@minie check inside the container for an elbow pointing downward from the inlet port for the hose. If it is not there water coming in will get picked up by the suction motor. Some misting is normal when sucking up the water, but you should not have lot of water. Also check the float ball cage to make the float is working.
1.When picking up small amounts of liquid the filter may be left in place.
2.When picking up large amounts of liquid we recommend that the filter be removed. If the filter is not removed, it will become saturated and misting may appear in the exhaust.
3.After using the vac to pick up liquids, the filter must be dried to avoid possible mildew and damage to the filter.