Wet/Dry Vac Horsepower Needs?

**dchawk81** · 07-24-2013, 01:38 AM

I'm wondering what kind of horsepower your Wet/Dry Vacs have and whether you're able to suck out carpet cleaners in a manner similar to carpet steamers with it.

I don't seem to have much luck with my little 2hp job. Was thinking about 5. Will that do?

**stemyx** · 07-24-2013, 06:09 AM

This is a really interesting topic I've been wanting to ask! I'm subscribing. Even though I have a pretty economical vacuum it has 3hp and sucks up pretty well!

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**Setec Astronomy** · 07-24-2013, 06:11 AM

Have you gotten one of those "extractor-shaped" attachments for it?

**stemyx** · 07-24-2013, 06:31 AM

Originally Posted by Setec Astronomy

Have you gotten one of those "extractor-shaped" attachments for it?

Will that help suck up product?

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**Setec Astronomy** · 07-24-2013, 06:40 AM

Yeah, I'm talking about one of these:

Shop-Vac Claw Utility Nozzle for 1 -1/4 inch Hoses

IME shop vacs usually don't come with an attachment like that in the box.

**stemyx** · 07-24-2013, 07:06 AM

Yeah my vacuum didn't come with any attachments

but thanks for the tip!

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**drbll** · 07-24-2013, 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by Setec Astronomy

Yeah, I'm talking about one of these:

Shop-Vac Claw Utility Nozzle for 1 -1/4 inch Hoses

IME shop vacs usually don't come with an attachment like that in the box.

Got one of these for $8 at the local Menards store, Love that thing it is amazing! I have a Craftsman vac with the 2.5" hose, it has 5hp and will suck up most everything.

**agarabaghi** · 07-24-2013, 08:22 AM

I have a large shop vac, but if i was going to get a smaller one, it would be:

Shop-Vac 5872410 5.5-Peak Horsepower Portable Contractor Right Stuff Wet/Dry Vacuum, 5-Gallon

**CCC4me** · 07-24-2013, 08:29 AM

Be careful of shopping horsepower ratings--they don't mean much in consumer line vacuums anymore. A 1hp Dayton will outperform a 5hp consumer edition Shop Vac. Not to say the consumer versions won't fill your needs, just try to look up the meaningful specs like water lift and CFM and base your decision off that.

**Don M** · 07-24-2013, 08:30 AM

I have a 5 gallon/3.5hp shop vac which does really well pulling water/soap/dirt from carpeting and seats. I use an extractor head from a BISSEL Steamer Machine. It doesn't fit exactly right, but the suction keeps it in place.