Craftsman 113179715 20-gallon wet/dry vacuum Parts

Yes, some wet/dry vac filters can be washed, but it depends on the filter type used on your Craftsman 113179715 20-gallon wet/dry vacuum. In general, pleated fine-dust (paper-style) filters are cleaned by dry methods, while foam wet-application filters are the ones typically washed; always follow the owner's manual.

Which filters are washable (and which are not)

Filter material and intended use determine whether washing is safe.

• Foam wet-use filters: washable and reusable when rinsed and fully dried
• Pleated fine dust filters: do not wash; water can damage the media and reduce suction
• Cartridge-style pleated filters: usually dry-clean only (tap/brush/vacuum off dust)
• HEPA-style filters (if equipped): typically dry-clean only unless specifically labeled washable

Quick guide

Filter type	Typical use	Washable?	Best cleaning method
Foam sleeve (wet filter)	Water pickup	Yes	Rinse, air-dry completely
Pleated fine dust	Dry debris, fine dust	No	Tap out, soft brush, vacuum
HEPA-style (if used)	Very fine dust	Usually no	Tap out, replace when clogged

How we recommend cleaning a non-washable fine dust filter

If your vacuum uses a pleated fine-dust filter like the shop vacuum fine dust filter 551090107, keep it dry.

• Unplug the vacuum and remove the filter
• Tap the filter gently to knock off loose dust (outdoors if possible)
• Use a soft brush to lift caked-on debris from the pleats
• Use another vacuum to pull dust from the outside of the pleats (avoid crushing them)
• Reinstall only after the filter and lid area are clean and dry

Why it matters

Washing a dry-use pleated filter can collapse or clog the filter media, which reduces airflow and suction, makes the motor work harder, and can lead to more dust bypassing the filter.

Last updated: February 2026

You can buy replacement parts for your Craftsman 113179715 20-gallon wet/dry vacuum directly from the parts list for this model, which helps ensure you get the correct fit and function. For diagrams, part identification, and maintenance guidance, use the owner's manual.

Best way to buy the right part for model 113179715

• Match the full model number 113179715 before ordering.
• Use the exploded-view diagrams to confirm the exact part location.
• Compare your old part to the listing (ports, diameter, mounting points).
• Order common maintenance items first if performance has dropped (filters, mufflers).
• Keep your receipt and packaging until the repair is complete.

Common replacement parts customers order for this model

These are examples of parts available for Craftsman model 113179715:

What it helps with	Part to look for	When to replace
Reduced suction, fine dust blow-by	Shop vacuum fine dust filter 551090107	Filter is torn, clogged, or won’t clean out well
Loud exhaust noise, harsh airflow	Shop vacuum noise muffler and diffuser, 2-1/2-in 551002117	Muffler/diffuser is cracked, missing, or loose

Why it matters

Wet/dry vacuums are sensitive to airflow restrictions and air leaks. Using the correct filter and exhaust components for model 113179715 helps protect the motor, improves suction, and reduces dust escaping back into the workspace.

Last updated: February 2026

For the Craftsman 113179715 20-gallon wet/dry vacuum, filters are interchangeable only when the replacement filter matches the same mounting style and size as your original filter. The safest way to confirm fit is to cross-check the filter part listing for your exact model in the owner's manual.

What “interchangeable” really means for this vacuum

Many wet/dry vacuum filters look similar, but interchangeability depends on the physical interface, not just the brand name.

• Mounting method (cartridge twist-lock, band clamp, center nut, etc.)
• Filter diameter and height (must clear the tank and motor head)
• Seal style (gasket shape and location)
• Intended use (fine dust vs general debris vs wet pickup)
• Airflow restriction (too restrictive can reduce suction and increase motor strain)

A reliable way to choose the right filter

If you are replacing a missing or unknown filter, we recommend using model-based matching first, then choosing the filtration level you need.

1. Identify the exact model: 113179715.
2. Use the filter type shown in the owner's manual.
3. If you want better fine-dust capture, choose a fine-dust style that still matches the same fit.

