Dewalt dc500 won't **** in water

My filter got waterlogged and I had to let it dry out before it would work again. I found I need to let it dry after I use it.

There is a float ball or reed that closes off the exhaust port inside the canister, to prevent water from filling too high when used as awet vac. If lodged or trapped it will prevent suction or discharge in wet and dry modes. look at the housing that the filter attaches to and you will see it. if it doesnt rattle when you shake the unit up and down, it is stuck; otherwise, you must not be spinning the fan blades.