When buying used. . . . .

[YamahaF934]

How do you know if the pump on a product (lets say skimmer) is still good? How long would a pump generally last?

I know how to buy cars, etc but when it comes to electrical pumps, I have no idea.

 

[Aquanaut]

Cleanliness, condition of the seals and look for abrasions on the magnetic impeller. Some brands have a longer life...Eheim(sp?), Sicce, Iwaki, Sequence Gold (5yr warranty). Troublsome units have had stray voltage, ceramic shaft fracturing, overheating head units and brittle impellers. So examine the build quality if possible.

 

[King_Neptune]

brands also matters. ex: eheim and tunze pumps Ive heard of going for a decade or more.