Shop vacuum with HEPA where required
Source capture; filtration must match the hazard.
Also called: wet/dry vacuum, shop vac
What it does
Source capture; filtration must match the hazard.
Buy or rent
Rent or buy
Read the manual, inspect the tool and use suitable protection.
Projects using this tool
Install laminate flooring
Detailed DIY guide to install laminate flooring, with calculator, tools, materials, quality checks and common mistakes.
Difficulty: ●●○○○Install click vinyl plank
Estimate click-lock vinyl cartons from floor area and waste. Check subfloor flatness, moisture and required installation clearances.
Difficulty: ●●○○○Install engineered hardwood
Plan engineered wood flooring by area, cartons, offcuts and transitions. Confirm whether floating, glued or fastened installation is approved.
Difficulty: ●●●○○Install solid hardwood
Estimate hardwood flooring and cutting waste. Check the wood's moisture, subfloor flatness and approved fastening method.
Difficulty: ●●●●○Install cork flooring
Detailed DIY guide to install cork flooring, with calculator, tools, materials, quality checks and common mistakes.
Difficulty: ●●●○○Estimate carpet
Detailed DIY guide to estimate carpet, with calculator, tools, materials, quality checks and common mistakes.
Difficulty: ●●●○○Drywall a room
Estimate drywall sheets from wall dimensions, openings and cuts. Check framing, joint details and applicable fire-resistance requirements.
Difficulty: ●●●●○Repair a drywall hole
Detailed DIY guide to repair a drywall hole, with calculator, tools, materials, quality checks and common mistakes.
Difficulty: ●●○○○Add attic insulation
Estimate attic insulation from area, thickness and product type. Inspect moisture, air sealing and ventilation before adding insulation.
Difficulty: ●●●●○Insulate a basement wall
Highly detailed yellow-level guide to insulate a basement wall, with responsibility split, inspection hold points, quote review and work acceptance.
Difficulty: ●●●●●Plan exterior wall insulation
Plan and estimate the project: plan exterior wall insulation.
Difficulty: ●●●●●Insulate a garage
Plan and estimate the project: insulate a garage.
Difficulty: ●●●●●Install a rubber garage floor
Highly detailed yellow-level guide to install a rubber garage floor, with responsibility split, inspection hold points, quote review and work acceptance.
Difficulty: ●●●○○Install PVC garage floor tiles
Highly detailed yellow-level guide to install PVC garage floor tiles, with responsibility split, inspection hold points, quote review and work acceptance.
Difficulty: ●●●○○Insulate and air-seal a crawlspace
Plan and estimate the project: insulate and air-seal a crawlspace.
Difficulty: ●●●●●Locate and check fixture shutoff valves
Highly detailed yellow-level guide to locate and check fixture shutoff valves, with responsibility split, inspection hold points, quote review and work acceptance.
Difficulty: ●●○○○Insulate accessible water pipes
Detailed DIY guide to insulate accessible water pipes, with calculator, tools, materials, quality checks and common mistakes.
Difficulty: ●●○○○Calculate geometric drain fall
Geometry only; diameter, venting, fittings and allowable slope must be validated under the applicable code.
Difficulty: ●●●●○Diagnose a running toilet
Detailed DIY guide to diagnose a running toilet, with calculator, tools, materials, quality checks and common mistakes.
Difficulty: ●●○○○Plan a faucet replacement
Highly detailed yellow-level guide to plan a faucet replacement, with responsibility split, inspection hold points, quote review and work acceptance.
Difficulty: ●●●○○Plan a dishwasher installation or replacement
Understand, measure and plan: plan a dishwasher installation or replacement.
Difficulty: ●●●●○Preventively replace washer hoses
Highly detailed yellow-level guide to preventively replace washer hoses, with responsibility split, inspection hold points, quote review and work acceptance.
Difficulty: ●●○○○Respond to a household water leak
Record affected rooms and estimated wet area when responding to a leak. Stay clear of electrical hazards and identify the water source.
Difficulty: ●●○○○Insulate and air-seal rim joists
Highly detailed yellow-level guide to insulate and air-seal rim joists, with responsibility split, inspection hold points, quote review and work acceptance.
Difficulty: ●●●●○