Help, Octopus skimmer not working

[Reneeslane]

My in sump octopus skimmer is suddenly not working (2 1/2 yrs old) Is there something I can do cleaning wise that might resuscitate it? I thought I saw somewhere something about a vinegar bath? And, can parts be bought for it rather than a whole new one?

 

[allsps40]

How is it not working?? Did it stop making foam or bubbles, is the pump not coming on?? More details please.
Yes things like replacement pumps, impellers and cups can be bought from RO.

 

[Reneeslane]

It's not bubbling.. as far as I can tell I think I hear a hum coming from it. The last few weeks it looked like it was just bubbling white below the neck but there was no muck being formed in it. Now the water is just still.

 

[mginn]

If you have never cleaned it in 2 1/2 years I would do a vinegar soak with it. probably clogged up. I do this with mine when foaming begins to decrease.

 

[Reneeslane]

Thank you. I will try that. How long do you soak for?

 

[mginn]

Mnne fits in a five gallon bucket and I cover the pump usually about a gallon or gallon and a half. I let it soak for about and hour and the turn the pump on and run it another hour. Let it foam out of the skimmer body and clean that out as well. Also check where the air line is attached to the pump I usually find a build up in there blocking the air flow. I use a the head of a small nail to try and clean it out.