Can Vacuums Pick Up Water?

This is kind of a trick question because the answer is some vacuums pick up water. There are different types of vacuums, with the average vacuum designed for dust and dirt. Here, we look at what vacuums can and can’t do and the consequences of using vacuums to pick up water when they aren’t designed to do so.

Will Vacuums Pick Up Water When They Aren’t Designed To?

The simple answer is yes, but this isn’t a good thing. Water will ruin your vacuum if it isn’t rated for water use.

How Much Water Picked By a Vacuum Can Cause Damage?

It really does depend on how much water we’re talking about. Vacuums not rated for water can be ruined when they get wet, depending on how much water you try to clean up. Light moisture like a few drops probably won’t cause damage or put you at risk of a shock. However, there is still enough moisture to create issues in the chambers of the vacuum or cause mold in paper vacuum bags.

Medium moisture like a small puddle is more likely to ruin your vacuum, but not always. That doesn’t mean you should risk it.  However, when you look at high moisture with a puddle from something like an overturned bucket, you can be guaranteed you’ll not only ruin your vacuum but also be at high risk of electrocution. Accidental vacuuming in these cases is pretty much impossible, so just turn off the vacuum and grab some towels or a mop!

What To Do If Vacuums Pick Up Water

If you inadvertently run over a small amount of water, immediately turn off the vacuum. Wipe away water from parts like your canister, and if you have disposable filters or bags, replace them if they feel wet. Then let your vacuum dry out completely.

If you accidentally vacuum a medium amount of water, quickly shut the vacuum off and unplug your machine. Expose any parts that got wet, and as instructed above, dry and/or replace things like bags and filters. There is a chance your vacuum might work if you wipe everything down, toss wet replacement parts and let it dry out completely. However, to avoid shock, you have to be 100% certain everything is dry before turning your vacuum on again.

What Happens When Vacuums Pick Up Water?

There are several very undesirable things that happen when vacuuming with machines not rated for water use. Here we list them from best to worst case scenarios:

• You end up spreading the spill further, making a bigger mess
• Vacuum parts are wet, so you have to dry them out and replace filters and bags
• Your vacuum is completely damaged inside and out
• You create serious hose clogs as the wet mixes with the debris
• You get a slight shock
• You are seriously electrocuted

Why Does Picking Up Water Damage a Vacuum?

The average vacuum is not watertight and instead focuses on filters and seals to deal with dust and debris. The filters and debris containers used in vacuums won’t hold onto water, so your vacuum won’t only leak, but the water will mix with the dry debris. You’ll end up with a dry mud-like substance that clogs the entire system, making your vacuum useless.

The lesson learned here is that although vacuums pick up water unless they are designed to do so, never run your vacuum over water. If you do, you risk electrocution and completely damaging your equipment.

If your vacuum accidently sucked up water, bring it to us for repair.

Vacuum Specialists carry an impressive selection of water-rated vacuums available for delivery across Canada and the U.S. Start shopping here.