, be sure to remove the bag inside the canister first. Also, some wet vacs have an internal float that has to be installed, but that may not be the case with yours.
Vacuuming Liquids
1. When picking up small amounts of liquid
the filter may be left in place.
2. When picking up large amounts of liquid
we recommend that the filter be
removed. If the filter is not removed, it
will become saturated and misting
may appear in the exhaust.
3. After using the vac to pick up liquids,
the filter must be dried to reduce the
risk of possible mildew and damage to
the filter.
4. When the liquid in the drum reaches a
predetermined level, the float mechanism
will rise automatically to cut off
airflow. When this happens, turn off
the vac, unplug the power cord, and
empty the drum. You will know that the
float has risen because vac airflow
ceases and the motor noise will
become higher in pitch, due to
increased motor speed.
IMPORTANT: To reduce the risk of damage
to the vac do not run motor with float
in raised position
There is a float in the water collection chamber that closes off the opening below the filter. Make sure that the float is moving freely and the hole under the filter is not obstructed. Reply if this is not the problem, I have one sitting here that I can look at for other possibilities.
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