What are wet and dry vacuum cleaners useful for and do I need one!

[OM2]

I looked up in Google before posting.
I'm convinced I should get one.

Vacuuming water and mud would be useful.

Just wondering what else they're good for.

I was planning to buy from Lidl or Aldi next time they have one. Only reason: 3 years warranty. Otherwise, amazon or Screwfix have cheaper ones for £50. I've seen a basic karcher one for £65. Should I go for that one instead?

Thanks.

 

[Tigercubrider]

I have an Aldi one, almost identical to some Screwfix ones.
Imho as a vacuum it is great, for extraction on tools and general DIY plus a bit of home cleaning.
I don’t think that I have used it wet, but will clean my gutters soon.

We have a big wet/dry at work and it’s great -no idea of brand but it’s big and blue! Maybe a Nilfisk?
We had a flood from a leaky pipe and it worked well

 

[Burnerman]

It could be a good move to check on the availability of replacement filters for a wet vac.......they aren't cheap but very important to stop water getting right into the motor. Keep a couple in stock.
Paper bags are easy and cheap to get a hold of for dry use.
Water access to the motor is often checked by a float which blocks things off as the liquid level rises.
I'd go for a high wattage motor if you can, and a large capacity drum with a drain off cap at the bottom.
I have a Ryobi machine, great for chimney sweeping dry and gulley cleaning wet.
John

 

[foxhole]

I have the George (wet version of Henry) it’s a great carpet cleaner and has wet/dry versatility .

 

[HERTS P&D]

Wet vac is what I use for internal blockages and air locks.

Andy

 

[pcaouolte]

Clearing the last bit of water from pipes before soldering, unblocking sinks basins baths and showers, unblocking underground rainwater drains, any job where you are going to get into trouble for using her household vacuum cleaner, cleaning the car, cleaning out loft tanks, cleaning the last bit of water out of a pond.