Sourcing a Replacement Pump for Mark’s Keg and Carboy Washer

The purpose built Mark’s Keg and Carboy Washer is… awesome. It saves on cleaning and sanitizing solution, it’s versatile, doesn’t take up a lot of space and it saves me time. It’s one of my favorite homebrew tools and it has been for years.  Check out my in depth Hands on Review.

Availability: As of this update the Lyqily featured in this post has had some availability issues. Check the product page for current availability. This post also has a section at the end that has reader submitted options.

As always, make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application.  Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application.  Always read and follow manufacturer directions.

Finding a Replacement Pump

The pump on Mark’s Keg and Carboy Washer is, in general, very reliable.  Mine has lasted, for years, with no issues.  According the manufacturer, most pump issues that do arise are resolved by cleaning the pump.  Having said that, it’s possible that a pump needs replacement.  Finding a replacement is a bit difficult.  These are not sold by themselves.  It is possible to get a replacement from the manufacturer, but you usually need to provide proof of purchase and they aren’t cheap.

I put the call out asking HBF Readers [Let’s be friends!] if they had found any third party pumps that work as replacements for the Mark II Keg and Carboy Washer and Adrian got back to me in short order with this recommendation. Thank you Adrian!

Here it is….

Note: This post features the 740 GPH version. Other versions may be available and could show up by default of the 740 GPP version is out of stock. Double check the product page to see what’s available.

Lyqily 740GPH Water Pump Ultra Quiet 55W Submersible Fountain Aquarium Fish Pond Hydroponic Pump with 8.5ft High Lift, 5.9ft Two-pin Plug Power Cord, 2 Nozzles – note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

This appears to be the same pump with a 3 prong plug instead of 2 prong… Lyqily 740GPH Water Pump Ultra Quiet 55W Submersible Fountain Aquarium Fish Pond Hydroponic Pump with 8.5ft High Lift, 5.9ft Three-pin Plug Power Cord, 3 Nozzles(0.51″/0.63″/0.75″) – note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

A couple initial observations

  1. This is rated at 740 GPH.  It’s my understanding that the current version of Mark’s Keg and Carboy Washer feature 530 GPH pumps.  If all of that is right, this third party replacement has quite a bit more power than the OEM pump.
  2. The Lyqily 740GPH Water Pump is not an exact OEM replacement. I am not reading anywhere in the product description where they are recommending it for this use. This post takes a look at the pump and only tests to see if it is properly sized and threaded.

Top down look at the pumpClose up of the label.  Lyqily LQ-740.  AC:110-120V/60Hz 55W IPX8 Hmax:2.6m Qmax:2800L/H Don’t operate without water.  Read instructions before using.Top view of the OEM pump that came with my Mark’s Keg and Carboy Washer. Kind of beat up from use.Side by side.  OEM pump is on the left.  They are very similar is size although not identical. The Lyqily is more narrow.Front view of the two pumps.  Again, OEM is on the left.  Again, very similar in size, but not identical.  The Lyqily is slightly taller.But is the threading right??  This is a big one. I think the OEM pump has 1/2″ NPT threads. With these smaller utility-type pumps, who knows what the threads will be. It’s rarely mentioned in specifications. I’m happy to report that the threads seem very compatible. If the threads on the Lyqily are not 1/2″ NPT, they seem very close.Another view with the pipe installed.Another view with the pipe installed.But does it fit? While not exactly the same size as the OEM pump, sizing is close. The pump fits nicely and seems close enough to the original to function well from a size perspective.The Lyqily installed in the Mark II basinSide viewWith CIP Spray Ball Installed. See: Mark II Keg and Carboy Washer Mod – SS CIP Spray Ball for more information.The Lyqily installed in the Mark II basin with warm PBW solutionKeg ready to be washed with sweet green color coded keg posts. See my Step by Step on Rebuilding Kegs – Jump To: Section on O-RingsKeg ready to be washed with sweet blue color coded keg posts. See my Step by Step on Rebuilding Kegs – Jump To: Section on O-RingsIn action

Video of Mark’s Keg and Carboy Cleaner using the Lyqily Pump

After every use of my Mark’s Keg and Carboy Washer, I thoroughly rinse out the pump using the hose from my utility sink and then let it thoroughly dry.  This helps to rinse out any chemicals that may cause damage over time.

Size, threading and power all seem very good on this pump.

Lyqily 740GPH Water Pump Ultra Quiet 55W Submersible Fountain Aquarium Fish Pond Hydroponic Pump with 8.5ft High Lift, 5.9ft Two-pin Plug Power Cord, 2 Nozzles – note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Update: As of this update the Lyqily has been sold out for quite some time.

Reader Submitted Pumps…

HBF Reader James says…

The Lyquily seems to no longer be available so I replaced mine with the (FREESEA Fountain Submersible Water Pump: 800GPH

FREESEA Fountain Submersible Water Pump: 800GPH 45W Adjustable Ultra Quiet Aquarium Pump with 3 Nozzles 10ft High Lift for Small Pond | Fish tank | Waterfall | Outdoor | Hydroponics

With the suction cups on, it’s just slightly too wide for the cups to get a good seal, but with the cups off it fits just fine.

Find another pump that works?

If you’ve found something that works, send me an email with the details, I’d love to share with fellow homebrewers,

Pump Care and Materials Compatibility:

Five Star Chemicals says that you should not soak items in Star San solution for extended periods of time. Even chemical resistant items are not impervious to damage caused by extended exposure to acid. This specifically relates to Star San but the general principal probably applies to other chemicals. Along those lines, I’m guessing that you shouldn’t expose your keg and carboy washer to harsh chemicals for extended periods of time. Thoroughly rinsing and drying is probably also a good idea.

Related: Star San Tips and Tricks

Mark’s Keg & Carboy Washer can be found at…

Mark’s Keg & Carboy Washer Review!

Upgrades and Mods

Draft Line Cleaning Builds:

Also Consider:

ball lock jumperStainless Steel Ball Lock Jumper with Food Grade Silicone O-Rings: Allows you to connect multiple ball lock runs to clean multiple lines and taps at the same time. Works with both liquid and gas QDs.  Stainless Steel Ball Lock Jumper – via Valuebrew – An easy add-on… food grade o-rings, featured in our Keg Rebuild Post

Related Resources & Gear

Keg Deals!

keg deals

Star San Tips & Tricks!

Rebuild Your Kegs!

More Homebrew Finds!

Also: Kegerator Tips & Gear | Keg Repair Part #s | Recent Keg Finds

Our Top Draft Resources!

bulk keg orings

 


Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application.  Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application.  Always read and follow manufacturer directions. toppost:markiipump tag:tpr rs:6

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