RIDGID wd7000 Operator's Manual

WD7000

11 U.S. GALLONS/41 LITERS
SMARTCART WET/DRY VAC

FOR QUESTIONS OR INFORMATION CONTACT US AT

CALL 1-800-4-RIDGID (1-800-474-3443) OR

www.ridgidvacs.com

Part No. SP6659 Printed in Mexico

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

WARNING:

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

!

Thank you for buying a RIDGID product.

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

Safety Signal Words

DANGER: Indicates an imminently

hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING: Indicates a potentially

hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION: Indicates a potentially

hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate injury, or
property damage.

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 operator’s
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.

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

2

Table of Contents

Section Page

Important Safety Instructions. . . . . . . . . 2

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

Unpacking and Checking

Carton Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Removing/Installing/Storing

The Metal Handle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Replacement Filter Assembly . . . . . . . . 7

Wet/Dry Vac Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Dust Drum Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Insert Hose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Wheel Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Vacuuming Dry Materials . . . . . . . . . 11

Vacuuming Liquids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Emptying the Drum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Moving the Wet/Dry Vac. . . . . . . . . . 12

Section Page

Blowing Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Hose Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Accessory Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Cord Wrap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Handle Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Cleaning & Disinfecting

the Wet/Dry Vac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Casters & Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Frame & Handles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Filter Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Repair Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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combustible liquids, gases, or
explosive dusts, such as gasoline or
other fuels, lighter fluid, cleaners, oil­based paints, natural gas, hydrogen,
coal dust, magnesium dust, aluminum
dust, grain 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 or cold
fireplace soot or ash with standard
filter. This is a very fine dust which may
be exhausted back into the air. Use a
fine dust filter instead.

• To reduce the risk of health hazards
from vapors or dust, do not vacuum
toxic materials.

• Do not use or store near hazardous
materials.

• WARNING: The power cord on this
product contains lead, a chemical
known in the State of California to
cause birth defects or other
reproductive harm.

Wash hands

after handling.

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

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CAUTION:

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

• For dusty operations, wear dust mask.

NOTE: Static shocks are common in
dry areas or when the relative humidity of
the air is low. Vacuuming fine debris with
your Vac can deposit static charge on the
hose or on the Vac. The best remedy to
reduce the frequency of static shocks in
your home or when using this Vac is to
add moisture to the air with a humidifier.

!

• 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
the filter installed except when
vacuuming liquids as described in the
Operation section of this manual. Dry
debris ingested by the impeller may
damage the motor or be exhausted into
the air.

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

• Turn off Vac before unplugging.

• 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, return it to an
Authorized Service Center.

• 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.

• 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 the
Vac by scooping or draining liquid to
make it comfortable to lift.

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

- Wear safety eyewear.

• 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 being struck by, or
pulled down by, a rolling Vac, block the
casters when using on any uneven or
sloped surface.

• 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 Double­Insulated Wet/Dry Vacs before
servicing.

• 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 the 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.

3

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Introduction

This SMARTCART Wet/Dry Vac is
intended for household use. It may be
used for vacuuming wet or dry media and
may be used as a blower.

Read this operator’s manual to familiarize
yourself with the product features and to
understand the specific usage of your
new Vac.

WARNING: For your own safety,
read and understand operator’s
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.

!

WARNING:To reduce the risk of
electric shock, always install float
before any wet pick-up operation.

!

WARNING: 50 Lb. weight limit.
Do not stand or sit on vac. Improper
use may cause injury.

!

To reduce the risk of fire or other
damage, do not use onboard
storage compartments to store oily
rags or containers with flammable,
explosive, corrosive or toxic
materials.

!

!

SAVE THIS MANUAL

Observe the following warnings that
appear on your Vac:

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

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Unpacking and Checking Carton Contents

5

Refer to the assembly sketch for
positioning of parts.

Remove contents of carton. Check each
item against the Carton Contents List.
Call 1-800-4-RIDGID (1-800-474-3443) or
E-mail us at [e-mail] if any parts
are damaged or missing.

9/16” Socket & Ratchet

Tools Required

Mallet9/16” Wrench

Carton Contents List

Key Description Qty

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

B* Filter Nut ......................................1

C* Filter Plate....................................1

D* Filter 2-Stage ...............................1

E* Filter Support Assembly...............1

F Hose Assembly ............................1

G Utility Nozzle ................................1

H Wet Nozzle...................................1

I Crevice Nozzle.............................1

J Claw Nozzle.................................1

K Dusting Brush ..............................1

L Extension Handle.........................2

M 8” Wheel.......................................2

N Metal Handle................................1

O Operator’s Manual .......................1

Bag of Loose Parts “A”:

P 3” Caster ......................................2

Q Wheel Hub Adapter......................2

R Wheel Caps .................................2

Bag of Loose Parts “B”:

S 3/8” x 4” Bolt ................................2

T 3/8” x 1-1/2” Spacer .....................2

U Jam Nut........................................2

V Lock Washer................................2

W Flat Washer..................................6

X Locknut ........................................2

* These items may come preassembled.
If they are not present in the carton,
check inside the drum to see if they are
preassembled.

