Many are the times which water pump run out of pressure and definitely stop working after they are turned off for an extended period. An example of such a period is over the winter season. Priming a water transfer pump is, therefore, getting the pump to start working again. Water has to be flushed into the pump and after that forced through it so that enough pressure can be recreated again, ensuring the pump gets to work again. You should know that turning on a pump that has not been primed poses a risk to the motor and the pump at large. Since water transfer pipes are of different types, the priming methods to be applied can slightly vary. However, below are some of the necessary steps.
steps on how to prime a water transfer pump
1. You should first turn off the water transfer pump before you begin the procedure
It would be best if you never fiddled with a device while it is on. Ensure that any electrical power that is connected to the pump is turned off. You can do this by going at the base of the pump and turning it off or at the breaker panel
2. Find a plumbing fixture that allows you to access the pump system
Most of the water transfer pumps have such fixtures located close to the water tank. However, if you are working on a pool pump, the accessory will be the strainer basket.
3. Thoroughly inspect the system for any damages
You can do this by looking for cracks and other damages on all the piping and fittings. Such damages can occur if the system was off over winter. Ensure that any nuts, bolts, and drain plugs are all in good condition, tightened and fitted properly.
4. Look for a hose\pipe that can be connected to a water source
The hose that you choose should be large enough to be connected to an independent water source. You can use your garden hose (if you have any). Also, ensure that this hose is clean and free from any material that can contaminate the water. After settling on the hose, run a substantial amount of water through it to flush.
You might come across a hose that has some relief valves. Open all of the valves. This will ensure that no pressure builds up in it. You should, however, monitor the water pressure gauge while doing this.
5. Now insert the hose into the plumbing fixture
This fixture is the one that was mentioned in step (ii). After inserting the hose, turn on the water source and let water flow through it. At this point you should hear some air starting to flow within the system. You should also hear water filling your tank. For those with a water pressure gauge, just look at it, you’ll notice the water level rising.
6. Turn off the water connected to the hose
Immediately after you notice water coming out of the opposite end, turn off the water pump flow that you had connected to the hose. If the water stops flowing at that end, it means that the system has been pressurized and the priming was successful. The process might also fail, and you will, therefore, be required to repeat the whole process over again. This is the reason why you are not supposed to disconnect the hose before confirming that the process was successful.
After you confirm that the process was successful, you can now turn on the power and turn on the pump system again. After turning it on, allow it to run for a moment (a minute or two). You might have opened the valves on the pump. In such a scenario, wait until you see water beginning to seep from the valves, and then immediately close them. Bear in mind that the pump might refuse to run. This can be caused by the pressure in the water tank being above or at the same level as the cutout pressure of the pump
After the pump finishes its cycle and turns on automatically, the mission is complete. The pump refusing to turn on is normal and you will just be required to repeat the six simple steps until you get it to work.
Water pumps are powerful and at the same time, valuable equipment. That is why they should receive adequate care and maintenance.
Leave a Reply