RIDGID WD64250 Owner's Manual

WD64250

6 U.S. GALLON/22.5 LITER
STAINLESS STEEL WET/DRY VAC

Part No. SP6932 Printed in Mexico

OWNERʼS MANUAL

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

Thank you for buying a RIDGID product.

FOR QUESTIONS OR INFORMATION CONTACT US AT

1-800-4-RIDGID (1-800-474-3443) from the USand Canada

01-800-701-9811 from Mexico

www.ridgidvacs.com

• Español - página 17

WARNING:

To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the owner’s manual
before using this product.

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2

Table of Contents

S

ection Page

Section Page

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Safety is a combination of using common
sense, staying alert, and knowing how your
wet/dry vacuum cleaner (“Vac”) works.

Safety Signal Words

DANGER: Indicates a hazardous

situation which, if not avoided, will result
in death or serious injury.

WARNING: Indicates a hazardous

situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION: Indicates a hazardous

situation which, if not avoided, could
result in minor or moderate injury.

When using your Vac, always follow basic
safety precautions including the following:

WARNING

- To reduce the risk of fire, electric
shock, or injury:

• Read and understand this manual and
all labels on the Wet/Dry Vac before
operating.

• Use only as described in this manual.

• Do not leave Vac running while
unattended - you may fail to notice
important signs indicating abnormal
operation such as loss of suction,
debris/liquid exiting exhaust, or
abnormal motor noises. Immediately
stop using Vac if you notice these
signs.

• Do not leave Vac when plugged in.
Unplug from outlet when not in use and
before servicing.

• Sparks inside the motor can ignite
flammable vapors or dust. To reduce
the risk of fire or explosion, do not use
near combustible liquids, gases, or

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dusts, such as gasoline or other fuels,
lighter fluid, cleaners, oil-based paints,
natural gas, coal dust, magnesium
dust, grain dust, aluminum dust, or gun
powder.

• Do not vacuum anything that is burning
or smoking, such as cigarettes,
matches, or hot ashes.

• Do not vacuum drywall dust, cold
fireplace ash, or other fine dusts with
standard filter. These may pass through
the filter and be exhausted back into
the air. Use a fine dust filter instead.

• To reduce the risk of inhaling toxic
vapors, do not vacuum or use near
toxic or hazardous materials.

• To reduce the risk of electric shock,
do not expose to rain or allow liquid to
enter motor compartment. Store
indoors.

• This Wet/Dry Vac is not intended for
use by persons (including children) with
reduced physical, sensory, or mental
capabilities, or lack of experience and
knowledge, unless they have been
given supervision or instruction
concerning use of the appliance by a
person responsible for their safety.

• Do not allow to be used as a toy.
Close attention is necessary when
used by or near children.

• Do not use with a torn filter or without
filter installed except when vacuuming
liquids as described in this manual.
Dry debris ingested by the impeller
may damage the motor or be
exhausted into the air.

• Turn off Vac before unplugging.

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Unpacking and Checking

Carton Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

CasterAssembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Carry Handle Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Wet/Dry Vac Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Accessory Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10

Vacuuming Dry Materials . . . . . . . . . . 8

Vacuuming Liquids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Emptying the Drum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Moving the Wet/Dry Vac. . . . . . . . . . 10

Blowing Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-13

Repair Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

3

• To reduce the risk of personal injury or
damage to Vac, use only Ridgid
r

ecommended accessories.

• When using as a blower:

- Direct air discharge only at work

area.

- Do not direct air at bystanders.

- Keep children away when blowing.

- Do not use blower for any job except

blowing dirt and debris.

- Do not use as a sprayer.

• To reduce the risk of eye injury, wear
safety eyewear. The operation of any
utility Vac or blower can result in
foreign objects being blown into the
eyes, which can result in severe eye
damage.

• To reduce the risk of injury from
accidental starting, unplug power cord
before changing or cleaning filter.

• Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To
unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.

• Do not use with damaged cord, plug or
other parts. If your Vac is not working
as it should, has missing parts, has
been dropped, damaged, left outdoors,
or dropped into water, call customer
service.

• Do not pull or carry by cord, use cord
as handle, close a door on cord, or pull
cord around sharp edges or corners.
Do not run Vac over cord. Keep cord
away from heated surfaces.

• Do not handle plug, switch, or the Vac
with wet hands.

