Have you ever turned on your tap only to be greeted by sputtering air and silence instead of the refreshing flow of water? If you rely on a well for your water supply, a loss of prime in your well pump can bring your daily life to a grinding halt. A well pump that loses its prime isn't just an inconvenience; it means no water for drinking, showering, flushing toilets, or even basic tasks like washing dishes. Understanding how to properly prime your well pump is an essential skill for any homeowner with a well system.
Priming a well pump essentially means removing air from the pump and intake pipe, allowing the pump to create the suction needed to draw water from the well. When air gets into the system, it disrupts the pump's ability to establish that suction, leading to a dry pump and no water in your home. Knowing the steps involved in priming, recognizing potential causes for losing prime, and troubleshooting common issues can save you time, money, and the frustration of dealing with a waterless home.
What are the most common priming problems and solutions?
Why won't my well pump hold its prime?
A well pump loses its prime when water leaks back into the well faster than the pump can replenish it, creating an air pocket. This typically indicates a leak or faulty component in the suction line, check valve, or the pump itself.
Losing prime is frustrating because your pump needs to be full of water to create the suction necessary to draw water from the well. When air enters the system, the pump becomes air-bound and can't function properly. The most common culprit is a leak in the foot valve or check valve. The foot valve, located at the bottom of the well, prevents water from flowing back into the well. If it's not sealing correctly, water will drain from the pump and pipes. A check valve, often located closer to the pump itself, serves a similar purpose. Cracks or loose fittings in the suction pipe leading to the well can also allow air to be drawn into the system, disrupting the prime. Another possibility is a leak within the pump housing itself. This could be due to a worn seal or a crack in the pump casing. If the pump is old or has been run dry for an extended period, these internal components are more susceptible to damage. Finally, while less common, a very low water level in the well can occasionally cause the pump to lose prime, especially during periods of drought or high water usage. In such situations, the pump struggles to pull enough water consistently.How much water do I need to prime a well pump?
The amount of water needed to prime a well pump varies depending on the type and size of the pump and well system. Generally, you'll need enough water to completely fill the pump housing and the suction pipe leading down into the well. A typical shallow well jet pump might require 1 to 5 gallons of water, while a larger or deeper well system could need considerably more – possibly 10 gallons or more. The key is to ensure all air is displaced from the system, creating a vacuum that allows the pump to draw water from the well.
Priming a well pump is the process of filling the pump and suction pipe with water to displace air. Without a proper prime, the pump won't be able to create the necessary suction to draw water from the well. The exact amount of water needed is not a fixed number, as it's influenced by the length and diameter of the suction pipe, and the design of the pump itself. Therefore, you should add water gradually until the pump is full and water starts to overflow from the priming port or other designated opening. If you're unsure how much water your specific pump requires, consult the pump's manual or the well system documentation. These resources often provide guidelines or specific instructions for priming. If the manual isn't available, a good approach is to start with a smaller amount of water (e.g., 1 gallon) and gradually add more while observing the pump for signs of successful priming. These signs might include the pump starting to draw water, a change in the sound of the pump, or water flowing from your faucets. It is important to use clean water for priming to avoid introducing debris or contaminants into your well system. Tap water is generally suitable, but well water or filtered water is also acceptable. Avoid using water from unknown or potentially contaminated sources.Where exactly do I pour the water when priming?
You typically pour the water into the priming port or access point located on the top of the well pump housing. This is often a threaded plug that you remove to gain access to the pump chamber. If you can't find a dedicated priming port, you may be able to prime by pouring water directly into the well casing after removing the well cap, but this is less common and requires caution to avoid contamination.
Priming a well pump requires filling the pump housing and suction line with water to create a vacuum. This vacuum is essential for the pump to draw water from the well. Pouring the water directly into the priming port, or designated access point, ensures that the water effectively fills the necessary areas of the pump. If you pour the water haphazardly, air pockets can remain, preventing the pump from creating the required suction. Some pumps also feature a check valve that needs to be submerged for proper functionality. Pouring water directly into the designated location makes certain the valve is working as expected. If you are priming through the well casing after removing the well cap (which is less ideal), do so slowly and carefully to avoid agitating any sediment at the bottom of the well. Ensure the water is clean and potable to prevent contamination of your water supply. After priming, it's generally a good idea to run the pump for a while to flush out any air or sediment that may have been introduced. Ultimately, the location you use for priming will depend on your specific well pump model. If you are unsure, consult the manufacturer's documentation for instructions.What are the signs my well pump needs priming?
The most common signs that your well pump needs priming include sputtering faucets, inconsistent water pressure, a complete lack of water coming from your taps, the pump running constantly without delivering water, or hearing the pump motor running louder than usual or making unusual noises like grinding or cavitation.
