Changing the pump in an AeroGarden 7

T'was the day before Christmas and all through the house everyone was stirring, mixing, cleaning, and baking. I didn't have time to install an AG pump, but I figured I wouldn't have time for 2 days straight so I went for it.

The UPS guy delivers on Christmas Eve, in case you were wondering.  

 

My pump arrived in a box without instructions or anything.  Just a box.

 

 

Not one to be intimidated by things like lack of instructions, I dug right in.  I took the top off my Aerogarden and admired the root systems on my plants

 

It appeared that the first step was to pop off a little plastic door on the bottom, which was actually really difficult.  Once that was off, the old pump slid right out.

It was attached to the AeroGarden with a little screw, which wasn't easy to see at first.

 

 

The new pump did not come with that tube, so I removed the old tube it and cleaned it with a paper towel and the end of a paint brush. Seriously gross.

My old pump had a sponge-y filter on it, but the new one did not.  All the numbers matched up though, so I went ahead with installation.  The old one was dated 2008.  I suppose it's not a surprise that it quit.

I thought it was kind of hilarious that they told me to read the instructions before using it.  There are instructions on AeroGarden's site, which I ignored.

Installing the new pump was pretty simple.  Attach the tube and slide the whole thing in the slot.  Make sure the cord is coming out the top or it won't reach, then screw it in.

Instructions? We don't need no stinking instructions!

A quick Google search told me to turn the dial to a 2.  I put it all together and popped it back on the AG.  This new pump is so quiet I can't even tell if it's on!  Probably a pretty strong warning sign that the old pump wasn't very good all along.

After cleaning up I found I forgot to install that little bottom door.  Oops.  I can't tell what purpose it serves, so I'm not putting it back on.  And of course I left the filter off too, since the new pump doesn't have a place for a filter.

A job well done includes leftover pieces. True fact.

I got the whole thing done and cleaned up while my bread was baking in the oven.  It seriously took about 5 minutes.