• Use only extension cords that are rated
for outdoor use. Extension cords in
poor condition or too small in wire size
can pose fire and shock hazards. To
reduce the risk of these hazards, be
sure the cord is in good condition and
that liquid does not contact the
connection. Do not use an extension
cord with conductors smaller than
16 gauge (AWG) in size. To reduce
power loss, use a 14 gauge extension
cord if 25 to 50 ft. long and 12 gauge
for 50 ft. or longer.

• This Wet/Dry Vac is double-insulated,
eliminating the need for a separate
grounding system. Use only identical
replacement parts. Read the instructions
for Servicing Double-Insulated Wet/Dry
Vacs before servicing.

• Do not put any object into ventilation
openings. Do not vacuum with any
ventilation openings blocked; keep free
of dust, lint, hair or anything that may
reduce air flow.

• Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and
all parts of body away from openings
and moving parts.

• To reduce the risk of falls, use extra
care when cleaning on stairs.

• To reduce the risk of back injury or
falls, do not lift a Vac that is heavy with
liquid or debris. Partially empty by
scooping debris or draining liquid.

Observe the following warnings that
appear on the motor housing of your Vac:

WARNING: For your own safety,
read and understand ownerʼs
manual. Do not run unattended.
Do not pick up hot ashes, coals,
toxic, flammable or other hazardous
materials. Do not use around
explosive liquids or vapors.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of
electric shock - do not expose to
rain - store indoors.

DOUBLE INSULATED
GROUNDING NOT REQUIRED.
WHEN SERVICING USE ONLY
IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS.

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SAVE THIS MANUAL

CAUTION:

• To reduce the risk of hearing damage,
wear ear protectors when using for
extended hours or in a noisy area.

• For dusty operations, wear dust mask.

• Static shocks are common when the
relative humidity of the air is low.
Vacuuming fine debris with your Vac can
deposit static charge on the hose or
Vac. To reduce the frequency of static
shocks in your home or when using this
Vac, add moisture to the air with a
humidifier.

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Unpacking and Checking Carton Contents

4

Introduction

This Wet/Dry Vac is intended for
house-hold use. It may be used for light
vacuuming of wet or dry media and may
be used as a blower. The light weight
design allows usage for most small
household vacuuming chores.

Carton Contents List

Key Description Qty

A Wet/Dry Vac .................................1

B Carry Handle................................1

C Tug-A-Long Hose .........................1

D Extension Wands ........................2

E Casters .......................................4

F Utility Nozzle ................................1

G 1-7/8” Wet Nozzle ........................1

H* Float ............................................1

I* Filter Cage ...................................1

J* VF4000 Cartridge Filter ...............1

K Owner’s Manual ...........................1

* Items may come preassembled.

A

B

F

G

E

K

D

C

J

I

H

Familiarize yourself with the following
product and features and read the entire
owner’s manual for specific usage of your
new Wet/Dry Vac.

Remove contents of carton. Check each
item against the Carton Contents List.
Contact 1-800-4-RIDGID (1-800-474-3443)
from the US and Canada, 01-800-701-9811
from Mexico. E-mail us [e-mail]
or www.ridgidvacs.com if any parts are
damaged or missing.

5

Caster
Socket

Drum

Caster

Caster
Stem

1. Turn the dust drum upside down on
the floor.

2. Insert the caster feet into the bottom of
drum, as shown (4 places).

3. Push on the caster foot until the foot is
flush with bottom of the dust drum.

4. Insert the caster stem into the socket
of the caster foot, as shown (4 places).

5. Push on the caster until the ball on the
caster stem is inserted all the way into
the socket. You will hear the ball snap
into the socket and the caster will
swivel easily when positioning is
correct.

6. Turn the drum upright.

Caster Assembly

Power Head
Assembly

Carry
Handle

Screw (2)

1. Place the carry handle on the Wet/Dry
Vac power head assembly.

2. Tighten both screws to assemble the
carry handle on the power head
assembly.

Carry Handle Assembly

6

Dust
Drum

Drum
Latch

Power
Head
Assembly
Hook

Power Head Assembly

Power Head
Assembly

Drum Latch

Dust Drum

Assembling the Power Head:

