jacksammoms-tank November 15, 2012 Share November 15, 2012 Hi all, The skimmer was working like a champ, but I had not cleaned the pumps at all in 3 months. Thought it was a good idea. Swished and ran in water with vinegar. Rinsed in Rodi. Has not worked again. any thoughts? So bummed as I cannot afford another skimmer. Help!!! Thanks, Toni Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dandy7200 November 15, 2012 Share November 15, 2012 Does the pump do anything? What skimmer model? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan November 15, 2012 Share November 15, 2012 Did you take the unit apart or just swished around intact in water and vinegar? Sometimes you have to take the impeller out. It can get clogged. A little whack can loosen things up too. When I clean my pumps I use a toothbrush on the outside and wherever I can get it inside. Then I take it apart and pull out the impeller and squirt a mixture of water and vinegar in there. I put it all back together and let it run in vinegar and water. Then I transfer them to a bucket of water from a water change or a bucket with Ro/DI water and let it run clean for a few minutes. Sound more complicated than what it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Origami November 15, 2012 Share November 15, 2012 Hi Toni. Thinking similar to Jan, does the impeller turn freely on the shaft or is it binding a little. Calcium deposits in the impeller or along the shaft can cause binding. I've had the plastic on some cheap pumps even swell a little, necessitating that I run a small, well-matched drill bit down to make it so it turned freely again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trockafella November 15, 2012 Share November 15, 2012 Ive had mesh wheels go bad and cause it to not work. Just happened recently to me. Put a new one on and it fired right up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steveoutlaw November 15, 2012 Share November 15, 2012 Hi Toni - I will be passing through Centreville around noonish today so let me know if you want me to stop by and take a look. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Integral9 November 15, 2012 Share November 15, 2012 A little whack can loosen things up too. I was going to suggest a swift kick in the pants, but that works too. That happens to me from time to time. Not sure what causes it. Even when I clean the heck of out of pumps, they can still be a little "grabby" when they first start up. I think the biofilm that develops on them over time keeps them loose until the calcium builds up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksammoms-tank November 15, 2012 Author Share November 15, 2012 Steve, sent pm with phone number. Thanks so much! Toni Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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