How to use a shop vac for water removal is not a difficult task. The first manufacture of vacuums took place in the early 1900’s. Williamsport Pennsylvania is home to the Shop-Vac Corporation, employs 1600 workers here in the US. Shop-Vac manufactures vacuum cleaners for consumer, industrial, and commercial applications. The company offers wet/dry vacuum cleaners and accessories, air movers, air circulators, air cleaners, trashcans, and drum fans.
A shop vac with built in pump is the easiest way to move water from one location to another. So if you are pumping out a flooded basement, draining a fishpond, waterfall pond, hot tub or small pool this is the tool to use. The Pump Vac moves large quantities of water by picking it up and then pumping it to another location. This multipurpose vacuum does not just pump water. The Pump Vac is a wet/dry vacuum that also picks up dry messes and wet spills. It picks up debris that would kill other vacuums. This is a needed tool for anyone faced with water damage or moving water from one place to another.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do you take off the filter when sucking water?
Yes. Remove the paper filter and leave the foam sleeve in place. - How do I set up the vacuum to pump water?
Simply connect a garden hose to the output connection. - How much and how high can this Shop-Vac pump?
This Pump Vac can pump up to six gallons per minute, and lift to a height of 50 feet. - Is it a difficult task to use a wet dry shop vac for water? No it is very easy. Watch the video.
Comparison Table
| Shop-Vac® 14 Gallon* 6.5 Peak HP** Stainless Steel Wet Dry Vac w/ Built-In Pump | Shop-Vac® 12 Gallon* 5.0 Peak HP**Wet Dry Vac w/ Built-In Pump | Shop-Vac® 14 Gallon* 5.5 Peak HP** Wet Dry Vac w/ Built-In Pump | Shop-Vac 16 Gallon*6.5 Peak HP **wet Dry Vac w/ Built in Pump | Shop-Vac® 20 Gallon* 6.5 Peak HP** Wet Dry Vac w/ Built-In Pump | |
| Model | 9604810 | 5821200 | 5821400 | 9604610 | 9604710 |
| Power | 6.5 Peak HP** | 5.0 Peak HP** | 5.5 Peak HP** | 6.5 Peak HP** | 6.5 Peak HP** |
| Capacity: | 14 Gallons* | 12 Gallons* | 14 Gallons* | 16 Gallons* | 20 Gallons* |
| Hose Size: | 1.25″ and 2.5″ Diameter | 2.5″ Diameter | 2.5″ Diameter | 1.25″ and 2.5″ Diameter | 1.25″ and 2.5″ Diameter |
| Included Filters: | Cartridge Filter , Foam Sleeve , 10 14 Gallon* High Efficiency Disposable Filter Bag | Cartridge Filter , Foam Sleeve , 10-14 Gallon* Disposable Filter Bag | Cartridge Filter , Foam Sleeve , 10-14 Gallon* Disposable Filter Bag | Cartridge Filter , Foam Sleeve , 15-22 Gallon* High Efficiency Disposable Filter Bag | Cartridge Filter , Foam Sleeve , 15-22 Gallon* High Efficiency Disposable Filter Bag |
| Included Accessories | 8 foot by 1.25 inch diameter Lock On® hose with curved end two 1.25 inch diameter extension wands 10 inch by 1.25 inch diameter wet/dry nozzle 6 foot by 2.5 inch diameter lock on® hose two 2.5 inch diameter extension wands 14 inch by 2.5 inch diameter wet/dry floor nozzle 2.5 inch diameter elbow grip 2.5 inch diameter crevice tool 8 inch by 2.5 inch diameter utility nozzle 2.5 inch diameter concentrator nozzle hose holder clip tool storage basket | 8 foot by 2.5 inch diameter Lock On® hose two 2.5 inch diameter extension wands 14 inch wet/dry floor nozzle elbow grip tool holder hose holder clip | 8 foot by 2.5 inch diameter Lock On® hose two 2.5 inch diameter extension wands 14 inch wet/dry floor nozzle elbow grip crevice tool 8 inch utility nozzle tool holder | 8 foot by 1.25 inch diameter Lock On® hose with curved end two 1.25 inch diameter extension wands 10 inch by 1.25 inch diameter wet/dry nozzle 6 foot by 2.5 inch diameter lock on® hose two 2.5 inch diameter extension wands 14 inch by 2.5 inch diameter wet/dry floor nozzle 2.5 inch diameter elbow grip 2.5 inch diameter crevice tool 8 inch by 2.5 inch diameter utility nozzle 2.5 inch diameter concentrator nozzle hose holder clip tool storage basket | 8 foot by 1.25 inch diameter Lock On® hose with curved end two 1.25 inch diameter extension wands 10 inch by 1.25 inch diameter wet/dry nozzle 6 foot by 2.5 inch diameter lock on® hose two 2.5 inch diameter extension wands 14 inch by 2.5 inch diameter wet/dry floor nozzle 2.5 inch diameter elbow grip 2.5 inch diameter crevice tool 8 inch by 2.5 inch diameter utility nozzle 2.5 inch diameter concentrator nozzle hose holder clip tool storage basket |
| Warranty: | 1 Year | 3 Years | 4 Years | 1 Year | 1 Year |
| Power Cord Length: | 18 Feet | 12 Feet | 18 Feet | 18 Feet | 18 Feet |
| Tank Drain: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Blower Feature: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Leaf Blower: | No | No | No | No | No |
| Accessory Storage: | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Water Pump: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lock-On® Hose: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Features
This Shop-Vac, 5821400, is a lightweight made in America vacuum. The 18-foot power cord allows mobility. The warranty on this model is a full 4 years. We dialed the customer service department and connected to a real state side voice. Couple a garden hose to the tank drain and pump to a maximum lift height of 50 feet. The model we find is the best value, SSP-16-6000C, has wet/dry pick up, a blower as well as pump capabilities. The capacity of the tank is 14 gallons, sufficient for all non-commercial applications. The 8 foot suction hose is a robust 2.5 inches in diameter.
The lightweight plastic chassis and tank makes this tool easy to move and store. This product also functions as an all around Shop-Vac in the home or garage. This is the best-rated wet dry shop vac.
Pros
Quiet operation
Lightweight and plastic
Pumps up to 6 gallons per minute
Up to 4-year warranty
Made in the USA
No special attachment to buy to convert to pumping
Cons
Made of plastic
Model specific short power cords
Some models have 1-year warranty
Limited number of models with stainless steel housing
Customer Feedback
These are comments users have made.
• Works great. Easy to use
• This vacuum is strong. It’s the best wet dry vac that I have ever purchased
• Great Vac!! Recommend!
• It is easier to pump the water than to carry it up the stairs and dump it
Conclusion
This vac pumped out a 50-gallon drum of rain water in about 5 minutes. This model has been ranked at 80 decibels which does not make it the quietest of Shop-Vacs. Its 14-gallon size is just right for most home users, big enough to clean up a mess in one shot, but not too big to move around. The model rated the best value and performance does not have the largest capacity, nor the motor with the largest HP*. It does have the best warranty. In addition, for the majority of users this Shop-Vac will perform adequately. It is made of plastic and plastic is plastic; it can break if treated rough. The pluses outweigh the minus. I liked this tool and the way it performed. It sucked up the water in a smooth and continuous manner, it pumped it from one location to the other without stopping or backing up. Based on its performance this is a top rated Shop-Vac and is the best Shop-Vac for the money. When you are looking for a wet or dry Shop-Vac the 5821400 is the best Shop-Vac for water. This Shop-Vac Pump Vac is a definite buy now product.