1. Align the front of the power head
assembly with the vacuum port
located on the front of the dust drum,
as shown.

2. Place the power head assembly on
top of the dust drum.

3. Ensure the power head assembly
completely covers the top of the dust
drum so leakage does not occur.

4. Rotate the drum latch up and over the
power head assembly hook to engage
the two latches.

5. To remove the power head assembly,
reverse these directions.

Vacuum
Port

Hose

Inserting Hose:

1. Insert the larger end of the hose into
the vacuum port.

2. Optional: Place the utility nozzle
securely on the opposite end of the
hose. The Vac is ready for use.

Wet/Dry Vac Assembly

7

1. Slide the extension wands onto the
posts of the caddy feet for storage.

2. Place each accessory (utility nozzle
and wet nozzle) onto the top of each
extension wand for storage.

3. To remove wands and accessories,
lightly rotate and pull upward.

Accessory Storage

Extension
Wands (2)

Caddy Feet

Utility
Nozzle

Wet
Nozzle

Operation

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, explosion, or damage to Vac:

• Do not leave Vac running while unattended - you may fail to notice
important signs indicating abnormal operation such as loss of suction,
debris/liquid exiting the exhaust, or abnormal motor noises. Immediately
stop using Vac if you notice these signs.

• Do not leave Vac plugged in when not in use.

• Do not continue running when float has cut off suction.

• Sparks inside the motor can ignite airborne flammables. Do not operate Vac
near flammable liquids or in areas with flammable gases, vapors, or
explosive/airborne dust. Flammable liquids, gases, and vapors include:
lighter fluid, solvent-type cleaners, oil-based paints, gasoline, alcohol, and
aerosol sprays. Explosive dusts include: coal, magnesium, aluminum,
grain, and gun powder.

• Do not vacuum up explosive dusts, flammable liquids, or hot ashes.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock or injury:

• Do not expose to rain or allow liquid to enter motor compartment. Store
indoors.

• Do not handle plug, switch, or Vac with wet hands.

• Unplug Vac before servicing. If your Vac is not working as it should, has
missing parts, has been dropped, damaged, left outdoors, or dropped into
water, return it to an independent service center or call customer service.

• When using an extension cord, use only outdoor-rated cords that are in
good condition. Do not allow the connection to come into contact with
liquid.

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8

After you plug the power cord into the
outlet, turn the unit on by pushing the
ON/OFF switch from position “0” to
position “I”.

=

OFF

=

ON

Familiarize yourself with the accessories
included with the Vac. Each accessory
may be used in various ways for
vacuuming and blowing debris. Here is
a list of the accessories and their uses.

Hose - Provides transfer of vacuum or
blowing capability to work site. Provides
the means of attaching extension wands
and nozzles.

Extension Wands - Connect the wands
together to provide additional length.

Utility Nozzle - General purpose nozzle
for most vacuuming applications.

Wet Nozzle - Used for wet pickup on
smooth surfaces to pick up liquid and dry
the surface in one stroke.

To reduce the risk of electric shock,
this appliance has a polarized plug
(one blade is wider than the other except
230 volt models). This plug will fit in a
polarized outlet only one way. If the plug
does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the
plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified
electrician to install the proper outlet. Do
not change the plug in any way.

Operation (continued)

Vacuuming Dry Materials

1. The filter must always be in correct
position at all times to avoid leaks and
possible damage to Vac.

2. When using your Vac to pick up very
fine dust, it will be necessary for you
to empty the drum and clean the filter
at more frequent intervals to maintain
peak Vac performance.

NOTE: A dry filter is necessary to pick up
dry material. If you use your Vac to pick
up dust when the filter is wet, the filter will
clog quickly and be very difficult to clean.

3. If your filter is wet but you need to use
the Vac to pick up dry material, you
must first allow the filter to dry.

ON/OFF
Switch

Cartridge
Filter

9

Operation (continued)

Emptying the Drum

1. Remove the power head assembly.
Rotate the latch handle out ward so
that the latch unclamps the motor
cover and rotate the latch away from
the motor cover.

2. Lift the power head assembly up and
away from the drum. Lay power head
assembly upside down on a clean area
while emptying drum or changing filter.

3. Dump the drum contents into the
proper waste disposal container.

Vacuuming Liquids

1. When picking up small amounts of
liquid the filter may be left in place.

2. When picking up large amounts of
liquid we recommend that the filter be
removed. If the filter is not removed, it
will become saturated and misting may
appear in the exhaust.

WARNING: Do not operate
without filter cage and float, as they
prevent liquid from entering the
impeller and damaging the motor.

