RIDGID RT1600 User manual

Part No. SP7052 Printed in Mexico
Wet/Dry Vacs
WET/DRY VAC PARTS
& ACCESSORIES
1-800-474-3443
Call Us 1st
• Operation
• Warranty (See back cover)
• Technical Assistance
• Repair Parts
For any questions about:
Please have your Model Number and
Serial Number on hand when calling.
16 U.S. GALLON / 60 Liter
DETACHABLE WET/DRY VAC
OWN ER’S MANUAL
SAVE THIS MANUAL
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of injury,
the user must read and
understand the owner’s
manual before using this
product.
!
RT16000
D
R
A
I
N
D
R
A
I
N
TABLE OF CONTENTS
*****************
• SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS...........2
• INTRODUCTION ..................4
• ASSEMBLY......................6
• OPERATION ....................10
• STORAGE......................15
• MAINTENANCE..................17
• REPAIR PARTS .................20
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

2
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 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
orsmoking,suchascigarettes,matches,
or hot ashes.
• To avoid the risk of self-ignition of drum
debris, empty drum after each use.
Combustible materials, such as rags or
sawdust containing stain or urethane,
can be sources of such overheating.
!
!
!
!
• 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.
• 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.
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• 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 1,3 mm2(16 AWG).
• This Wet/Dry Vac is double-insulated,
eliminating the need for a separate
grounding system. Use only identical
replacementparts.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.
• To reduce the risk of personal injury
or damage to Vac, use only RIDGID
recommended accessories.
• When using as a detached blower:
- Direct air discharge only at work area.
- Turn unit off before setting on ground
or releasing grasp from handle.
- Do not set down in liquid; electric
shock could occur.
- 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.
SAVE THIS MANUAL
Observe the following warnings that
appear on the motor housing of your Vac:
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.
!
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.
!
WARNING:
• For your own safety, read and
understand owner’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.
!
•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.
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

4
This Detachable Wet/Dry Vac is intended
for house-hold use. It may be used for
vacuuming wet or dry media and may be
used as a blower.
Getting to Know Your Wet/Dry Vac
Read this Owner’s Manual to familiarize
yourself with the product features and
to understand the specific usage of your
new Vac.
INTRODUCTION
Professional Locking Hose - Provides
transfer of vacuum or blowing capability
to work site. Provides the means of
attaching extension wands and nozzles.
Locking Hose 48mm (1-7/8”) x 2.4 m (8’) -
Fits 2-1/2” Accessories.
Extension Wands - These wands can
be connected together and provide
additional length.
Blower Wand - Attaches directly to the
power assembly and concentrates the air
for blowing applications.
Wet Nozzle - Used for wet pickup on
smooth surfaces to pick up liquid and dry
the surface in one stroke.
Utility Nozzle - General purpose nozzle
for most vacuuming applications.
Car Nozzle - Dry pickup nozzle for car
interiors and most upholstery cleaning.
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.
Detachable Blower
Carry Handle
Detachable Blower
Latch
Casters (4)
Drain
Drum
Latches (2)
Caster Feet/
Storage (4)
Blowing Port Power Cord
Wrap
Powerhead
Assembly
Inlet Port
Dust
Drum
Power Cord
Blowing
Port
ON/OFF Switch
Accessory
Caddy
D
R
AI
N
D
R
AI
N
Hose
Storage
Clip
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

5
Carton Contents List
Key Description Qty
A Wet/Dry Vac ...............................1
B Caster Foot w/Storage................4
C Casters........................................4
D* Qwik Lock™ Filter.......................1
E Professional Locking Hose..........1
F Extension Wands........................2
G Blower Wand...............................1
H Car Nozzle ..................................1
I Utility Nozzle ...............................1
J Wet Nozzle..................................1
K Accessory Caddy........................1
L Owner’s Manual..........................1
* The Filter comes preassembled.
A
D
C
F
I
J
K
H
G
L
D
R
AI
N
D
R
A
I
N
B
E
Unpacking
This Product Requires Assembly.
Check all parts from carton against the
Carton Contents List.
If any parts are damaged or missing, contact
INTRODUCTION
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

