Help & Advice, Products & Services
Your water pump may have lost its pressure if it was turned off during winter months. Your water pump must be primed in order to get it back on its feet. To get it working again, you will need to flush the water back into the pump. This creates the pressure that the pump needs to pump again. This guide will help you understand the basics of priming your water pump.
1. Make sure the power is turned off
You should never leave a pump unattended while you are working on it. You should make sure the power is off by checking the breaker panel.
2. Gain access to the pump system
Access to the pump system is necessary. Next, you will need to locate a plumbing fixture to help you do this. This fixture is typically located near the water tank. However, if the pool pump has a strainer basket, this fixture will be closest to the water tank.
3. Check for damage
You should inspect the pump carefully. Inspections of fittings and piping will be necessary to check for cracks or damage. It’s more important to check the system if it has been closed for winter. Check the drain plugs for any issues, such as loosening or re-tightening. Manually operating the valves to ensure they work properly is a good way to inspect them. Make sure that all hardware, such as nuts, bolts and washers, are securely in place. Next, inspect belts and pulleys for any safety hazards.
4. Try a hose
After you have found the right hose, you should prepare it by running clean water through it for a few seconds to ensure that you have clean water. You should not drink from any garden hose that contains lead. If you use a water pump and filter the water before it passes through the hose, however, water should still be safe to drink.
5. Open the relief valves
This is done to prevent pressure building up. Keep an eye on your pressure gauge.
6. Attach the hose
The fixture should be connected to the nearest water tank for a standard water pump. If you are using a pool pump to power the fixture, place the strainer basket in the hose.
7. Turn on the water, and then wait for the water to enter the tank
The water pressure gauge should rise and you should be able hear the water filling the tank. The strainer basket for pool pumps should be full before you close the lid. When you see the water coming out of the other end, turn off the water supply to the hose.
8. Turn the power on
Allow the pump to run for about one minute. After you have opened any relief valves let the water run for approximately one minute before closing them again. The pump is primed if it turns off by itself. You may have to do it again if the pump doesn’t turn off naturally.