Yes, the placement of the intake on a shop vac or wet vac can make a difference in its performance and convenience, especially when dealing with liquids. Having the intake at the bottom of the canister with a valve offers several benefits:
Improved Liquid Handling: When the intake is at the bottom, the liquid will naturally flow into the vacuum without any need for additional mechanisms. This design is particularly helpful when dealing with large volumes of liquid, as it allows efficient drainage without the risk of clogging the intake.
No Loss of Suction: Placing the intake at the bottom with a valve doesn't affect the suction power of the vacuum. The valve can be closed when you're vacuuming dry debris or using the vacuum without the liquid collection feature.
Convenient Emptying: With the intake at the bottom, you can easily empty the liquid from the canister by opening the valve, eliminating the need to lift or tilt the entire unit. This makes the process less messy and more user-friendly.
Prevents Water from Reaching the Motor: If the intake is at the top, there's a risk of water or other liquids reaching the motor, which can cause damage and potentially pose safety hazards. Placing the intake at the bottom with a valve helps to keep the motor and electrical components safe from liquid exposure.
Continuous Operation: Having the intake at the bottom with a valve allows you to use the vacuum continuously for both wet and dry applications. You can easily switch between wet and dry mode by opening or closing the valve as needed.
Less Maintenance: The bottom intake design can reduce the likelihood of debris or liquid getting stuck in the intake, minimizing the need for frequent maintenance and cleaning.
In summary, having the intake at the bottom of the canister with a valve is a practical and efficient design for a wet vac, as it simplifies liquid handling, prevents damage to the motor, and offers convenient operation for both wet and dry vacuuming.