Update on Jan 3, 2014
I always used it in wet mode from 3yrs. Now I can say, you should not use this vacuum in wet mode, may be once in a while is ok. When using in dry mode, you have two layers of protection to engine. But in wet mode, these both have to be removed. So automatically, the water is going everywhere, inside the engine, inside the power cord etc. This is a big defect, why did they not think of protecting the engine in wet mode.
The repairs I incurred when using it in wet mode:
1.power cord is gone, 600 rupees
2.Engine is gone(it never stopped working, but slowly every other part gets damaged) Two thousand rupees
3.The bottom part of the top part, as water is touching it(800 rupees or so)
I took AMC(Annual Maintenance Contract), I paid close to 1900. After taking this contract, you have to wait for 3 months, before they cover any repair. So the first repair, I had to pay for it. Engine they covered for it, that also I had to call them several times and wait for their mercy whether they approve it or not. If you are not in AMC and paid for the repair, they give only 3months warranty. The third repair, they said its not covered.
I would not take AMC ever again for any product. If there is a repair, I would just pay for it, I dont have to wait for anybody's approval.
I am using it in dry mode now. If there is a need, I am using it in wet mode, by putting two polythene covers around the engine, just like how we place the bag in dry mode.
I really miss using the wet mode. My m marble becomes so smooth when cleaned in wet mode. No other vacuum does this, my X5 steam vacuum never gave this smoothness to the marble.
Overall I would definitely recommend this with the limitations I explained above. Until today, this vacuum is a big helper to me, without having the need to hire a maid.
REVIEW
Its been 10 months since I bought this wet and Dry vacuum. When I wanted to buy this, I read reviews online. There were only negative reviews, I was so confused. So I thought let me write about my experience. I bought this for 9990/-. I started using it right away, so when the demo guy came, I asked all my questions and understood all his demo and actually could remember all. I always use it in wet mode. Its a personal preference. I took off the filter and I put the black rubber on the bottom part of the vacuum and its ready to use in wet mode. Its very easy to clean in wet mode.
When using in wet mode I take 2 precautions. First I make it suck some water, so that the dust that goes in goes into water and will not leak out. Secondly, when you start vacuum, take 3-4 seconds delay, meaning dont put the vacuum into dust right away. Because when it first starts, if you put it in dust, some of the dust might come out and we will inhale it. That's why, wait for three or four seconds and then start vacuum the required areas.
I have a duplex house and I used it in so many situations, angles, places from 10months, it was very useful and functions well. I used the grill to vacuum windows, but later I found that cleaning windows with wet cloth is much easier and less time consuming. But for everything else, I use vacuum. I cannot imagine cleaning the house without the help of this vacuum.
I highly recommend this with reasonable expectations. You have to be creative and use all the attachments to suit to your needs.
Update on Jun 19 2011:
I also use this to clean my Sintex(its very big) water tank. I cleaned it twice in the last one year. It was a breeze. Before this, my dad used to call a maid, where they have to get inside and clean, it was such a burden and its not as clean as Vacuum cleaner. What I do is, after emptying the tank to the extent possible, there will be still 2 inches water left in the tank. I suck the water with VC, and it fills up pretty quick. I just empty it and again suck, until little water is left. Then I suck all the mud on the bottom. With this vacuum, I could touch the bottom and easily clean. Try it, you will be happy with the result.
Cleaned the underground Slump:
I bought extra tube in a hardware shop and I attached it to the existing tube and cleaned the underground slump. Its a breeze. You cannot leave the tube in the slump and expect it to do the job. Then its not grabing the water. When you move the tube in and out of water, its filling up very fast. After I found this, it took 20 minutes to empty the slump. I cleaned it twice so far. It is so clean. Earlier, we used call a servant and two people are needed, one goes inside the slump and empties water and dirt and the other one has to take them empty it outside. They never come when we need them and we cannot keep the slump empty, if you dont fill the water even a day in the cities, it becomes so difficult to acquire enough water for daily needs. With the vacuum, we dont have to wait for anyone. We clean it out when slump has low water. This is one robust machine.
Update REPAIR Aug 25, 2012
A week back, it suddenly started to make a loud noise. I submitted an online request to come and repair it, in the eureka forbes website. They came within 5hrs. A technician came and said, its going to be 2500 rupees for the repair. He said the engine is gone. I told him that it is working perfectly fine. Then he said ball bearings are gone, then I asked how long will they last, if I choose to change them(still he said the cost is same- Did not understand how), his answer was'no guarantee'. Then I told him I will think about it and let him know. Then I sent emails through this site to Siddhartha Singh(who seem to represent EForbes), never got a reply from him.
Meanwhile, the vacuum is working fine, just the sound is little more. But compared to paying twenty five hundred for the repair, bearing the sound is much more easier. Actually the sound got down to its normal level, sometimes it comes back, but I put some cotton in my ears and its not a big deal.
I personally think, something is stuck somewhere or some part is loose, hence the strange noise. I am thoroughly disappointed with Eureka Forbes, who is trying to GET money out of customers for nothing. In Indian market, there is no protection to customers. We have to watch our back ourselves.
Update on Dec 10 2012
Found a solution to the loud sound:
The top part, which has engine, has a black support thing. There are 3 screws to that, by which it attached to the engine part. Just tighten those screws, and this loud noise should be gone. At least in my case, its gone and its very quiet now.
