Fine dust escaping around the shop vac filter
Fine dust around the shop vac filter usually points to a damaged or incorrectly installed filter, a missing seal, an unsuitable filter, or…
Troubleshooting
Practical help choosing, using, fixing and maintaining shop vacuums.
Filters & Dust
Troubleshooting
Shop vac blowing dust out the exhaust
Dust coming from a shop vac’s exhaust usually points to a missing, damaged, clogged, or incorrectly installed filter. Follow these checks…
Shop vac clogged with drywall dust
Drywall dust can quickly block a shop vac filter and reduce suction. Follow these checks in order to clear the clog safely and determine…
Shop vac hose keeps clogging
A shop vac hose usually keeps clogging because the material is too large, damp, stringy, or entering through a restrictive attachment.…
Shop vac leaking from the drum
A shop vac usually leaks from the drum because of a loose drain plug, damaged seal, overfilled tank, poor lid fit, or an incorrect filter…
Shop vac lid will not seal
If your shop vac lid will not seal, inspect the drum rim, gasket, filter, float mechanism, and latches in that order. Most leaks are caused…
Shop vac losing suction
A shop vac usually loses suction because of a clogged filter, blocked hose, leaking seal, incorrect wet/dry setup, or an overfilled drum or…
Shop vac overflowing during wet pickup
A shop vac that overflows during wet pickup usually has a missing, stuck, or ineffective float shutoff—or is being used with the wrong…
Shop vac overheating and shutting off
A shop vac that overheats and shuts off is usually protecting itself from restricted airflow, a clog, an incorrect filter setup, or an…
Shop vac will not pick up water
A shop vac that will not pick up water usually has a wet-pickup setup problem, clogged hose, blocked filter, leaking seal, or an activated…
Shop vac will not start
If your shop vac will not start, check the outlet, GFCI, power cord, switch, drum, float, and thermal overload in that order. These steps…
Shop Vac Caster Wheels Breaking: Causes and Fixes
Repeatedly broken shop vac caster wheels often point to a damaged mounting socket, a poor-fit replacement, or rough movement over…
Shop Vac Giving Static Shocks: Causes and Safe Fixes
Brief snaps from a shop-vac hose or nozzle are often static, especially during dry-weather vacuuming. Shocks from the vacuum’s housing,…
Shop Vac Is Louder Than It Used to Be: Causes and Checks
A sudden increase in shop-vac noise can come from a clogged filter, a blockage, an air leak, or a loose part. Unplug the vac before…
Shop vac motor smells like burning
If your shop vac motor smells like burning, turn it off and unplug it. Check the filter, hose, seals, setup, and drum before considering…
Shop vac sparks when switched on
A brief spark inside a motor may come from its brushes, but sparks at the plug, cord, switch, or outside the motor can signal a dangerous…
Shop vac switch keeps failing
A shop vac switch that fails repeatedly may be damaged by dust or moisture, but the motor, wiring, or an overloaded vacuum can be the…
Setup & Use
Wet Pickup
Water got into the shop vac motor
Unplug the shop vac immediately and do not turn it back on. Water inside the motor housing can create a shock, fire, or motor-damage…
Soap foam filling a shop vac during wet cleanup
If soap foam is filling your shop vac, switch it off and unplug it before the foam can reach the motor. Then clear the drum, check the…