6
ASSEMBLY
NOTE:Remove Powerhead Assembly
from Dust Drum prior to assembly of
Casters and Caster Feet.
1. Turn Dust Drum upside down on floor.
2. Place Caster Foot on floor. Insert the
stem of a Caster into socket of Caster
Foot.
3. Push on the Caster until the Caster ball
end snaps fully into the Socket and the
Caster swivel freely. Repeat for other
three Casters and Caster Feet.
4. Place Caster Foot with Caster over
post on bottom of Dust Drum and press
firmly in place, as shown.
5. Repeat for the other three Caster/
Caster Foot assemblies.
6. Turn the Dust Drum upright.
Caster/Caster Foot Assembly Wet/Dry Vac Assembly
Caster
Foot
Caster
Caster Ball
Caster Stem
Caster Foot
Post Hole
Caster Foot
Post
Dust
Drum
Locking
Tabs (2)
Accessory
Caddy
Dust Drum
ASSEMBLED
Accessory Caddy Installation
1. Place the Two Tabs on the bottom
edge of the Accessory Caddy into the
Two Slots on the rear of the Dust Drum.
2. Pivot the top of the Accessory Caddy
upward until the Two Locking Tabs
engage the upper slots in the Dust
Drum. Press in on the top edge of the
Accessory Caddy until it snaps into
place. Check that the Locking Tabs
are securely locked by pulling outward
on the Accessory Caddy.
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

7
ASSEMBLY
2. Install: Press in on the two Latches
located on either side of the Dust Drum
until they snap into place, securing the
Powerhead Assembly to the Dust Drum.
3. Remove: Pull out on the two Latches
and lift Powerhead Assembly from the
Dust Drum. Do not force the Latches to
rotate more than slightly outside Drum
flange.
D
R
A
I
N
Vac Inlet
Latches
(2)
Powerhead
Assembly
Attaching / Removing
Powerhead Assembly to
Dust Drum
1. Place Powerhead Assembly on top of
Dust Drum with the Extended Lip of the
Powerhead Assembly aligned with the
Inlet. Be sure Powerhead Assembly is
fully seated on the Dust Drum.
D
R
A
I
N
Extended
Lip
Powerhead
Assembly
Vac Inlet
Dust
Drum Extension Wand
Release Button
Accessory Nozzle
Ridges
CONNECT:
Locking Accessories
1. To Connect Accessory: Your
RIDGID Wet/Dry Vac includes Locking
Accessories to prevent the Accessories
from falling off when in use. To
connect the Accessories, align the
Nozzle Ridges of the Accessory with
the Release Button of your Extension
Wand. Press to secure the Nozzle to
the Extension Wand.
2. To Disconnect Accessory: Twist
the Nozzle and Extension Wand to
disengage the Nozzle Ridges and pull.
You may also press the Release Button
and pull to disengage.
Accessory Nozzle
Ridges
Extension Wand
Release Button
DISCONNECT:
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

8
ASSEMBLY
Inserting / Removing the
Professional Locking Hose
1. To Insert Hose: Locate the end of the
Professional Locking Hose and align it
with the Drum Inlet. Position the Hose
Release Button with the Ridges on the
Vac Inlet. Push the Hose end straight
into the Vac Inlet until the Hose Release
Button fully engages the Inlet Ridges.
D
R
A
I
N
D
R
A
I
N
Drum
Inlet
Ridges
Professional
Locking Hose
Hose Release Button
INSERT
HOSE
PROFESSIONAL
LOCKING HOSE
LOCKING BUTTON
PROFESSIONAL
LOCKING HOSE
RELEASE BUTTON
D
R
A
I
N
D
R
A
I
N
A
A
Inlet
Ridges
REMOVE
HOSE
Hose
Release
Button
B
2. To Remove Hose: Rotate the end of
the Professional Locking Hose in either
direction to release the Hose Latch
from the Inlet Ridges (A). Press the
Hose Release Button and pull the Hose
end straight out of the Vac Inlet (B).
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

