Skimmer not making bubbles - but I can kick start it

[mike550]

I have a Bubble Magus Curve 7 skimmer and when I try to start it up the pump runs but it isn’t able to draw air through the air inlet tube. It’s like it’s lost enough suction power to draw air into the pump. So to “kickstart” it I can blow into the air intake tube to clear the water from the line and it then runs fine.

Is this just a dirty impeller or something else?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

[topjimmy]

I have a Bubble Magus Curve 7 skimmer and when I try to start it up the pump runs but it isn’t able to draw air through the air inlet tube. It’s like it’s lost enough suction power to draw air into the pump. So to “kickstart” it I can blow into the air intake tube to clear the water from the line and it then runs fine.

Is this just a dirty impeller or something else?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Run some hot freshwater down the air intake.

 

[mike550]

Run some hot freshwater down the air intake.

What will that do?

 

[mfinn]

What will that do?

sometimes the air suction line gets clogged with salt creep and the hot water helps dissolve it.
It also might be a tired/dirty impeller.
The old psk 2500 skimmer pumps used to have this issue.

 

[mike550]

sometimes the air suction line gets clogged with salt creep and the hot water helps dissolve it.
It also might be a tired/dirty impeller.
The old psk 2500 skimmer pumps used to have this issue.

Ah got it! Thanks! Sounds like it's time for a cleaning. Much appreciated.

 

[Daddy-o]

I have 2 curves, definitely start with cleaning the air intake/line

 

[1ByLand2BySea]

Very typical of certain brand of skimmers when the pump and the attachments get dirty.
Just a regular cleaning maintenance will take care of it.
Take the skimmer apart and run the pump and the intake attachments in a light solution of water and distilled vinegar. Cleaning the pump parts with a brush and rinse everything with water.
As mentioned above, inspect the air intake / Venturi attachment as usually a heavy salt deposit settles there that vinegar may not easily dissolve.