Priming a well pump is necessary when the pump loses its prime, meaning it loses the water that it needs to create suction and draw more water from the well. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as a leak in the suction pipe, a drop in the water table, or even a prolonged period of disuse. Without sufficient water in the pump housing, the impeller spins uselessly, potentially damaging the pump motor and definitely failing to deliver water to your home. Pay attention to subtle changes in your water system. A slight decrease in water pressure, especially when multiple fixtures are running, can be an early warning sign. Similarly, if you notice air sputtering from your faucets before water appears, this indicates that air is entering the system, likely due to a loss of prime or a developing leak. Ignoring these signs can lead to more serious problems, including pump failure and the need for costly repairs or replacement.How do I prime a shallow well pump versus a deep well pump?
Priming a shallow well pump typically involves removing air from the pump and suction pipe by filling them with water, usually done by opening a priming plug on the pump housing and pouring water in until it overflows and all air is expelled, then quickly replacing the plug and starting the pump. Priming a deep well pump, however, is more complex because the pump is often submerged in the well or the suction lift is greater; you usually prime the drop pipe with a priming line from above-ground after checking the foot valve to ensure it is working to keep the water in the pump.
Shallow well pumps, located above ground, rely on suction to draw water from the well, making them susceptible to air leaks that interrupt this suction. Priming removes this trapped air, allowing the pump to establish the necessary vacuum to draw water. A telltale sign your shallow well pump needs priming is when it runs but fails to deliver water consistently. The priming process usually involves locating the priming plug or port on the pump housing, removing it, and pouring water into the opening until the pump casing and suction pipe are completely filled and free of air bubbles. Once full, the plug is replaced tightly, and the pump is restarted. Deep well pumps, in contrast, often have the pump mechanism situated down in the well itself, or they have a significant vertical lift. This design minimizes the risk of air intrusion and makes simple priming techniques ineffective. Priming a deep well pump often requires introducing water into the drop pipe from above, sometimes using a separate priming line or a hose connected to a pressurized water source. Crucially, before priming, the foot valve at the bottom of the drop pipe needs to be checked to ensure it is functioning correctly; a faulty foot valve allows water to drain back into the well, preventing the pump from maintaining prime. If the foot valve leaks, it needs to be repaired or replaced before priming can be successful. Priming issues indicate that there is most likely a leak somewhere in your pipes, either above or below the ground. Check the foot valve at the bottom of the pipes and the connection to your pump for leaks.Is it safe to drink the water after priming a well pump?
Generally, it is not recommended to drink the water immediately after priming a well pump. Priming involves introducing water into the pump and well system, and this water source may not be potable. There's a risk of contamination from the priming water itself, the pump equipment, or the surrounding well environment.
Priming water is often sourced from a garden hose, municipal supply, or even a bucket, and these sources might not meet drinking water standards. Garden hoses, for example, can harbor bacteria and leach chemicals into the water. Furthermore, the priming process can stir up sediment and biofilms within the well and pipes, introducing contaminants like iron, manganese, or bacteria into the water supply. The pump itself, especially if it's been sitting idle, can also contribute to contamination. To ensure safe drinking water, it's crucial to thoroughly flush the well system after priming. Run the water for an extended period until it runs clear and any initial odor dissipates. Consider testing the water for bacteria, nitrates/nitrites, and other common contaminants, especially if the well has been out of use for a long time or if you have any reason to suspect contamination. If testing reveals any issues, take appropriate corrective actions like disinfection or filtration before consuming the water.What should I do if the pump keeps losing prime quickly?
If your well pump loses prime quickly, it almost always indicates a leak in the suction line, a faulty check valve, or a leak within the pump itself. This allows water to drain back down the well, replacing it with air, and causing the pump to lose its prime and struggle to draw water.
Losing prime is a symptom of a problem that needs fixing, not just a recurring inconvenience. The most common cause is a leak in the suction piping running from the well to the pump. Even a tiny pinhole leak can allow enough air to enter the system to break the prime. Carefully inspect all fittings and connections for cracks or loose connections. A telltale sign is often dampness or mineral deposits around a leaking joint. Start by checking above-ground connections, as they are easier to access. Don't overlook the foot valve or check valve at the bottom of the well pipe, as it can also fail and allow water to flow back. If the piping runs underground, you may need to excavate to inspect it fully, or hire a professional with leak detection equipment. Another possible culprit is a faulty check valve, typically located near the pump. This valve prevents water from flowing back into the well when the pump isn't running. If it's not sealing properly, water will drain back, and you'll lose prime. You can often test a check valve by manually operating it or by observing its function when the pump starts and stops. If it seems faulty, replacement is usually the best course of action. Lastly, although less common, internal leaks within the pump housing itself can also cause loss of prime. In this case, the pump likely needs repair or replacement. Because persistent loss of prime can damage your pump and shorten its lifespan, address the underlying issue promptly.And that's all there is to it! Hopefully, these steps have your well pump primed and pumping water like a champ. Thanks for giving this a read, and don't hesitate to swing back by if you have any other well-related questions. We're always happy to help get your water flowing smoothly!