Do Lawn Vacs Work in the Rain?

Wet Debris Clogs

• Lawn vacs use hoses and impellers to transport debris into a storage bag. As you pass the vacuum across the lawn, powerful suction pulls debris through a nozzle. If you work in the rain, this debris clumps together as it is pulled into the machine. Although suction moves most of the debris through the machine's hose system, leaf portions that clump together form clogs. The obstruction slowly accumulates within the machine until no debris can pass. As a result, you must stop your yard project and clear the blockage. Avoid extensive machine damage by working in dry conditions. Dry leaves and debris do not clump together to form clogs unless they are unusually large.

Electrical Shock

• Many lawn vac models are electrically driven, either from an internal rechargeable battery or wired to an electrical outlet. Working in the rain with a lawn vac may cause serious injury from electrical shock. Although internal parts are typically insulated from water infiltration, you can still receive a severe shock from worn parts. For example, wired machines with a worn power cord can easily touch your skin and cause burns or jolts. Only operate lawn vacs when rain is not imminent. Periodically inspect your machine to ensure that no parts are damaged or exposed to moisture for the best safety.

Internal Part Damage

• Some lawn vac models use a blade system to cut debris into uniform pieces for increased storage during operation. If you operate it during rain, wet debris becomes thick and difficult to shred. As a result, your blades become dull and possibly broken. Other moving parts, such as the impeller, may fail to spin as well, making your suction lose its vigor. Broken internal parts can be difficult to access and may require professional evaluation, creating an expensive repair.

Considering Larger Models

• Tow-behind lawn vacs are commonly attached to large, ride-along mowers. These machines must collect large leaf quantities, making their tube diameters much larger than push-type models. Tubes and hoses may range from 6 to 10 inches wide. But they are still vulnerable to clogs. Although wet debris may have more room to accumulate, clogs still hinder operation and may cause part failures over time. Overall, any lawn vac requires dry conditions for the best operation and longevity.