I recently replaced my functioning, but of unknown age, ejector pump. After washing it, I'd now like to store it so that it could be pulled out in case of an emergency. I'm considering putting it in a bucket of water (along with a few ounces of bleach, to hopefully keep the water from getting nasty over time) and closing it with a suitable lid. This way, everything stays wet and there's less chance of it corroding while in storage. There are no guarantees, of course, it will work if I ever pull it back out – but a potential emergency pump is better than no possible emergency pump.
My question is: has anyone else stored their old pump "wet"? If so, any suggestions /tips? Any alternative approaches? I'm slightly concerned about adding bleach (which could be somehow reactive), but can't think of a better additive to keep the water from fouling.
Best Answer
I've never stored an ejector pump "wet" but if I wanted to do that, I'd store it in a 50-50 mix of distilled water and standard green automotive antifreeze. The antifreeze contains rust inhibitors. I've personally stored a large diesel engine with a cast iron block for five years after flushing and filling it with 50-50 green antifreeze, and at the end of that time the fluid came out perfectly clean. No rust at all. And the antifreeze won't hurt rubber parts like bleach would.
It might be good to run the pump for a few moments after immersing it to make sure all the air is pumped out of it.