How to Prime a Well Water Pump (2024)

Let’s face it, even the best pumps can sometimes lose their prime, leaving you with nothing but air and frustration. Worry not, intrepid well owners, for I’m about to embark on a priming adventure with you!

“Prime a well pump” refers to the process of removing air from the pump and the suction pipe, allowing water to move up the well. When a well pump loses its prime, it’s unable to create enough suction to draw water from the well, and instead draws in air, resulting in a loss of water flow.

In this article, we’ll unravel the mystery of how to prime a well pump step-by-step, and we won’t stop until we’ve restored your water flow. So, whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a curious first-timer, saddle up for a priming expedition that will leave you feeling like a well pump wizard!

How to Prime a Well Pump

You should always prime your well pump after it’s installed or after any maintenance or repair work. It is essential to prime a well pump to ensure proper functioning and avoid damage to the pump’s components. Sometimes a well pump may lose its prime even if it’s not freshly installed or maintained. Click here to learn reasons a well pump might lose its prime.

Different well pumps have different priming mechanisms, depending on their design and features. While the overall purpose of priming remains the same — removing air from the pump and suction pipe to facilitate water flow — the specific method of priming may vary based on the type of well pump.

Jet pumps

Jet pumps are one of the most common types of well pumps. They consist of a motorized pump that draws water from the well and a venturi system that generates suction to lift the water. A jet pump can be either a shallow well pump or a deep well pump, and its priming process typically involves adding water directly to the venturi or priming port.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to priming a jet pump:

Materials

A bucket or container filled with clean water
A funnel (optional, but it can make pouring water easier)
Pliers or wrench (to remove the priming plug, if applicable)

Process

Before starting the priming process, make sure the jet pump is turned off and disconnected from its power source.

Identify the priming port on your jet pump. The priming port is typically located near the pump’s inlet and may be marked as “PRIME” or have a specific plug that can be removed to access the port.

If your jet pump has a priming plug covering the port, use pliers or a wrench to carefully unscrew and remove it.

Using a bucket filled with clean water (and a funnel, if desired), slowly pour water into the priming port. This process will fill the pump chamber with water and displace any air present.

As you pour water into the priming port, keep a close eye on the suction pipe (the pipe that connects the pump to the well). You may notice air bubbles escaping from the pipe as the water fills it. Continue pouring water until you see a steady stream of water coming out of the suction pipe.

If you had to remove a priming plug, securely screw it back into place to seal the priming port.

With the priming process complete, reconnect the jet pump to its power source. Turn on the pump and listen for the sound of the motor running smoothly.

Observe the pump for a few minutes to ensure it’s functioning correctly. If the priming was successful, the pump should draw water from the well and push it to the designated outlet.

Inspect the pump and all connected pipes for any signs of leaks. Address any leaks promptly to prevent air from entering the system again.

Submersible pumps

A submersible pump is designed to be fully submerged in the water well. Unlike other water pumps that sit outside the water source and draw water in, a submersible pump is placed directly inside the well, sump, or other water reservoir.

Most submersible well pumps are self-priming, meaning they have a built-in mechanism to handle air removal automatically. This mechanism creates a vacuum in the pump casing, drawing water from the well or water source and displacing any air present. As a result, these pumps are more convenient and user-friendly than traditional pumps.

However, while many submersible pumps are designed with self-priming capabilities, some models require manual priming before they can effectively pump water. Here’s a step-by-step guide to priming a non-self-priming submersible well pump:

Materials

A bucket or container filled with clean water
A funnel (optional, but it can make pouring water easier)

Process

Ensure the submersible pump is turned off and disconnected from its power supply for safety.
If your well pump system has a discharge pipe valve or a gate valve, open it to allow water to flow freely through the system.

Submerge the submersible pump entirely into the well casing. The pump should be fully immersed in water to avoid running dry during the priming process.

Use a bucket or container filled with clean water (and a funnel, if desired) to pour water into the suction pipe. The suction pipe is the pipe that connects the pump to the well. Pour water until the pipe is entirely filled, ensuring there are no air gaps or pockets.

Locate the opening on the pump casing or the priming port, if available. Slowly pour water into the pump casing through the opening, filling it with water. Continue pouring until the pump casing is filled entirely, displacing any air inside.

Once the well pump casing is filled with water, quickly close the pump casing opening to prevent water from escaping.

With the priming process complete, reconnect the non-self-priming pump to its power supply. Turn on the pump and listen for the sound of the motor running.

Observe the pump for a few minutes to ensure it’s working correctly and that water is flowing through the discharge pipe.

Inspect the pump and all connected pipes for any signs of leaks. Address any leaks promptly to maintain prime and prevent air from entering the system.