9
ASSEMBLY
Positioning Detachable Blower
(Powerhead Assembly)
1. To Remove the Detachable Blower
from the Powerhead Assembly, press
down on the Detachable Blower Latch
under the Detachable Blower Handle
and lift the Blower off the Powerhead
Assembly of the Vac.
TO REMOVE: PRESS DOWN ON DETACHABLE
BLOWER LATCH & ROTATE DETACHABLE
BLOWER UP
Detachable
Blower Handle
2. To Replace the Detachable Blower
onto the Powerhead Assembly, position
Detachable Blower above the indented
area of the Powerhead Assembly.
Rotate the Detachable Blower down
until the travel of the unit stops.
3. Lightly press down on the Detachable
Blower Handle until you hear the
“snap” of the Detachable Blower Latch
engaging the Detachable Blower.
The Detachable Blower is now latched
to the Powerhead Assembly.
Detachable
Blower Handle
TO REPLACE:
ROTATE
DETACHABLE
BLOWER DOWN
D
R
A
I
N
D
R
A
I
N
Detachable
Blower Latch
Detachable
Blower Handle
Powerhead
Assembly
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

!
!
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.
• Do not leave sawdust or rags with stain or polyurethane residue inside Vac.
Empty drum after picking up these potentially self-heating materials.
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 authorized 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.
OPERATION
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of hearing damage, wear ear protectors when
using the Vac/Blower for extended time or in a noisy area.
!
After you plug the Power Cord into the
Outlet, turn the unit on by sliding the
Switch from position “O” to position “l”:
=OFF =ON
Polarized Plug
To reduce the risk of electric shock,
this Vac 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.
"ON"
Switch
"OFF"
Detachable
Blower Handle
10
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Vacuuming Liquids
1. Vacuuming up small amounts of liquid
(less than 2” (5 cm) collected in Dust
Drum) does not require Filter removal.
2. When larger amounts of liquid are to
be picked up, remove the Filter, but
not the Filter Cage or Float, to prevent
the Filter from becoming saturated with
liquid. If the Filter becomes saturated,
you may see “mist” coming from the
Blowing Port.
3. When the Drum is “full” the Float will
rise and cut off airflow. The motor
sound will rise in pitch and its speed
will increase indicating the Drum is
“full”. Turn OFF the Vac and unplug the
power cord before emptying the Drum.
4. Following use of Vac for wet pick up,
allow Filter to dry completely to avoid
mildew and Filter damage.
11
OPERATION
WARNING: Do not operate
without filter cage and float in place.
They prevent liquid from entering the
impeller and damaging the motor.
!
Vacuuming Dry Materials
1. The Filter must always be correctly
installed to avoid leaks and possible
Vac damage.
2. To maintain peak performance when
vacuuming fine dust, clean the Drum
and Filter regularily.
NOTE: Do not use a wet Filter when
picking up dry material. The Filter will
quickly clog and be difficult to clean.
3. If the Filter is wet, you must allow it to
dry completely or replace it with a dry
Filter before using the Vac to pick up
dry material.
IMPORTANT: To reduce the risk of
damage to the Vac, do not run Motor with
Float in raised position.
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

12
WARNING: To reduce the risk
of injury from accidental starting,
unplug power cord before emptying
the drum.
Emptying the Drum
D
R
A
I
N
D
R
A
I
N
Drain Cap
Latches (2)
Powerhead
Assembly
Drum
1. Unplug Power Cord from power source.
2. The Vac comes equipped with a Drain
for easy emptying of liquids. Position the
Vac near a suitable drain or receptacle
and remove the Drain Cap.
3. Remove the Powerhead Assembly by
pulling outward at the top of the two
Latches.
4. Lift Powerhead Assembly from the Dust
Drum and set aside.
5. Use the Dust Drum Handles located
at the bottom of the Dust Drum to lift
and empty into a proper waste disposal
container.
NOTE: Do not carry the Vac by the
Detachable Blower Handle when the Vac
is full.
!
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.
!
OPERATION
Moving the Wet/Dry Vac
Should it become necessary to pick the
Vac up to move it, the Drum Catch under
the Handles on the sides of the Dust Drum
are used to lift.
To maneuver the Vac, the Detachable
Blower Handle above the Vac Inlet can
be used.
D
R
A
I
N
D
R
A
I
N
Drum
Catch (2)
Detachable
Blower Handle
Vac Inlet
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

