Do I Need To Replace The Impeller?

I’ve been having an ongoing issue with my Aqua Clear 20 making a sort of grinding noise. It doesn’t run as smoothly as it used too. I have a extra impeller that’s brand new. Would that help this issue or does it have to do with the actual motor?

 

Lube it up with silicone lubricant. Just did this with my AC 110 earlier.

 

Since you do have an extra impeller on hand, I don't see anything wrong with just replacing it just to see if it quiets it down.

Usually, grinding noises are caused by the impeller, too

 

Probably just needs pulled apart and cleaned. Some people even put a little vasaline on the shaft although it will atract sand.

 

That grinding noise is called cavitation, it is the formation and subsequent collapse of air bubbles on the leading edge of the impeller blade due to a few possible things:
1. Impeller speed too high for the water volume in the suction chamber
2. Suction chamber is dirty or fouled
3. Dammaged impeller blades

 

Sometimes I just take out the impeller and give it a really good clean (rub it to get any slime off, but also use a tiny bottle brush to clean out the chamber part as well). I've also had a grinding noise happen in HOBS (I don't know what type the filter you mentioned is), when the tube parts aren't quite clipped in properly (the section that sits above the impeller, don't know what it's called sorry), or sometimes just the filter media you're using can vibrate against the plastic too (eg ceramic noodles etc.).

 

Sometimes I just take out the impeller and give it a really good clean (rub it to get any slime off, but also use a tiny bottle brush to clean out the chamber part as well). I've also had a grinding noise happen in HOBS (I don't know what type the filter you mentioned is), when the tube parts aren't quite clipped in properly (the section that sits above the impeller, don't know what it's called sorry), or sometimes just the filter media you're using can vibrate against the plastic too (eg ceramic noodles etc.).

Pick up tube is the name. And the chamber is the suction chamber or volute if it is a centrifugal pump. HOB impeller are a screw type pump.

 

Pick up tube is the name. And the chamber is the suction chamber or volute if it is a centrifugal pump. HOB impeller are a screw type pump.

Thanks for that

 

That grinding noise is called cavitation, it is the formation and subsequent collapse of air bubbles on the leading edge of the impeller blade due to a few possible things:
1. Impeller speed too high for the water volume in the suction chamber
2. Suction chamber is dirty or fouled
3. Dammaged impeller blades

Do you think it would help to replace the impeller? When I unplug it and plug it back in I hear like a water suction/swishing sound like its priming for a second and than it sounds better but eventually comes back.

 

Sometimes I just take out the impeller and give it a really good clean (rub it to get any slime off, but also use a tiny bottle brush to clean out the chamber part as well). I've also had a grinding noise happen in HOBS (I don't know what type the filter you mentioned is), when the tube parts aren't quite clipped in properly (the section that sits above the impeller, don't know what it's called sorry), or sometimes just the filter media you're using can vibrate against the plastic too (eg ceramic noodles etc.).

Is the chamber the areas where the impeller sits?

 

Do you think it would help to replace the impeller? When I unplug it and plug it back in I hear like a water suction/swishing sound like its priming for a second and than it sounds better but eventually comes back.

Pull the impeller and send me a pic. It could be a blade or bearing.

 

Is the chamber the areas where the impeller sits?

The chamber (suction chamber or volute) is where the impeller sits yes.