Priming a Water Pump: Step by Step

While many of today's water pumps feature a self-priming function, it's best to have the knowledge of how to manually prime your water pump safely in your back pocket––should the occassion ever arise. Priming allows your pump to create the pressure that's necessary for it to draw water in and pump it where it needs to go, but it also makes sure that there aren't any unwanted leaks in your pump's system while preventing backflow once the pump is turned off. If you notice that your water pump is struggling to pull in liquid, it's best to first check that your water pump is fully primed, and this step by step guide will show you how. 

What Happens If My Water Pump Isn't Primed? 

An incorrectly or unprimed pump are two of the most common reasons your water pump is malfunctioning, which can lead to costly repairs and downtime for your operation. If you don't prime your pump, you risk mechanical seal failure, and further damage to other necessary pump components. Without proper priming, your water pump's motor will still run, but you'll notice low water pressure, or no fluid delivery at all.  

What Causes a Water Pump Not to Prime?

Depending on the type of pump you own, there are a variety of reasons why you're experiencing priming issues. A self-priming pump that's failed to prime can be particularly frustrating. For self-priming pumps with faulty priming, you might be able to self-diagnose with one of these common issues, and then contact an expert for further repairs: 

  • Debris in the impeller will prevent the impeller from creating the low pressure needed to prime the pump. 
  • A suction line air leak will cause air to be continuously drawn into the pump, but because it cannot properly circulate, the necessary pressure won't occur. 
  • The recirculation port could be plugged, which will also affect the pump's ability to create pressure. In particular, the eye of the impeller won't be able to create the low pressure needed since fluid isn't recirculating through the pump casing.
  • Confirm that you're operating with the proper suction lift requirements.
  • An air bound pump might occur if the discharge line is pressurized, there's no air release line, or the clearance between the impeller and wear plate is too much. 

How to Prime Your Water Pump

  • Before starting this maintenance task, turn off the pump's power. 
  • Look near the water tank and locate the plumbing fixture that allows access to the pump's system.
  • Set up a large hose connected to an independent water source. Run fresh water through the hose for a few seconds to ensure that it's free of any build-up that might contaminate the water going into your pump.
  • If you're operating a pump with relief valves, open them. Keep an eye on your water pressure gauge during this step.
  • Once cleared, place the hose inside the plumbing fixture mentioned in step two. 
  • Turn on the water flow through the hose. If done properly, you'll begin to hear some air flowing through the pump's system.
  • The pump's tank will begin to fill with water. Listen for water filling the tank, or you can see the level rising on the gauge. 
  • Once you see water exiting the opposite end, turn off the water flow to the hose. Water leaving the opposite end means that your water system has been successfully pressurized.
  • Turn the pump's power back on, and allow it to run as-is for about a minute. If you opened valves on your pump, wait until water seeps out from them before closing. 
  • Wait for your water pump to finish its cycle. If the pump turns off naturally, you've fully primed your pump. If the pump doesn't shut off, repeat this process again until successful priming. 
  • Repeating these steps is normal to reprime your water pump. To test that your pump is working properly, try turning the water on at the recipient source. If the pump audibly turns of, you've successfully primed your water pump. 

Whether you're searching for a water pump that accomplish small residential tasks or large construction operations, Absolute Water Pumps carries water pumps fit for all occassions and specifications. Contact an Absolute Water Pumps specialist to find a water pump that suits your needs. 

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