How long do pumps usually last?

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Nim Dibbley

Nim Dibbley

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Aug 13, 2010
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I have a magdrive 18 pump to return water from my sump and its been running for about 4 years. I just noticed it is clearly pumping water a lot slower then it was before the last water change. i haven't attempted any maintenance yet, but how long do these things usually last before needing to be replaced?
 
A long long time. Its time to replace the impeller. Should be good for ten years or more.
 
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rodger said:
A long long time. Its time to replace the impeller. Should be good for ten years or more.
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^^^Agree^^^
Clean it and replace the impeller. ...that really is all you can do for it any way....
I have pumps that are 5, 6yrs old...they begin to show slowing when I havent cleaned them for say...3 yrs....hahah!!!
Give it a good rebuild and it will be fine.
....and don't forget about the pipes either....
 
I know this will come across as Mag-Drive bashing, but it baffles me that people still buy these pumps when Laguna's will give you way more flow while using a fraction of the electricity.

Mag Drive 1800 does 1,100GPH @ 5' head on 150 watts
Laguna Max Flo 2400 does 1,796 @ 5' head on only 84 watts

Lagunas are also high quality. I've been running their largest model on my setup for 4 years now with now issues.

If you are going to replace the Mag Drive, give the Laguna's a look.
 
I know there are many variables to the cleaning cadence, but how often do folks typically clean their (PVC) plumbing?
 
Yeah, to be honest I had no intent of ever cleaning the PVC pipe but asked since it was mentioned above. There would also be quite a bit to take apart. I do see some slime in the drains but that shouldn't be an issue. Thanks.
 
I run 2 pumps on the 180, ones a blue line mag, other is a mighty might direct drive. I changed the impeller on the Blue line about 3 years ago, both been running well over 10 years, so ya, they last a long long time as long as water flow is good so they are not running hot.
 
DN328 said:
I know there are many variables to the cleaning cadence, but how often do folks typically clean their (PVC) plumbing?
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Never unless I move. Too much good junk grows in there. It's an important part of the filter
 
pre-filter sponges are a wonderful thing, I have never cleaned out my PVC piping.
 
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