Q&A for How to Prime a Water Pump

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How do I check the foot valve on a shallow well pump?

Anthony "TC" Williams
Experienced Landscaper
Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas.

Anthony "TC" Williams

Experienced Landscaper

Expert Answer

The first indication of a faulty foot valve is being unable to fill the suction pipe full of water or it leaks out slowly. You will have to pull the foot valve piping system out to inspect and clean or replace it.

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Question

What could make a pump quit pumping water?

Anthony "TC" Williams
Experienced Landscaper
Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas.

Anthony "TC" Williams

Experienced Landscaper

Expert Answer

There are a few things that will cause a pump to stop so here is a quick check list. Check power and ground as well as the pressure switch. If the motor is running, it might be a broken impeller shaft or the bearing seize may not be spinning the impeller to move water. It could also be plugged suction\inlet piping or a faulty foot valve. Check the 'Prime' again. These are the main things that can cause a pump to stop operating correctly.

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Question

How do I add air to the tank?

Fahad Irshad

Community Answer

Just add a T joint to your pump by connecting a pipe to the upper fitting of your tank.

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Question

How can I prime a pump without water?

Community Answer

You need to have a fluid (normally water) to pump if the pump is designed to move said fluid.

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Question

I have filled the skimmer basket, but water is not going into the pump. What should I do?

Community Answer

Take the intake hose off of the pump and fill the pump with water. Then, put back on.

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Question

How do I prime a submersible pump?

Community Answer

You don't. Its submersible. When you submerge it, it goes into the water in it and is ready to work.

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