PM skimmer pump

[Skeeter]

I just came in from work, and my skimmer is not pumping. It's making an awfull noise. I figure it to be the impeller. I can't find anything local.. I figured I would replace the pump with one I could buy locally. Iwould order the impeller online. That way I would have a spare pump. Pump is a RLP-1500. Does anyone know what pump I can replace that one with,or do I need that exact pump?
BTW...How long will my fish live without a skimmer?(maybe I need a skimmer that I can get parts for locally.
Thanks for any help.

Wes