Can I clean an old water pump?

[Kiefer]

I was recently given a really nice pump that I can use to water my plants - but it has been sitting stagnant for a long time. It has a foul smell and is pretty dirty. Is there any safe way to clean it and still be able to use it for my plants? It is a really nice pump, so if there is a solution, I am open to try.

 

[dr-dank]

I was recently given a really nice pump that I can use to water my plants - but it has been sitting stagnant for a long time. It has a foul smell and is pretty dirty. Is there any safe way to clean it and still be able to use it for my plants? It is a really nice pump, so if there is a solution, I am open to try.

No expert. A soak in a mid-strength hydrogen peroxide or weak bleach solution should work. Disassemble always a good idea if possible.

HTHs

 

[Kiefer]

Thanks, I was thinking H2O2 - appreciate the advice.

 

[Old Spice]

most pumps in use around here (indoors) are magnetic type. They have an impeller that is almost impossible to screw up unless you run abrasive through it.

Take off the foam filter (if it has one) and cover and wash those separately in a sink or bucket with a normal bleach sanitizing/cleaning strength (1 cup per gallon) with a few drops of dishwashing liquid as a surfactant.
At the same time, clean the outside of the physical pump with this solution and a rough sponge or something. Scrub it till you are satisfied its clean.

Setup a small chunk of hose with a couple of elbows that attaches to the top (output) of the pump and shoots it right back down into the bucket.
Fill the bucket with that same kind of (fresh) bleach/water (soap) solution, set the pump and J manifold into the solution (making sure to stay in the bucket.) Plug it in and let it run for a few hours.
If you are really freaked out, change the solution and do it again.

If this doesn't do it, most of the bigger/better magnetics are user serviciable with a cover plate that gives access to the impeller.

Hope this helps.

 

[Old Spice]

PS: easy on the soap (1 or 2 drops. serious) or it will foam up before it has time to clean.

 

[Kiefer]

Thank you very much for the detailed advice - this is like a sump pump - almost look like for outdoors, will try cleaning today. thank you again