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How to Prime a Well Pump: 6 Easy Steps

prime well pumpMore than 43 million people—about 15 percent of the U.S. population—rely on private wells for their drinking water. If you’re one of them, that well pump is the heart of your water system.

Priming the pump ensures water flows reliably and smoothly, and knowing how to do this yourself can save you a world of trouble. If you’re new to priming, don’t sweat it. This guide breaks down the process to help you prime your well pump safely, with minimal hassle.

Key Takeaways

  • Priming restores water flow and prevents pump damage.
  • Submersible pumps generally don’t need priming, while non-submersible shallow pumps do.
  • Regular maintenance and re-priming may be necessary, especially after repairs or malfunctions.

Types of Well Pumps

When it comes to well pumps, knowing what type you have is the first step. Different pumps mean different priming needs.

Submersible vs. Non-Submersible Well Pumps:

Submersible Well Pumps: These work underwater and are used for deep wells. Since they’re already submerged, they don’t require priming.

Non-Submersible Well Pumps: These sit above ground and are typically used for shallow wells. Non-submersibles require manual priming since they don’t have water in the pump casing by default.

Importance of Priming a Well Pump

Well Pump HomePriming isn’t just a one-time thing; it’s about keeping your well pump in good shape. Priming means filling the pump casing with water to create a vacuum that pulls more water through. Here’s why that matters:

  • Consistent Water Pressure: Priming keeps your water pressure steady and reliable, so you don’t end up with an unexpected trickle when you need a stream.
  • Longer Pump Life: Running a dry pump wears down the motor fast. Priming avoids those “dry runs” that can lead to burnout.
  • Efficiency: Priming helps maintain the pump’s pressure, distributing water through your pipes without losing steam halfway through.

How to Prime a Shallow Well Pump

Now lets get to priming a shallow well pump. Before diving in, a word to the wise—safety first. Check for leaks or any signs of damage as you go along.

  1. Disconnect the Power: You don’t want any surprises here. Make sure the pump is unplugged before touching anything else.
  2. Remove the Prime Plug: Locate the prime plug on top of the pump casing, and unscrew it to create an opening.
  3. Open Release Valves: This prevents any buildup in pressure, making the whole process smoother.
  4. Attach Water Hose: Connect a water hose to the prime plug hole. The water you use should match the pump’s use—if it’s for drinking water, use potable water; if it’s for irrigation, that’s less critical.
  5. Fill the Pump Casing: Turn on the water, allowing it to flow until the casing overflows. You’re aiming for a fully filled pump to create the suction needed.
  6. Reattach the Prime Plug and Power Up: Put the prime plug back in place and reconnect the power. Test the pump. If it cycles abnormally, go through the steps again.

What About Convertible Jet Pumps?

Convertible jet pumps work for both shallow and deep wells and need a bit more finesse. These pumps use two pipes instead of one, so both pipes must be filled with water to prime it effectively.

The process is similar but requires patience. Filling both pipes thoroughly keeps air pockets out, which means fewer issues down the line.

Do You Ever Have to Re-Prime a Self-Priming Pump?

Self-priming pumps are usually hands-off, but there are exceptions. Sometimes, air can sneak in, especially if there’s a malfunction. Situations that may require re-priming include:

  • Faulty Check or Foot Valves: A leaky valve lets air in, breaking the vacuum needed to pull water up.
  • Air Pockets: Water loss can create gaps of air that interfere with smooth operation.
  • Potential Motor Burnout: If air gets trapped, the motor could overheat and risk burning out.

Routine inspection of valves helps catch issues before they require re-priming.

Troubleshooting a Well Pump That Won’t Prime

If your pump refuses to prime, there might be more going on. Here’s a list of things to look for:

  • Broken Parts: Check for any damaged or worn components.
  • Leaky Pipes or Loose Fittings: Air leaks often hide in the threaded fittings. A quick way to detect leaks is to listen for a faint hissing sound when water flows or to use plumber’s tape around any suspect joints.
  • Low Pressure: If pressure remains low, consider installing an external pressure gauge to keep tabs on it. Sometimes, adding a booster pump can help if pressure issues persist.

After any repairs, remember to re-prime. And if none of these troubleshooting steps work, it might be time to call in a pro.

Keep Your Well Pump in Top Shape With Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin LogoIf you run into issues that are beyond a simple fix, getting a professional can save you time and stress. Hiring a pro for complex issues means you benefit from skilled diagnostics and can often catch small problems before they turn into big repairs.

Service Minds Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Niceville, FL, and the surrounding areas offers well pump services by their “punctual plumbers,” meaning they’ll arrive on time and ready to help you out.

FAQs

Let’s go over some of the most common questions homeowners have about well pump-priming:

How do I know if my pump needs priming?

If you hear the motor running but there’s no water flow, or if the pump loses pressure, it may need priming.

What if my pump doesn’t have a prime plug?

Some pumps may not have a visible plug. In this case, consult the pump’s manual or check for an access point on the pump casing.

How often should I prime my pump?

You generally only need to prime the pump during initial setup, after repairs, or if there’s a loss of water pressure.

Can I use any water to prime the pump?

For drinking water, always use potable water when priming. For irrigation, regular water will do.

Why does my pump lose prime frequently?

Frequent loss of prime may be due to leaks in pipes, faulty valves, or air pockets. A pro inspection can help spot hard-to-find issues.

Should I use any chemicals while priming the pump?

No, chemicals aren’t necessary and may damage the pump.

Final Thoughts

Priming a well pump is manageable with the right steps and a bit of patience. Whether you’ve got a shallow well pump, jet pump, or submersible, knowing how and when to prime can make all the difference.

Keep up with regular inspections and basic maintenance to avoid future issues. Priming your pump properly means you’ll have reliable water flow without the need for an emergency plumber every time something goes wrong.