How do I Troubleshoot a Ridgid Propack Wet Dry Vac?

The fine filter allows the device to pick up super-fine debris like drywall dust without damaging the engine.

Ridgid's Pro Pack Wet/Dry Vac can be used to vacuum wet or dry debris and can also be used as a blower. It's designed for household use, despite the name. The fine filter allows the device to pick up super-fine debris like drywall dust without damaging the engine. The filter must be in good condition without rips and tears to avoid motor damage. Problems with Ridgid's Pro Pack Wet/Dry Vac can be related to the filter and the dirt container and can be corrected by following some troubleshooting steps.

Things You'll Need

• Chlorine bleach

Instructions

1. Empty the debris-containing drum if you notice performance degradation when picking up a lot of fine material. Remove the power head to empty the debris drum by lifting the two latches on the front and back of the vacuum and lifting the power head off. Place it down somewhere dry and empty the debris drum.

2. Disinfect the drum if you smell mold. Pour one gallon of water and one teaspoon of chlorine bleach into the drum. Let it stand for a few minutes, slosh it around and discard the liquid. Allow the drum to dry.

3. Clean the filter if you notice continued performance issues or see that it's clogged when emptying or cleaning the drum. Unscrew the filter nut from the filter cage and remove the filter plate. Lift off the filter. Tap dry filters against the inside of the debris drum and dust should fall into the drum. If the filter is particularly dirty or wet, wash the filter with running water. Discard and replace torn filters.

4. Re-install the filter and dry the filter by running the Ridgid Pro Pack Wet/Dry Vac for 10 minutes. Don't use wet filters to vacuum dry debris --- the filters will clog.

References

• Ridgid: WD4550 4.5 US Gallons Pro Pack Wet/Dry Vac Manual