Beatrice Lang
If you're experiencing issues with your water supply, such as low water pressure or a complete lack of water, you may need to prime your electric well pump. Priming a well pump involves manually creating a pressure vacuum by filling the pump with water to remove air pockets, allowing the pump to resume drawing water from the well and supplying it to your home. This process is typically only required for non-submersible shallow well pumps during installation or after a malfunction. Submersible deep well pumps, on the other hand, rarely need priming as they operate underwater. In this guide, we will cover the steps to prime both types of well pumps and provide useful tips for maintaining a functional water supply.
Characteristics and Values Table for Priming an Electric Well Pump
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to Prime | When the pump loses its prime, it can’t pull water, leading to a loss of water pressure. This problem often arises after repairs, power outages, or long periods of inactivity. |
| How Often to Prime | Self-priming pumps rarely need to be primed more than once. However, malfunctions can cause a loss of prime, requiring re-priming. |
| Types of Pumps | Submersible and non-submersible, Jet and Convertible Jet, Shallow and Deep Well Pumps |
| Priming Process | 1. Turn off the power to the pump. 2. Disconnect the pump. 3. Inspect the pump for damage. 4. Locate and remove the prime plug. 5. Open release valves. 6. Fill the pump casing with water. 7. Replace the prime plug. 8. Reconnect the pump and run a cycle. |
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What You'll Learn
Know when to prime your pump
Knowing when to prime your pump is essential for maintaining a well-functioning well pump system. Here are some key indicators and situations that signal it's time to prime your electric well pump:
No Water or Low Water Pressure
If you turn on a faucet and no water comes out, or you experience low water pressure, it could be a sign that your well pump has lost its prime. Check your breaker to ensure that the pump and tank are receiving power. If they are, then priming your well pump may be the solution.
Air in the Pump
If air gets into the pump, it will struggle to suction water upwards. Priming the pump involves manually removing air from the pump and filling it with water, which is necessary for the pump to function properly.
Installation or Reinstallation
Priming a well pump is typically done during the initial installation process. This is because priming creates the necessary internal pressure to draw water from the well and pump it to where it needs to go.
Malfunctions or Prolonged Disuse
After the initial installation, you may only need to prime your well pump again after any malfunctions or if you're restarting it after a prolonged period, such as during winter months.
Self-Priming Pumps
Most well pumps are self-priming, meaning they can create a partial vacuum by purging air from the intake hose and pump casing. However, even self-priming pumps may require priming in certain circumstances. For example, if a check valve or foot valve stops working, water can fall back into the cistern, creating an air pocket. This will require you to prime the pump again.
By understanding when to prime your electric well pump, you can ensure the efficient and effective functioning of your well pump system.
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Prepare your pump for priming
Before you begin the priming process, it is important to take a few preparatory steps to ensure the process goes smoothly. Firstly, make sure to turn off the power to the well pump. This is a crucial safety measure to avoid any accidental electrical shocks or damage to the pump. Most well pumps have a dedicated circuit breaker or a switch near the pressure tank, so locate this and flip it to the "off" position. After turning off the power, double-check that the pump is indeed off by attempting to run water from a faucet; if no water comes out, you've successfully turned off the power.
Gather all the necessary tools before starting. You'll need a hose that can be connected to an independent water source. Flush the hose to remove any buildup and ensure you have clean water. Run water through it for a few seconds before shutting it off, especially if the hose hasn't been used in a while. Check that all nuts, bolts, and anchoring fasteners of the pumping system are in place and tightened properly. Also, inspect any safety guards, belts, and pulleys for any signs of damage or wear and tear.
Now, you need to locate the priming port on the well pump. This is usually situated on top of the pump or near the suction pipe. Remove the prime plug, which is typically a square or hexagonal-shaped plug located at the top of the pump. Open the release valves to prevent pressure buildup. You are now ready to begin priming your pump.
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Fill the pump with water
Filling the pump with water is the most important step in priming an electric well pump. Priming a well pump involves manually creating a pressure vacuum through which water can be pulled from the well and directed through the water lines. This is done by filling the pump with water and forcing it through the pump to create enough pressure for the pump to begin pumping water again.