13
OPERATION
CAUTION: Wear a dust mask if
blowing creates dust which might
be inhaled.
1. Familiarize yourself with the Detachable
Blower portion of your Wet/Dry Vac.
2. Remove the Detachable Blower of
your Vac by pressing down on the
Detachable Blower Latch under the
Handle of the Detachable Blower and
lift by the Handle.
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.
!
TO REMOVE: PRESS DOWN ON DETACHABLE
BLOWER LATCH & ROTATE DETACHABLE
BLOWER UP
Detachable
Blower Handle
Blowing Feature
Your Wet/Dry Vac has a “Detachable
Blower.” It has the capability to be used
as a Dedicated Blower for yard work, patio
cleanup, and garage applications to blow
dust and other debris.
WARNING: Always wear safety
eyewear complying with ANSI Z87.1
(or in Canada, CSA Z94.3) before
using as a Blower.
!
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

14
OPERATION
- OR -
2. The Wet/Dry Vac may also be used
for blowing using the seven-foot Hose
supplied with the Wet/Dry Vac. Install
the Push Button end of the Vac Hose
in the Blowing Port of the Detachable
Blower.Foraddedcontrol,anExtension
Wand and/or Car Nozzle can be added
to the opposite end of the Hose. The
unit is ready for blowing applications.
Using the Detachable Blower
for “Blowing”
Two suggested methods of using the
Blower are:
1. Insert the round end of the Blower
Wand into the Blowing Port of the
Detachable Blower and turn clockwise
to lock.
Detachable
Blower Port
Hose
Car
Nozzle
Dusk Mask
Detachable
Blower Port
Blower
Wand
TURN CLOCKWISE
TO LOCK
Goggles
3. Turn the Blower “ON” by sliding the
Switch on the Handle of the Blower to
the “I” position.
"ON"
Switch
"OFF"
Detachable
Blower Handle
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

15
Accessory Storage
1. The Extension Wands and other
Accessories can be stored by placing
them over the Posts on the Four Caster
Feet (front and back).
2. To remove, twist and pull up on the
Extension Wand or Accessory.
ACCESSORY & HOSE STORAGE
D
R
A
I
N
D
R
A
I
N
Caster Feet
Posts (4)
Power Cord
& Plug
Detachable Blower
Cord Wrap Tabs (2)
Cord Storage
To store the Cord, wrap it around the
Detachable Blower Cord Wrap Two Tabs.
Secure the Cord using the Cord Clip on
the Plug.
Accessory
Caddy
Accessories
3. For extra storage of Accessories use
the Accessory Caddy. The Blower
Wand fits the center opening while
other Accessories can be snapped into
the two side Clips.
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

16
ACCESSORY & HOSE STORAGE
Hose Storage
The Professional Locking Hose may be
stored around the Powerhead Assembly
and snapped into the Hose Storage Clip,
located on the rear of the Powerhead
Assembly.
D
R
A
I
N
D
R
A
I
N
Powerhead
Assembly
Professional
Locking Hose
Professional
Locking Hose
Rear Hose
Storage Clip
WARNING: 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.
!
CAUTION: Do not operate vacuum
while the hose is still wrapped
around the powerhead assembly in
the storage position.
!
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