Non-self-priming submersible pumps may require periodic priming if they lose their prime due to specific conditions. Regular maintenance and monitoring of the pump are essential to ensure its optimal performance.

Remember that non-self-priming submersible pumps should never be operated outside of the water; this can damage the pump’s motor. Proper installation, priming, and maintenance are crucial for the pump’s efficient operation and longevity.

Convertible jet pumps

A convertible jet pump can be used for both shallow and deep well applications. It is called “convertible” because it can be configured to operate in two different ways, depending on the well’s depth.

The priming process for a convertible jet pump may vary slightly depending on the specific setup, but here’s a general step-by-step guide:

Materials

A bucket or container filled with clean water
A funnel (optional, but it can make pouring water easier)
Pliers or wrench (if you need to access and remove the priming plug)

Process

Before starting the priming process, ensure that the convertible jet pump is turned off and disconnected from its power supply.

Determine the location of the jet assembly, which is the part of the pump responsible for generating suction. The jet assembly can be located at the pump’s surface or submerged in the well.

If your convertible jet pump has a priming plug covering the jet assembly, use pliers or a wrench to carefully unscrew and remove it.

Using a bucket filled with clean water (and a funnel, if desired), pour water into the pump casing through the priming port or opening. Fill the pump casing with water, ensuring there are no air gaps.

Pour water into the suction pipe, the pipe that connects the pump to the well, until it is entirely filled with water.

If the jet assembly is located at the pump’s surface, pour water directly into the jet assembly through the priming port. If the jet assembly is submerged in the well, pour water into the well casing until the jet assembly is filled.

If you had to remove a priming plug, securely screw it back into place to seal the jet assembly.

With the priming process complete, reconnect the convertible jet pump to its power supply. Turn on the pump and listen for the sound of the motor running.

Keep an eye on the pump’s water pressure gauge for a few minutes to ensure it’s working correctly and that water is flowing through the discharge pipe.

Inspect the pump and all connected pipes for signs of leaks. Address any leaks promptly to maintain prime and prevent air from entering the system.
Convertible jet pumps may require periodic priming if they lose their prime due to specific conditions. Regular maintenance and monitoring of the pump are essential to ensuring its optimal performance.

Please note that the specific steps for priming a convertible jet pump may vary depending on the manufacturer and model. Always refer to the pump’s user manual for detailed instructions and follow safety guidelines during the priming process.

Manual hand pumps

A hand pump is a manual water pump that is operated by hand without the need for electricity or other external power sources.

Priming a hand pump involves removing any air from the pump and the suction pipe, allowing water to fill the system and creating the necessary suction to effectively draw water from the well. Hand pumps are manual devices, and unlike self-priming pumps, they require manual intervention to establish the water-to-air balance in the system.

The priming process for a hand pump may vary depending on the specific pump model, but here’s a general step-by-step guide:

Materials

A bucket or container filled with clean water
A funnel (optional, but it can make pouring water easier)
Pump lubricant or oil (if recommended by the pump manufacturer)

Process

Before starting the priming process, inspect the hand pump for any visible damage or loose parts. Ensure that the pump is installed correctly and securely in the well casing or water source.

Depending on the pump design, you may need to remove a cover or access panel to expose the pump chamber and suction pipe.

Using a bucket filled with clean water (and a funnel, if desired), pour water directly into the pump chamber until it is full. Some hand pumps have a designated priming port, while others may require filling the chamber through the top or the pump cylinder.

If the pump manufacturer recommends using lubricant or oil, apply the appropriate amount to the pump cylinder or plunger. This step may not be necessary for all hand pump models, so refer to the pump’s user manual for guidance.

Begin operating the pump handle in a smooth and steady manner. The up-and-down motion creates a vacuum that draws water from the well and displaces any air in the system.

Keep pumping the handle until you observe a steady flow of water coming out of the pump’s spout or outlet. You may initially experience air or sputtering before the water flows smoothly.

Observe the pump’s operation to ensure it’s functioning correctly and efficiently, and that water is flowing consistently.

Inspect the pump and all connected parts for any signs of leaks. Address any leaks promptly to maintain prime and prevent air from entering the system.

Hand pumps may require periodic priming if they lose their prime due to specific conditions. Regular maintenance and monitoring of the pump are essential to ensure its optimal performance.

It’s important to note that hand pump designs may vary, and some models may have specific priming procedures outlined in their user manuals. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines when priming and operating the hand pump.

Centrifugal well pumps

A centrifugal pump works based on the principle of centrifugal force, which is generated by the rotation of an impeller inside the pump casing. Centrifugal pumps are known for their simplicity, reliability, and ease of maintenance, making them a popular choice for a wide range of fluid handling needs.