Common filter choices (by job)

Cleanup type	What to use	Notes
Sawdust, drywall dust	Fine dust cartridge filter	Better filtration; may load faster
General shop debris	Standard cartridge filter	Balanced airflow and filtration
Wet pickup	Wet-rated filter setup	Use only configurations rated for wet pickup

For fine dust on this model, the shop vacuum fine dust filter 551090107 is a good match to consider when your parts list shows it for your vacuum.

Why it matters

Using a “close enough” filter that does not seal correctly can leak dust into the motor area, reduce suction, and shorten motor life. Matching the correct Craftsman wet/dry vacuum filter style for 113179715 prevents fit issues and performance problems.

Last updated: February 2026

If your wet/dry vacuum’s ID label shows 113179715, you have the Craftsman 113179715 20-gallon wet/dry vacuum. We find the most reliable way to confirm it is to match the model number on the vacuum’s serial/model label to the number printed on your owner's manual.

Where to find the model number label

On Craftsman wet/dry vacuums, the model/serial label is typically on the power head (motor unit), not the tank.

Check these common spots:

• Back or side of the power head housing
• Under the carry handle area
• Near the latches that secure the power head to the drum
• On the underside of the power head lip (where it meets the tank)
• Near the cord wrap or switch area

What to match (and what not to use)

Use the model number to identify your exact unit; other numbers can be misleading.

• Use: model number (example: 113179715)
• Also helpful: serial number (for your records)
• Do not use: tank size (20-gallon), hose diameter, or motor horsepower alone
• Do not use: numbers molded into plastic parts (those are often casting numbers)

Quick ID checklist for model 113179715

If the label is readable, this is what we expect to line up for this model.

Item to check	What you should see	Why it matters
Model number	113179715	Ensures correct parts fit
Brand	Craftsman	Confirms product family
Product type	20-gallon wet/dry vacuum	Helps narrow diagrams and accessories

Why it matters

Parts and accessories (filters, mufflers, hoses, and attachments) are sized by model family and connection style. Confirming 113179715 helps you choose the right replacements, such as the shop vacuum fine dust filter 551090107 or the shop vacuum noise muffler and diffuser, 2-1/2-in 551002117.

Last updated: February 2026

To use your Craftsman 113179715 as a wet vac, you typically switch from dry pickup (filter installed) to wet pickup (filter removed and correct drain setup), then vacuum liquids in short passes so you do not overfill the tank. Follow the exact wet pickup setup steps in the owner's manual.

Wet pickup setup (typical for a 20-gallon wet/dry vacuum)

• Unplug the vacuum before changing any setup.
• Remove the dry filter before picking up liquids (running a wet pickup with a dry filter can restrict airflow and make a mess).
• Check the float/cage area under the motor head; make sure it moves freely so it can shut off suction when the tank is full.
• Confirm the drain is closed (if your tank has a drain cap) before you start.
• Use the correct hose and nozzle for liquids; keep the nozzle slightly above the surface to avoid gulping large volumes.
• Stop when suction changes or you hear the pitch rise; that is a common sign the float is closing because the tank is nearing full.

Quick do and do not list

• Do: Empty the tank promptly after wet pickup and let the tank and hose dry.
• Do: Clean or replace the filter after dry pickup; a clogged filter reduces suction.
• Do not: Vacuum flammable liquids.
• Do not: Store the vacuum with water inside.
• Do not: Run the vacuum without the correct pickup configuration.

If suction is weak after switching to wet pickup

A wet/dry vacuum that seems “stuck in dry mode” is usually dealing with airflow restriction or a full-tank shutoff.

Symptom	Most likely cause	What to do
Suction drops quickly	Tank is full; float is closing	Empty tank; verify float moves freely
Poor suction on both wet and dry	Filter clogged or wrong filter installed	Inspect and replace with shop vacuum fine dust filter 551090107 for dry pickup
Loud exhaust noise	Muffler/diffuser missing or damaged	Check and replace shop vacuum noise muffler and diffuser, 2-1/2-in 551002117

Why it matters

Wet pickup requires a different setup than dry pickup because the filter and float system control airflow and protect the motor. Using the correct configuration helps maintain suction and prevents overflow.

Last updated: February 2026