Improper priming is a common issue among well owners. Hiring a professional for such tasks can cost between $900 and $2,500. Learning to prime your pump yourself saves money and ensures reliable water flow.
Priming a deep well pump isn’t as complicated as professionals make it seem. Many companies thrive on your confusion, pushing costly services instead of empowering you with the right knowledge. But why pay for something you can master in minutes? Learning the right priming technique helps restore water quickly, save money, and manage your home’s water system.
What Does it Mean to Prime a Pump?
A well pump pulls water from the well and moves it into your home’s supply pipe. If air gets into the pump, it won’t pull water up. Priming the pump means removing the air and adding water so the pump can work properly.
Most well pumps are self-priming, meaning they can remove air on their own. However, to start this process, you need to pour water into the pump casing to help it work.
7 Steps in Priming your Deep Well Pump
Priming a well pump is important to remove air and help it pull water properly. If the pump loses its prime, it won’t work correctly, and your water supply may stop. Through these simple step-by-step processes, you can easily restore your pump’s function and avoid costly repairs.
Step 1: Turn Off Power & Locate the Prime Plug
Safety first! Before starting any work, turn off the power to your deep well pump at the circuit breaker. Working with electrical components near water is extremely dangerous due to the high risk of electric shock. Ensuring the power is off eliminates this hazard, allowing you to perform maintenance safely.
Next, locate the prime plug on your pump. This is usually found on the top or side of the pump housing. If you’re unsure, refer to your pump’s manual. Use an adjustable wrench to remove the plug.
Step 2: Fill the Pump with Clean Water
Using a funnel or hose, slowly pour clean water into the pump’s priming port to fill the casing and pipes, eliminating air pockets. Continue until water slightly overflows from the priming hole. This ensures the pump is properly primed and ready for operation.
If your pump has a check valve, make sure it functions properly. A faulty check valve can stop the pump from holding its prime, allowing water to drain back into the well. Regularly inspect and maintain the valve to ensure consistent water flow and prevent unnecessary priming.
Step 3: Seal and Restart the Pump
After filling the pump with water, securely replace the prime plug. To prevent air leaks, wrap plumber’s tape around the threads before tightening. This ensures a proper seal, maintaining the pump’s prime and efficient operation.
Turn the power back on and listen carefully. The pump should start running smoothly, building pressure and pushing water through the system. If you hear gurgling sounds or notice weak water flow, there may still be air trapped in the system.
Step 4: Check for Airlocks & Repeat If Necessary
If your pump does not fully prime on the first attempt, turn it off and repeat the process. Stubborn air pockets can block water flow, so opening nearby faucets slightly can help release trapped air. Ensuring proper water circulation is key to restoring your pump’s efficiency.
Check for leaks in the suction line, as even a small crack can cause the pump to lose prime repeatedly. Also, inspect the check valve to ensure it is functioning correctly. Once all issues are resolved, your pump should be fully primed and delivering consistent water pressure.
Step 5: Inspect & Clean the Pump Components
Regularly check the pump and its parts for wear, corrosion, or debris buildup. Keeping filters and screens clean or replacing them when needed ensures smooth water flow and prevents system damage. Proper maintenance helps extend the pump’s lifespan and keeps your water supply reliable and efficient.
Maintaining your deep well pump’s components in good condition extends the equipment’s lifespan and ensures consistent performance. Regular inspections and timely maintenance prevent issues like corrosion and debris buildup, which can impair functionality.
Step 6: Monitor System Pressure
After priming, check the system’s pressure to ensure it meets the manufacturer’s recommended levels. Low or inconsistent pressure may signal trapped air or other issues. If needed, repeat the priming process or inspect for leaks to restore proper water flow and maintain efficient pump performance.
Addressing these issues promptly helps maintain efficient water delivery and prevents potential damage to the pump. Regular maintenance, including checking for leaks and ensuring proper operation, is essential to extend the pump’s lifespan and ensure reliable performance. Neglecting these tasks can lead to costly repairs and disruptions in your water supply.
Step 7: Schedule Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your deep well pump is essential to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Conducting routine inspections and addressing potential issues promptly, you can prevent costly repairs and maintain a reliable water supply for your household. For professional assistance and more detailed guidance, consider consulting experts like Vegas Plumbing Pros.
4 Common Mistakes in Priming a Well Pump
Many homeowners make mistakes when they prime pump on their deep well system, leading to further problems. These are the most common errors and how to avoid them:
1. Not Adding Enough Water
Some people stop pouring water too soon, causing air pockets to remain in the system. This prevents proper priming and disrupts water flow. Always add enough water until it slightly overflows from the priming hole to ensure the pump works efficiently.
2. Skipping the Air Release Step
If air remains trapped, your pump may not function properly, leading to weak or no water flow. To fix this, open nearby faucets while priming to release trapped air. This helps water move smoothly through the system, ensuring your deep well pump operates efficiently and restores proper water pressure.
3. Forgetting to Check for Leaks
Even a small crack in the suction line can cause your pump to lose its prime, leading to water flow issues. Before assuming the pump is faulty, carefully inspect all fittings, pipes, and connections for leaks or damage. Fixing these small issues can restore proper pump function and prevent costly repairs.
4. Turning the Pump On Too Soon
If you don’t secure the prime plug properly, air can enter the system, causing the pump to lose its prime and forcing you to repeat the process. Always tighten the plug firmly to create a proper seal before restarting to ensure smooth operation and consistent water flow.
Take Charge of Your Water System
Priming your deep well pump is more than just a maintenance task ; it’s a powerful skill that ensures control over your home’s water supply. Mastering this process, you guarantee a steady water flow and protect your system from damage and costly repairs. This hands-on approach fosters self-reliance and confidence in managing your household utilities.
Take control of your home’s water supply with expert well pump priming! Avoid costly repairs and keep your system running smoothly. Contact Vegas Plumbing Pros today for reliable service and professional support!
FAQS
What happens when a well pump loses its prime?
When a well pump loses its prime, it stops pulling water because air gets into the system. This can happen due to leaks, power loss, or low water levels. The pump may run dry, overheat, or get damaged. To fix it, you need to prime well pump by removing the air and refilling it with water to restore flow.
Does a well pressure tank need to be primed?
If you are setting up a new well pump, starting one after winter, or fixing plumbing issues, priming is key to keeping your well working properly. When you prime the pump correctly, it removes air and creates suction. This suction pulls water from the well and pushes it through your plumbing system, ensuring a steady water flow.
How many gallons of water does it take to prime a well?
Water pumps can’t move air, so priming a pump is necessary by filling the intake pipe with water first. To do this, remove the outlet pipe, pressure gauge, or another plug. Then, use a funnel to pour water into the pump and pipe. The amount needed depends on the pipe size and how far the water is. It may take a few gallons.
How long does a pump take to prime?
Run the pump for about a minute. If you open any relief valves, keep them open until water starts flowing out, then close them. If the pump shuts off on its own, it means it is primed. If it keeps running without stopping, you may need to repeat the process to prime a water pump fully, removing all the air and getting it working properly.
