Should i dunk my pump in vinegar?

[Art13]

I have a rio pump that i use for salt mix, lately, its been acting up. pumping, then making the trying to pump noise but nothing is happening, and then pumping again? Will vinegar fix this or should i be investing in a new propeller? I'm asking about vinegar as i'm thinking theres a possibility for salt build up or calcium on the pump, though i can't really see it on there so it must be hard to see or minor if its there, I'm rambling, what would be the best way to go about this?

[Art13]

and why the hello is the impeller more than half the cost of a new pump?

[thegrun]

Soak it overnight. If it is still running you can also let it run in vinegar overnight. The calcium usually builds up on the impeller shaft, so I would take the pump apart to allow the vinegar to easily get to the impeller opening and the shaft itself.

[Vinny Kreyling]

Try it!
Can't hurt.

[Art13]

was planning on taking it apart first, i never really remove it from water, its always sitting in r/o water after i use it to mix. guess it couldn't hurt, also, i'm guessing after a rinse off from the vinegar, any traces of it will evaporate correct? or it will be something that just won't effect my system?

[Coral Frenzy]

I agree, it can't hurt.

[Vinny Kreyling]

A little vinegar will be fine, people use it for carbon dosing.

[Art13]

Thanks for the info, i'll give it a shot, whats a good amount of time to let it soak?

[Bpawl]

I would soak it at least overnight.

[Palting]

I have two Rio Plus pumps, running 4 years now. Excellent bang for the buck pumps. I take them apart as needed, soak all the parts in undiluted vinegar for about 30 minutes, then clean everything off with a toothbrush. Taking it apart guarantees that you will get all the moving parts and bushings cleaned, for a longer maintenance free period.

[ca1ore]

and why the hello is the impeller more than half the cost of a new pump?

They charge what they figure people will be willing to pay, not based on cost to manufacture. It's a rip, I agree, but it is what it is!

[jaguarmonk]

I have a few Rio pumps. The impeller price is completely ridiculous, have had to replace them due to broken shafts... the broken shafts were because they got calcified and seized up.... So in short.... Yes, soak them in vinegar.

I usually take the whole thing apart, and soak it all in vinegar and hot water overnight. If there is any calcification left, I then scrub it with an old toothbrush. Good as new... Repeat as needed.

[Art13]

I've got it soaking now, has been for a few hours, hopefully this will fix my issue, i need it to make a batch of mix tomorrow.