17
Detachable Blower Intake
After using the Detachable Blower of your
Wet/Dry Vac, examine the bottom of the
Blower for dust and debris. Check to see
if the Intake to the Blower has debris stuck
to the Plastic Vents and Foam Pad.
To clean the Foam Pad under the Intake
Shield of the Detachable Blower:
1. Remove the Three Screws holding the
Intake Shield.
2. Lift the Intake Shield off and set aside.
3. Lift the Foam Pad away from the
Detachable Blower.
4. Remove the Foam Pad and clean in
warm soapy water or brush debris
away. Allow Foam Pad to dry.
5. Examine Foam Pad for reuse. If you
need to replace it, check on-line.
WARNING: To reduce the risk
of injury from accidental starting,
unplug power cord before changing
or cleaning filter or foam pad.
Foam Pad
Intake
Shield
Screws (3)
6. Replace Foam Pad by reversing Steps
1 thru 4.
7. Reinstall Intake Shield and 3 Screws.
The unit is ready for use.
!
DANGER: Do not operate without
reinstalling the intake shield.
!
MAINTENANCE
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

18
MAINTENANCE
NOTE: The Filter is made of high quality
paper designed to stop small particles of
dust. The Filter can be used for dry pick
up or small amounts of liquid. Handle
the Filter carefully when removing or
installing. Creases in the Filter Pleats may
occur from installation but will not affect
the performance of the Filter.
3. FirmlypresstheQwikLock™Integrated
Filter Plate down around the Qwik
Lock™ Stud until it snaps into place.
NOTE: Failure to properly seat the
bottom Gasket and Integrated Filter Plate
to the Filter Cage could result in debris
bypassing the Filter.
WARNING: To reduce the risk
of injury from accidental starting,
unplug power cord before changing
or cleaning filter.
!
Filter Removal:
1. Place fingers under the two Filter Tabs
of the Qwik Lock™ Filter.
2. With one thumb on the Qwik Lock™
Stud, which protrudes through the
integrated Filter Plate. Lift up on the
Two Filter Tabs while pushing down on
the Stud.
3. This action will cause the Filter to
release from the Filter Cage. Slide
Filter off Filter Cage.
IMPORTANT: To avoid Blower Wheel
and Motor Damage always reinstall Filter
before using Vac for dry material pickup.
Filter Installation:
1. Carefully slide the Qwik Lock™ Filter
over the Filter Cage while aligning the
Qwik Lock™ Stud on the Filter Cage
with the center hole in the Qwik Lock™
Integrated Filter Plate.
2. Make sure the Rubber Gasket at the
bottom of the Qwik Lock™ Filter seats
around the base of the Filter Cage.
WARNING: Do not operate
without filter cage and float, as they
prevent liquid from entering the
impeller and damaging the motor.
!
Qwik Lock™
Stud
Rubber
Gasket at
Bottom of
Filter
PUSH
DOWN
PULL
UP
Filter
Tabs (2)
Integrated Filter Plate
with Center Hole
PULL
UP
Filter Cage
Float
Powerhead
Assembly
Your Filter should be cleaned often to
maintain peak Vac performance.
Filter
Removal & Installation of the
Qwik Lock™ Filter
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

19
MAINTENANCE
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. Cleaning SHOULD be
done outdoors and not in the living
quarters.
3. After Filter removal from Vac, remove
the dry debris by gently tapping Filter
against the inside wall of your Dust
Drum. The debris will loosen and fall.
4. For thorough cleaning of Dry Filter
with fine dust (no debris), run water
through it as described under “Cleaning
A Wet Filter”.
Cleaning A Wet Filter
After 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 Filter.
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.
Allow the Filter to dry completely before
reinstalling and storing the Vac or picking
up dry debris.
WARNING: To assure product SAFETY and RELIABILITY, any other
maintenance, repairs and adjustments should be performed by Authorized Service
Centers, always using RIDGID replacement parts.
!
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

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 double-
insulated 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.
!
16 U.S. Gallon (60 Liter)
Detachable Wet/Dry Vac
Model Number RT16000
Electrical Ratings:
120 V 12.0 A 60 Hz
RIDGID parts are available on-line
Always order by Part Number - Not by Key Number
!
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury from electrical shock, unplug power
cord before servicing the electrical parts of the Wet/Dry Vac.
!
WARNING: All disassembly and repairs should be performed by qualified
personnel.
REPAIR PARTS
This product has a 90 day Satisfaction Guarantee Policy
as well as a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Form No. SP7052 Printed in Mexico 10/18
©2018 Emerson
Part No. SP7052
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187