The Bennett Read HYDRO 15 is a versatile wet and dry water-filtration vacuum system designed for comprehensive home cleaning. It leverages an advanced 3-stage filtration system to ensure that dust, dirt, dust mites, and household allergens are effectively removed from your home and contained within the unit, resulting in a cleaner and healthier living environment.
Function Description:
The HYDRO 15 operates as both a dry vacuum and a wet vacuum, offering flexibility for various cleaning tasks. For dry vacuuming, it utilizes a unique water-filtration system where dirty air passes through water in the Water/Dirt tank, dissolving and absorbing dirt. This is followed by a washable sponge filter for further mixing and a reusable Advanced microparticle filter to trap microscopic dirt and dust, ensuring only clean air is expelled. This multi-stage filtration is particularly effective for carpets, tiles, mattresses, upholstery, curtains, and car interiors.
As a wet vacuum, the HYDRO 15 is capable of picking up large volumes of liquids, addressing spills and preventing the growth of mildew, bacteria, and fungi associated with wet messes. It is equipped with an automatic suction cut-off valve that prevents overfilling of the water tank during wet vacuuming, stopping suction once approximately 13 liters of liquid are collected. It's important to note that while it handles wet spills, it is not designed for deep carpet cleaning, which requires specialized deep cleaners.
Beyond vacuuming, the HYDRO 15 also features a blower function. By connecting the flex-hose to the self-sealing blowing port, the machine can be used to blow away leaves and other light debris, adding another layer of utility for outdoor or garage cleaning tasks.
Usage Features:
Setting up the HYDRO 15 for dry vacuuming involves several steps to ensure optimal filtration. First, the motor unit is removed from the water filter tank, and the filter housing assembly is lifted out. The diffuser pipe is then attached to the inlet inside the water filter tank. Clean water is added to the tank, ensuring it does not exceed the maximum level mark on the diffuser pipe. Crucially, three capfuls of BENNETT READ HYDRO DE-FOAMER must be added to the water. This de-foamer is essential to prevent foam formation, which can lead to blockages and damage to the machine, especially given the residual detergents often present in carpets and household surfaces. After adding the de-foamer, the filter housing assembly and motor unit are replaced, and the locking clips are fastened. The ultra-durable polypropylene vacuum hose is then inserted into the vacuum function hose port, clicking into place. The 2-piece stainless steel extension wand is assembled and attached to the handle end of the vacuum hose with a push and twist action. Finally, the appropriate cleaning head—such as the multi-surface dry vacuum nozzle, dual-purpose high-speed turbo brush head, crevice tool, upholstery tool, or dusting brush—is attached to the free end of the extension wand. The power cable is unwound and plugged into a wall socket, and the unit is switched on for vacuuming. The variable airflow control on the handle allows users to adjust suction power by closing the slider to increase suction or opening it to decrease it.
For wet vacuuming, the setup differs slightly. The unit should not be filled with water initially. Instead, the black sponge filter is installed over the float cage under the mechanical water-level detector, and the foam filter lock is attached by aligning notches and turning clockwise. The diffuser filter pipe and microparticle filter guard are not installed for wet vacuuming. After replacing the mechanical water-level detector and motor unit, and fastening the locking clips, the wet spill suction head is attached to the extension wand. The power cable is plugged in, and the unit is switched on to vacuum wet spills directly.
Maintenance Features:
Regular maintenance is key to ensuring the HYDRO 15 continues to perform optimally and to uphold the guarantee. After each dry cleaning session, the water tank must be emptied, thoroughly rinsed, and dried before storing the unit. This prevents the accumulation of dirt and odors. The washable sponge filter (7) also requires washing, rinsing, and complete air drying before being reinstalled. The Advanced microparticle filter (4) should be inspected and cleaned as necessary. It is critical never to operate the HYDRO 15 without all filters properly installed, except when specifically instructed for wet vacuuming where certain filters are omitted.
For wet vacuuming, after use, the cleaning instructions for the water tank and filters, similar to dry vacuuming, must be followed to ensure the machine is clean and dry before storage. This includes emptying dirty water, rinsing the tank and filter housing, and allowing all filters to air-dry completely before reassembly. Replacement microparticle filters are available from the retail outlet where the HYDRO 15 was purchased, ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of the filtration system.
The manual also provides a troubleshooting guide to address common issues such as the machine not switching on, weak suction power, or water leaking/spraying. These remedies often involve checking power connections, cleaning filters, ensuring proper water levels, adding de-foamer, or securing locking clips. The emphasis on proper water levels and the use of de-foamer highlights the importance of adhering to instructions to prevent damage and maintain performance.