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*B

*C

*D

*E

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Removing/Installing/Storing

The Metal Handle

6

Your metal handle comes packaged in
the dust drum. You must remove the
metal handle from the dust drum and
install the handle in the correct direction,
bent area facing away from the back of
the vac, before continuing. (Also remove
the 8” wheel and set aside for
installation).

Installing Handle

Press and hold release buttons while
installing handle into handle receptacles
in drum (See illustration).

NOTE: An audible snap of release
buttons indicates successful engagement
of handle.

Lowering Handle for Storage

To store Wet/Dry Vac, press and hold
release buttons while firmly sliding handle
down.

Removing Handle

Press and hold release buttons, as
shown. While firmly pushing in release
buttons, pull handle upwards to remove.

Press and
Hold Release
Buttons

Handle
Receptacle (2)

Release
Button (2)

Handle

SMARTCART

Pull Down and
Slide Dust Drum
Out of Wet/Dry
Vac Unit

Latch (2)

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NOTE: The filter is accessed by

unlatching and removing the dust drum.
The filter support assembly can be
removed by grasping the filter support as
shown in the illustrations below.

1. Carefully slide the filter over the center
ring until the filter stops against the
filter support.

2. Place the filter plate and the filter nut
onto the threaded stud and tighten it
down. Finger tighten only.

NOTE: Lever of filter nut should be away
from plate as shown.

IMPORTANT: Do not overtighten as this
may deform or crack the filter plate,
center ring or filter.

Replacement Filter Assembly

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.

WARNING:To reduce the risk of
personal injury or damage to vac be
sure to keep hands, fingers, or any
other foreign objects out of the
center opening when assembling
the float.

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!

SMARTCART

Pull Down and
Slide Dust Drum
Out of Wet/Dry
Vac Unit

Latch (2)

Dust
Drum

Filter Support
Assembly

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Filter Nut
Lever

THIS SIDE

TOWARDS LID

Filter Nut

Filter Plate

Filter

Center Ring

Open End
of Float

Filter
Support

8

Wet/Dry Vac Assembly

WARNING:To avoid ingesting
debris or water in the impeller and
damaging vac, never operate
without filter support assembly in
place.

!

SMARTCART

Pull Down and
Slide Dust Drum
Out of Wet/Dry
Vac Unit

Dust Drum

Wet/Dry
Vac Unit

Slot

Dust Drum Wheel

Latch

Latch
Holder

Latch Unlocked

Latch Locked

Dust Drum Assembly

1. Slide the dust drum into the front of the
wet/dry vac unit when filter assembly is
complete. Position the dust drum
wheels into the drum area slots and
glide into place.

NOTE: When reinstalling the dust drum
and filter support assembly, ensure that
the front of the dust drum is flush with the
lid and motor cover assembly. The dust
drum should fit snugly into place. There
are two pins in the Wet/Dry vac unit that
must fit into the slots in the drum. This
ensures proper alignment. The dust drum
must be installed properly to ensure the
Wet/Dry vac functions correctly.

2. Pull the two latches on the front of the
dust drum up and over the latch
holders and press down firmly until
they snap in place. If the pins from the
lid and motor cover assembly are not
aligned, the latches will not lock.

Insert Hose

Insert the push button end of the hose
assembly into the inlet of the vac. The
hose should snap into place. To remove
the hose from the vac, press the release
button in the hose assembly and pull the
hose out of the vac inlet, as shown.

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Inlet

SMARTCART

Push
Button

Hose

Jam Nut

Lock Washer

Flat Washer

3/8" Bolt

Flat Washer

3/8" Bolt

Jam Nut

8" Wheel

Wheel Hub
Adapter

Wheel Ribs

Wheel Hub
Adapter Slots

Wheel
Lock

8" Wheel

Spacer

Flat Washer

Locknut

Wheel Cap

Locknut

9

Wheel Assembly

If any parts are missing or damage,
contact customer service. Do not attempt
to assemble unit until you have all the
parts.

1. Pull the dust drum clear of the

Wet/Dry Vac. Locate the two 8”
diameter wheels and the two bag
assemblies.

2. Prop a 2 x 4 wood block

approximately 12” long, under the
rear of the vac.

3. Place one flat washer onto the 3/8”

bolt and install into the hole in rear
panel. Push the bolt all the way
through wheel hub.

4. Place one flat washer and one lock

washer onto the bolt.

5. Screw on one jam nut and tighten

with a 9/16” wrench. You will need to
hold the head of the bolt with the
9/16” socket to securely tighten the
jam nut.

6. Insert the wheel hub adapter onto the

8” wheel. Make sure that the slots on
the wheel adapter fits snugly into the
ribs of the wheel. Place adapter and
wheel onto bolt.

