Python pump repair

BEANC0UNTER

AC Members
Jun 21, 2010
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I bought a Python to do my aquarium maintenance and it has been a life saver. However, like many others, my pump broke. I looked on their website for warranty and they want to hassle you with sending it back to them and then they will ship you a new one. A new pump is between $5 and $10 so I am not sure why I would waste my time only to have it happen again so I fixed mine for good. Here is how I did it.

You will need the following parts:




  1. Dorman 47153 3/4" radiator flush tee - $1 at auto parts store
  2. 4 hose clamps
  3. 5/8" hose - I used the clear heavy duty hose
  4. sink to hose faucet adaptor - bought at any hardware store for your sink
  5. shut off valve for a garden hose
  6. 1 hose repair kit
  7. Finally the end of the cone shape cut off of the python pump - this is what broke on mine so you may not have to worry about cutting it off:lol2:
The first step is to install the faucet adaptor into the garden hose coupling, then cut about a 3 inch piece of the tubing and put onto the barb end and secure with a hose clamp.

Next, take the green cone that was cut off of the Python and push into the top of the tee. Mine wedged in there nice and tight.

You can then put a hose clamp over the tee and push the faucet adaptor/hose from the first step onto the tee. The hose is 5/8" and the tee is 3/4" so it is a tight fight but it will go. Once it is on tighten the hose clamp.

You should have the top half assembled. Now put a hose clamp on the bottom of the tee and shove another 3" piece of tubing on the bottom and secure it.

Take the other half of your hose repair kit and attach it to the bottom tubing coming from the tee.

Now you can attach the hose shut off valve and you are done. Of course you take the cap off the side part of the tee and hood your hose to it.

This should work just like the original pump you purchased but it should not break again and it is close to the same size. You can go as cheap as plastic couplings or get the metal ones to make it ultra sturdy and not worry about stripping threads, etc.

I should have pictures of everything on here. I do not always use the python for the cleaning but it is definitely nice for filling.

I had a few other ideas in case the cone from the Python did not work. The small silver/green item is a tip from a pressure washer that i used a dremel on to make small enough to go into the hose. I tested it on the hose and the whole was too small. You could always drill it bigger.

The other item next to it is a hose nozzle attachment that creates a strong stream of water. It worked about the same as the python cone and so I did not use it because I did not feel like using the dremel on it. I had a thought that maybe you could use one of the black plastic cones that the doctor uses to look in your ear as well. Anything that would narrow the water and create pressure.

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If it works the cool thing is unlike a store bought faucet pump yours DIY has a threaded discharge port for a hose attachment which means you could use it to drain water somewhere else besides the drain like to a yard sprinkler system under pressure or pump RO water from a holding tank to an aquarium. More options, so great DYI if it works.:thumbsup:
 
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