How to Fix a Stuck Toothpaste Pump

Toothpaste pumps are handy gadgets. They can pump out a measured toothpaste blob just right for a toothbrush. A toothpaste pump can be used with one hand, making it easy for people in a hurry, for children and for people with hand-coordination problems. Sometimes the pumps quit working even if the pump tube still has toothpaste. With these simple steps you can get the toothpaste pump working again.

Things You'll Need

• Toothpaste pump
• Toothpick
• Paper towel or washcloth

Instructions

1. Look at the pump. If the pump is stuck and will not open, toothpaste may have dried right on the nozzle where the toothpaste comes out. Take a damp paper towel or washcloth and wipe off any toothpaste on the nozzle. Pump the toothpaste once or twice and remove any thick or globby toothpaste that comes out. Wipe the nozzle again to be sure it is clean. This is the most common problem.

2. 

   Consider the pump hinge. Toothpaste may stick at the back of the nozzle between the cap hinge and the nozzle. It acts like glue and keeps the cap from opening. Gently pry the front of the cap off the nozzle and tilt it back. Hold the cap open and use a toothpick to clean any toothpaste from between the cap hinge and the nozzle. Run the nozzle area under hot water to soften dry toothpaste. Clean out all old toothpaste. Try the pump to be sure it works smoothly.

3. Try the nozzle. If the pump works and the nozzle opens but no toothpaste comes out, look inside the nozzle. If the nozzle is full, the toothpaste may have dried inside the nozzle. Use a toothpick or other slender tool to pick out any clogs in the nozzle. The toothpaste should now flow easily.

4. 

   Check the plunger. If the nozzle is clean and the pump works but no toothpaste comes into the nozzle, air may be trapped in the plunger. The plunger is the mechanism in the pump tube that shoves the toothpaste up. Look inside the bottom of the toothpaste tube. A small plastic disc is the bottom of the plunger. Put a finger inside the tube and gently push upward on the plunger until toothpaste flows into the nozzle.

5. Care for the toothpaste. Always store the pump upright. Clean the nozzle when it has toothpaste overflow. Keep the pump out of direct sunlight as heat may cause the toothpaste to dry out.