Before filling the pump with water, it is important to turn off the electrical power to the pump and disconnect it from all power sources. This is a crucial safety step to avoid any accidental electrical shocks or damage to the pump. Once the power is off, the next step is to locate the priming port or the prime plug, usually situated on top of the pump or near the suction pipe.
Now, it's time to fill the pump with water. Prepare a hose that can be connected to an independent water source. The water source you use to fill the pump needs to match the application of the well pump. For example, if you are using the well pump for drinking water, use potable (clean) water to fill the pump. Insert the hose into the priming port or the hole where the prime plug was, and turn on the water to start filling the pump casing with water.
Keep the hose running until the pump casing is full and water starts to overflow from the prime plug hole and the relief valves. Then, turn off the hose and replace the prime plug. Finally, reconnect the pump to the power and run it through a normal cycle. If the pump starts and stops normally, close the relief valves.
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Check the water source
Before you start priming your electric well pump, it is important to check the water source. The water source you use to fill the casing needs to match the application of the well pump. For example, if you use the well pump for drinking water, you need to use potable (clean) water to fill the tank. This applies to whatever you're using to hold the water (buckets, bottles, etc.). If you are using a hose, make sure to flush it to remove any build-up and ensure you have clean water. Run water through it, keeping a constant stream for a few seconds before turning it off. This is especially important for hoses that are not routinely used or haven't been used for a while.
If you are priming a shallow-well pump to pull drinking water from the well, you’ll need to use a hose that emits clean drinking water to fill the tank. If you are priming a deep-well pump, you won't need to prime it after installation because it operates underwater and is submerged at all times. However, if you have a jet pump, it may need to be primed. Jet pumps are typically used for shallow wells and need to be primed more often.
If you are priming your well pump after a power outage, it is important to check that the power is indeed off. Test this by attempting to run water from a faucet. If no water comes out, you’ve successfully turned off the power. If you are priming your pump due to low water pressure, check your breaker and make sure the pump and tank are getting power. If those are working, you may need to prime your well pump.
If you are priming your pump due to a lack of water, it could be due to the little use of the house or the pump, if it has been uninhabited for a while. It could also be due to a lack of cleanliness of the tank.
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Test the water flow
Once you have primed your electric well pump, you need to test the water flow. Turn on a faucet inside your home to check if the water is flowing smoothly. If the water is flowing without interruption, you can close the tap. If not, you may need to repeat the priming process.
If the pump still sounds harsh, cut off the power and prime it again. Run the water from the faucet closest to the pump for 30 seconds. This will help to clear the air from the system. Once the water is flowing without interruption, close the tap.
Keep an eye on the pump and water pressure for the next few days. If you notice any issues, it might indicate a deeper problem that requires professional attention. Regular maintenance is vital for preventing future priming issues.
Regular inspections are important. Check your pump and plumbing regularly for signs of wear and tear. Address any leaks immediately to prevent air from entering the system. Have a professional inspect and service your pump annually. Consistent maintenance will extend the life of your well pump and ensure a steady water supply.
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Frequently asked questions
Priming a well pump means manually creating a pressure vacuum to remove air from the pump and fill it with water, so it can continue to draw water upwards.
You may need to prime your well pump if you turn on a faucet and no water is coming out or you have low water pressure. This could be due to a simple fix like a tripped breaker, or you may need to prime your pump.
First, turn off the power to the well pump and disconnect it from electrical outlets. Then, locate and remove the prime plug and open the release valves to prevent pressure buildup. Next, use a hose to fill the pump casing with water until it comes out of the prime plug and relief valves. Replace the prime plug, reconnect the pump, and run it through a normal cycle.
The water you use to prime your well pump should match the intended use. For example, if you are using your well pump for drinking water, you need to use potable (clean) water to fill the tank.
Turn on a faucet inside your home to test the water flow. If water is flowing smoothly, your pump is successfully primed. If not, you may need to repeat the priming process.