Priming a centrifugal well pump involves filling the pump casing and the suction pipe with water to remove any air and create the necessary vacuum for water suction. Unlike self-priming pumps that can handle air removal automatically, centrifugal well pumps require manual intervention to establish the water-to-air balance in the system.

The priming process for a centrifugal well pump may vary slightly depending on the specific pump model, but here’s a general step-by-step guide:

Materials

A bucket or container filled with clean water
A funnel (optional, but it can make pouring water easier)
Pliers or wrench (if you need to access and remove a priming plug or valve)

Process

Before starting the priming process, ensure that the centrifugal well pump is turned off and disconnected from its power supply for safety.

Identify the priming port or plug on the pump casing. The priming port is the designated opening used to introduce water directly into the pump.

If your centrifugal well pump has a priming plug or valve covering the priming port, use pliers or a wrench to carefully unscrew and remove it.

Using a bucket filled with clean water (and a funnel, if desired), pour water directly into the pump casing through the priming port. Fill the pump casing with water until it is full, ensuring there are no air gaps.

Pour water into the suction pipe, the pipe that connects the pump to the well, until it is entirely filled with water. This step is essential to removing air from the suction line.

If you had to remove a priming plug or valve, securely screw it back into place to seal the priming port.

With the priming process complete, reconnect the centrifugal well pump to its power supply. Turn on the pump and listen for the sound of the motor running.

Observe the pump for a few minutes to ensure it is functioning correctly and that water is flowing through the discharge pipe.

Inspect the pump and all connected pipes for any signs of leaks. Address any leaks promptly to maintain prime and prevent air from entering the system.

Centrifugal well pumps may require periodic priming if they lose their prime due to specific conditions. Regular maintenance and monitoring of the pump are essential to ensure its optimal performance.

Regularly check your well pump system to ensure it remains properly primed and maintained, providing you with a reliable and consistent water supply. If you encounter any difficulties or issues during the priming process, it’s a good idea to seek assistance from a qualified well pump technician.

How a Well Pump Loses Its Prime

A well pump loses its prime when the water in the system is replaced by air, disrupting the necessary vacuum or pressure needed to draw water effectively from the well. This can happen due to various reasons, and below I explain some of the common ways a well pump loses its prime:

1. Air leakage

One of the primary reasons for losing prime is air leakage in the suction line or the pump itself. The suction line is the pipe that connects the well pump to the water source (well). If there are any cracks, loose fittings, or damaged seals in the suction line or the pump, air can infiltrate the system. When the pump is running, it pulls in air instead of water, causing a loss of prime.

2. Power interruption

If the well pump experiences a power outage or is turned off accidentally, the water inside the pump and suction line can drain back into the well. When the pump is turned back on, it has to start the priming process again because air has entered the system in place of the water.

3. Low water level

A well pump requires a sufficient water level in the well to function correctly. If the water level in the well drops significantly, especially during drought or low water-table conditions, the pump may start drawing in air instead of water, leading to a loss of prime.

4. Pump overworking

Continuous operation of the well pump beyond its recommended capacity can cause excessive heat and the formation of air bubbles inside the pump. These air bubbles can disrupt the pump’s ability to create the necessary suction, resulting in a loss of prime.

5. Valve issues

Some well pump systems have check valves or foot valves that prevent water from flowing back into the well once it has been pumped up. If these valves are faulty, they may fail to maintain the water seal, allowing water to drain back into the well and leading to a loss of prime.

6. Clogged suction line

Debris or sediment can accumulate in the suction line over time, obstructing the flow of water into the pump. As a result, the pump may pull in more air than water, causing a loss of prime.

7. Mechanical failures

Any mechanical issues with the well pump, such as a malfunctioning impeller or a worn-out diaphragm, can lead to a loss of prime. These failures can disrupt the pump’s ability to create the necessary pressure or vacuum for water suction.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve now mastered the art of priming your well pump like a pro. By following these simple yet crucial steps, you can ensure a seamless flow of water from your well, no matter what kind of well pump you have.

So, the next time you find yourself facing a well pump that’s lost its prime, don’t fret! Armed with the knowledge and know-how, you can confidently tackle the priming process and restore the lifeblood of your water supply.

As a precaution, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for priming to ensure proper and safe operation. If you’re unsure about the priming process or encounter difficulties, it’s best to seek assistance from a qualified professional or well pump technician.

If you’re interested in learning more about well water pumps and want to explore comprehensive how-to guides, there are additional resources available that can offer you in-depth information.