How to Prime a Water Pump
Turn off electrical power to the pump., Locate a plumbing fixture that provides access to the pump system., Inspect the system for damage., Prepare a hose that can be connected to an independent water source., Open any relief valves on the pump...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Turn off electrical power to the pump.
No device should be left on if you're fiddling with it.
Turn off any and all electrical power to the pump and system at the breaker panel.
You can also go to the base of the pump to make sure it's turned off. -
Step 2: Locate a plumbing fixture that provides access to the pump system.
On a pool pump, this will be the strainer basket.
If you're not working with a pool pump, use whatever fixture is closest to the water tank. , Check all piping and fittings for any cracks,, or damage, especially if system was shut down over the winter.
Check each drain plug to see if it needs re-tightening, and manually operate any valves.
Ensure that all nuts, bolts and anchoring fasteners of the pumping system are in place and tightened properly.
You should also inspect any safety guards, belts and pulleys that there might be., Flush the hose to remove any build-up and ensure you have clean water.
Run water through it, keeping a constant stream for a few seconds before you shut it off.
This is especially important for hoses that aren't routinely used or haven't been used yet this season.
Many people choose to use their garden hose or their washing machine hose connected to their garden hose.
However, if your garden hose contains lead, know that you shouldn't drink from it.
If you're using this for a well, be sure you have a way of filtering the water before and after it's through the hose. , This will keep pressure from building up.
Watch your water pressure gauge to make sure all is going according to plan. , On a pool pump, place it in the strainer basket.
If you're priming a water pump for a building, just connect it to the fixture nearest the water tank.
You now have a source of water flowing into the new building or pool. , At the beginning, you'll hear air flowing through the system.
This is normal. , You should hear water filling the tank or, if you have a water pressure gauge, notice the level rising.
On a pool pump, fill the strainer basket and close its lid. , Once you see water coming out the opposite end, you can turn off the turn off the water to the hose.
This should take but a few minutes.
When the water stops flowing on the opposite end (where you're trying to get the water to), the water system has been pressurized.
However, don't disconnect the hose, just in case you end up needing to repeat the process. , Allow it to run for about a minute.
Do know that the pump might not run if the water tank pressure is at or above that pump's cut-out pressure. if it doesn't start, that's why.
If you have opened relieve valves, wait for water to begin seeping from them and then close them. , If it turns off naturally, it is primed.
If not, you need to prime again.
Try turning the water on at the recipient source.
If you hear the water pump turn on, you're good to go. , In certain circumstances, you may need to repeat this once or twice more.
If you have a water tank that is the steel bladderless type, try leaving the tank drain open at the start of the procedure.
This way incoming water can enter the tank by pushing air out of the drain.
However, when you see water coming out of the drain, close it. -
Step 3: Inspect the system for damage.
-
Step 4: Prepare a hose that can be connected to an independent water source.
-
Step 5: Open any relief valves on the pump system.
-
Step 6: Insert the hose in the plumbing fixture.
-
Step 7: Turn on the water to the hose.
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Step 8: Wait for water to enter the tank.
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Step 9: Turn off the water to the hose.
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Step 10: Restore power to the pump and turn on the pump system.
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Step 11: Wait for the pump to finish its cycle.
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Step 12: Repeat all steps until the pump is primed and functioning normally.
Detailed Guide
No device should be left on if you're fiddling with it.
Turn off any and all electrical power to the pump and system at the breaker panel.
You can also go to the base of the pump to make sure it's turned off.
On a pool pump, this will be the strainer basket.
If you're not working with a pool pump, use whatever fixture is closest to the water tank. , Check all piping and fittings for any cracks,, or damage, especially if system was shut down over the winter.
Check each drain plug to see if it needs re-tightening, and manually operate any valves.
Ensure that all nuts, bolts and anchoring fasteners of the pumping system are in place and tightened properly.
You should also inspect any safety guards, belts and pulleys that there might be., Flush the hose to remove any build-up and ensure you have clean water.
Run water through it, keeping a constant stream for a few seconds before you shut it off.
This is especially important for hoses that aren't routinely used or haven't been used yet this season.
Many people choose to use their garden hose or their washing machine hose connected to their garden hose.
However, if your garden hose contains lead, know that you shouldn't drink from it.
If you're using this for a well, be sure you have a way of filtering the water before and after it's through the hose. , This will keep pressure from building up.
Watch your water pressure gauge to make sure all is going according to plan. , On a pool pump, place it in the strainer basket.
If you're priming a water pump for a building, just connect it to the fixture nearest the water tank.
You now have a source of water flowing into the new building or pool. , At the beginning, you'll hear air flowing through the system.
This is normal. , You should hear water filling the tank or, if you have a water pressure gauge, notice the level rising.
On a pool pump, fill the strainer basket and close its lid. , Once you see water coming out the opposite end, you can turn off the turn off the water to the hose.
This should take but a few minutes.
When the water stops flowing on the opposite end (where you're trying to get the water to), the water system has been pressurized.
However, don't disconnect the hose, just in case you end up needing to repeat the process. , Allow it to run for about a minute.
Do know that the pump might not run if the water tank pressure is at or above that pump's cut-out pressure. if it doesn't start, that's why.
If you have opened relieve valves, wait for water to begin seeping from them and then close them. , If it turns off naturally, it is primed.
If not, you need to prime again.
Try turning the water on at the recipient source.
If you hear the water pump turn on, you're good to go. , In certain circumstances, you may need to repeat this once or twice more.
If you have a water tank that is the steel bladderless type, try leaving the tank drain open at the start of the procedure.
This way incoming water can enter the tank by pushing air out of the drain.
However, when you see water coming out of the drain, close it.
About the Author
Catherine Campbell
Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in cooking and beyond.
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