Wet cell (also called flooded lead-acid) batteries are the least expensive and potentially longest-lasting battery option available. They also require the most maintenance.

Manufacturer reps see a lot of dry batteries in the field. Unfortunately, some end users don't realize they need to add water to flooded batteries.

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"That's just a breakdown of communication and education," says Delzeit, senior applications engineer at Trojan Battery Co., Santa Fe Springs, California. "The distributors are a lot closer to the end users so they can get out there and spread the news."

End users may also avoid watering batteries because it is inconvenient. In some floor care machines, the water tank sits on top of (and limits access to) the battery. Also, larger machines often have multiple batteries; removing the caps from each to check water levels is time consuming.