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3. When the liquid in the drum reaches a
predetermined level, the float
mechanism will rise automatically to
cut off airflow. You will know that the
float has risen because Vac airflow
ceases and the motor noise will
become higher in pitch, due to
increased motor speed. When this
happens, turn off the Vac, unplug the
power cord, and empty the drum.

4. After using the Vac to pick up liquids,
the filter must be dried to avoid
possible mildew and damage to the
filter.

Power Head
Assembly

Latch
Handle (2)

Blowing Feature

Your Wet/Dry Vac features “Full Blowing”.
It can blow sawdust and other debris.
Follow the steps below to use your Vac
as a blower.

1. Locate the blowing port of your
Wet/Dry Vac.

2. Insert the larger end of the hose into
the blowing port of the Vac.

3. (Optional) Attach the extension wand
to the swivel end of the hose.

4. Turn the Vac on and you are ready to
use your Vac as a blower.

Moving the Wet/Dry Vac

Should it become necessary to pick the
Vac up to move it, DO NOT pick the Vac
up by the carry handle unless the dust
drum is empty. To avoid dropping the Vac,
due to latches releasing or possible part
breakage, pick the Vac up by the dust
drum.

WARNING: Always wear safety
eyewear complying with ANSI Z87.1
(or in Canada, CSA Z94.3) before
using as a Blower.

CAUTION: Wear a dust mask if
blowing creates dust which might
be inhaled.

CAUTION: To reduce the risk of
hearing damage, wear ear protectors
when using the Vac/Blower for
extended time or in a noisy area.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of
injury to bystanders, keep them
clear of blowing debris.

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Operation (continued)

10

Carry
Handle

Dust Drum

Power Head
Assembly

Blowing
Port

Hose

11

Maintenance

To Remove Power Head Assembly:

1. Grasp the drum latches on both the
right and left side of the power head
assembly. Slowly pull the drum latches
away from the drum. Lift the power
head assembly off the drum. Place the
lid and blower assembly upside down
on the dust drum.

WARNING: For your own safety,
never connect plug to power source
outlet until all assembly steps are
complete and you have read and
understood the safety and operation
instructions. Do not operate Vac
with any parts damaged or missing.

Drum
Latch

Power
Head
Assembly
Hook

Power Head
A

ssembly

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WARNING: Do not operate
without a filter cage and float, as
they prevent liquid from entering
the impeller and damaging the

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Removal and Installation
of the Qwik Lock™ Filter

Filter Removal:

1. Hold the filter tabs of the Qwik Lock™
filter in each hand.

2. With one thumb on the Qwik Lock™
stud, which protrudes through the
integrated filter plate, lift up on the
filter tabs while pushing down on the
stud.

3. This action will cause the filter to
release from the filter cage. Slide filter
off cage.

Filter Installation:

1. Carefully slide the Qwik Lock™ filter
over the filter cage and press down on
the outside edge of the filter until the
rubber gasket on the bottom of the
filter seats securely around the base
of the filter cage and against the lid.

2. Align the small center hole in the top
of the filter over the Qwik Lock™ stud
on the filter cage. Press firmly on top
of the filter near the stud to allow the
filter to snap over the ball on the end
of the stud. The filter is now attached.

Qwik Lock™
Stud

Filter
Tabs (2)

Integrated Filter
Plate with Center
Hole

PUSH

DOWN

PULL

UP

Rubber
Gasket at
Bottom of
Filter

(cutaway
view)

Float

Power
Head
Assembly

Filter Cage

Filter Removal and Installation

NOTE: Failure to properly seat the

bottom gasket could result in debris
bypassing the filter.

IMPORTANT: To avoid damage to the
blower wheel and motor, always reinstall
the filter before using the Vac for dry
material pick-up.

12

Maintenance (continued)

Cleaning A Dry Filter

1. Some removal of dry debris can be
accomplished without removing the
filter from the Vac. Slap your hand on
top of the lid while the Vac is turned
off.

2. For best cleaning results due to
accumulated dust, clean the filter in an
open area. Clean the filter outdoors
and not in the living quarters.

3. After filter removal from the Vac,
remove the dry debris by gently
tapping the filter against the inside wall
of your dust drum. The debris will
loosen and fall.

4. For thorough cleaning of a dry filter
with fine dust (no debris), run water
through it as described under
"Cleaning A Wet Filter".