7. Insert one spacer on the bolt and

push through the wheel opening.

8. Install one flat washer and one

locknut. Tighten locknut securely.

9. Using a rubber mallet, gently tap the

wheel caps onto each wheel. This is
required on both the left and right
sides.

10. Lock the rear wheels by stepping

down on the wheel locks to secure
unit. Tilt vac back to expose the front
wheel area.

2 x 4 Wood Block

Back of Vac

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10

Caster Stem

Socket

Caster Ball

Caster

Operation

WARNING

To reduce the risk of fire or explosion, do not operate this vac in areas with
flammable gases, vapors or explosive dust in the air. Flammable gases or
vapors include but are not limited to; lighter fluid, solvent type cleaners,
oil-base paints, gasoline, alcohol or aerosol sprays. Explosive dusts include
but are not limited to; coal, magnesium, aluminum, grain or gun powder.
Do not vacuum explosive dust, flammable or combustible liquids or hot
ashes. Do not use this vac as a sprayer. To reduce the risk of health hazards
from vapors or dusts, do not vacuum toxic materials.

To reduce the risk of electric shock, this
appliance has a polarized plug (one
blade is wider than the other). 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.

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.

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

WARNING: The operation of any
utility vac can result in foreign
objects being blown into the eyes,
which can result in severe eye
damage. Always wear safety
eyewear complying with ANSI Z87.1
(or in Canada, CSA Z94.3) before
starting operation. Safety eyewear
are available at many local retail
stores.

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ON

11. Push the caster on until the ball on
the caster stem is inserted all the way
onto the socket. You will hear the ball
snap into the socket and the caster
will swivel easily when positioned
correctly.

After you plug the power cord into the
outlet, turn the unit on by pushing the
switch from position "O" to position "l". The
symbols used on the switch actuator are
international "On & Off" symbols. "O" is the
symbol for "OFF" and "l" is the symbol for
"ON".

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WARNING:To avoid ingesting
debris or liquids in the impeller and
damaging vac, never operate
without filter support assembly in
place.

!

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.

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1. The vac comes equipped with a drain
for easy emptying of liquids. Simply
unscrew the drain cap and lift the
opposite side slightly to empty the
drum.

2. Another option is to remove the drum
from the vac.

3. Pull the drum out from the vac by
pulling down and sliding the drum on
the axle support under the drum.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of
injury from accidental starting,
unplug power cord before emptying
the drum.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of
back injury or falls, do not lift a vac
heavy with liquid or debris. Scoop
or drain enough contents out to
make the vac light enough to lift
comfortably.

Emptying the Drum

Hose - Provides transfer of vacuum or

blowing capability to work site. Provides
the means of attaching extension handles
and nozzles.

Crevice Tool - Use to pick up debris in
hard to reach locations.

Vacuuming Dry Materials

1. The filter must always be in correct
position to reduce the risk of leaks and
possible damage to vac.

2. Your Wet/Dry Vac comes with the
VF5000 Filter installed. 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.

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.

3. When the liquid in the drum reaches a
predetermined level, the float
mechanism will rise automatically to cut
off air-flow. When this happens, turn off
the vac, unplug the power cord, and

!

!

WARNING: To reduce the risk of
fire or electric shock, do not run vac
unattended.

!

empty the drum. 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.

4. After using the vac to pick up liquids,
allow the filter to dry to reduce the risk of
mildew and damage to the filter.

IMPORTANT: To reduce the risk of
damage to the vac do not run motor with
float in raised position.

Axle
Support

Dust
Drum

Drain

SMARTCART

Pull Down and
Slide Dust Drum
Out of Wet/Dry
Vac Unit

Claw Nozzle - Used for wet or dry pickup.
Dusting Brush - Dry pickup of dust and

dirt debris.
Car Nozzle (not provided) - Dry pickup

nozzle for car interiors and most
upholstery cleaning.

Extension Handles - These handles can
be connected together and provides
additional length for more reach.

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1. Locate blowing port of your vac.

2. Insert the locking end of the hose
assembly into the blowing port of the
vac. The hose should snap into place.
To remove the hose from the vac,
press the release button in the hose
assembly and pull the hose out of the
vac inlet.

Pull Up to Unlock
Wheel Locks

Blowing Port

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

5. Replace the drum by reinserting into
the cavity and push until it snaps into
place.

Moving the Wet/Dry Vac

To maneuver the vac, the metal handle in
the rear of the unit should be positioned
in the upright position for ease of
movement. Be sure to unlock the back
wheels by pulling up on the wheel locks
before moving the vac.

Blowing Feature

Your vac features a blowing port. It can
blow sawdust and other debris. Follow
the steps below to use your vac as a
blower.

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 hours or when using in a
noisy area.

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

!

!

!

!

Locking End

Hose
Assembly

Operation (continued)

3. (Optional) Attach extension handle to
opposite end of hose, then place the
crevice tool on the wand.

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

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