Cleaning A Wet Filter

After the filter is removed, run water
through the filter from a hose or spigot.
Take care that water pressure from the
hose is not strong enough to damage the
filter.

Filter Replacement

Refer to page 11 "Filter Removal and
Installation" section of this manual.

Allow the filter to dry before reinstalling
and storing the Vac or picking up dry
debris.

Filter

NOTE: The filter is made of high quality

paper designed to stop very small
particles of dust. The filter can be used
for dry pick up or small amounts of liquid.
Handle the filter carefully when removing
to clean or installing it. Creases in the
filter pleats may occur from installation
but will not affect the performance of the
filter.

Cleaning Vac Filter

Your filter should be cleaned often to
maintain peak Vac performance.

Allow the filter to dry before storing or
picking up dry debris.

IMPORTANT: After cleaning, check the
filter for tears or small holes. Do not use a
filter with holes or tears in it. Even a small
hole can allow dust to come out of your
Vac. Replace it immediately.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of
injury from accidental starting,
unplug the power cord before
changing or cleaning the filter.

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13

Cleaning and Disinfecting the
Wet/Dry Vac

To keep your Wet/Dry Vac looking its
best, clean the outside with a cloth
dampened with warm water and mild
soap.

To clean the drum:

1. Dump debris out.

2. Wash drum thoroughly with warm
water and mild soap.

3. Wipe out with dry cloth.

Before prolonged storage or as needed
(i.e., waste water pick up) the drum
should be disinfected.

To disinfect the drum:

1. Pour 1 gallon of water and 1 teaspoon
chlorine bleach into the drum.

2. Let solution stand for 20 minutes,
carefully swishing every few minutes,
making sure to wet all inside surfaces
of the drum.

3. Empty drum after 20 minutes. Rinse
with water until bleach smell is gone.
Allow drum to dry completely before
sealing the motor on the drum.

Storage

Before storing the Vac, empty and clean
the dust drum. Wrap the power cord
around the carry handle. Keep acces­sories in the same area as the Vac so
that they are readily available. Store the
Vac indoors.

If the power cord is damaged, it must be
replaced by the manufacturer or their
service agent or by similarly qualified
personnel to reduce the risk of accident.

Casters

If your casters are noisy, you may put a
drop of oil on the roller shaft to make
them quieter.of accident.

Maintenance (continued)

WARNING: To assure product
SAFETY and RELIABILITY, any other
servicing or repairs and adjust­ments should be performed by
Authorized Service Centers, always
using RIDGID replacement parts.

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Cord

Cord Wrap
Area

Carry Handle

14

WARNING

SERVICING OF DOUBLE-INSULATED WET/DRY VAC

In a double-insulated Wet/Dry Vac, two systems of insulation are provided
instead of grounding. No grounding means is provided on a double-insulated
appliance, nor should a means for grounding be added. Servicing a double­insulated Wet/Dry Vac requires extreme care and knowledge of the system,
and should be done only by qualified service personnel. Replacement parts
for a double-insulated Wet/Dry Vac must be identical to the parts they replace.
Your double-insulated Wet/Dry Vac is marked with the words "DOUBLE
INSULATED" and the symbol (square within a square) may also be
marked on the appliance.

To reduce the risk of injury from electrical shock, unplug power cord before
servicing the electrical parts of the Wet/Dry Vac.

Repair Parts

RIDGID 6 Gallon Stainless Steel Wet/Dry Vac

Model Number WD64250

RIDGID parts are available on-line at www.ridgidparts.com

Always order by Part Number - Not by Key Number

† These replacement parts may be available where you purchased your Vac.

!

Key No. Part No. Description

1 832086 Rocker Switch

2 835172 Carry Handle

3 510205 Filter Cage Assembly

4 VF4000 Cartridge Filter

5 510277-2 Latch Assembly

6 835179 Caddy

7 73137 Caster

8 VT1709 Utility Nozzle

9 VT1710 Wet Nozzle

10 VT1708 Extension Wand

11 VT1720 Hose

12 SP6932 Owner’s Manual

†

†

†

†

†

15

Repair Parts (continued)

RIDGID 6 Gallon Stainless Steel Wet/Dry Vac

Model Number WD64250

RIDGID parts are available on-line at www.ridgidparts.com

3

1

4

5

6

7

9

10

11

12

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8