Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-11-05 Origin: Site
For homeowners relying on a deep well for their water supply, the deep well pump is the heart of the entire system. When you turn on the tap and are greeted by nothing but a sputter of air, the problem often boils down to one critical issue: the pump has lost its prime. Knowing how to prime a deep well pump is an essential piece of homeowner knowledge that can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.
This guide will walk you through the purpose of priming, the crucial differences between deep and shallow well pumps, and provide a detailed, step-by-step process to get your water flowing again.
Priming is the process of manually filling the pump casing and suction line with water. Why is this necessary? Centrifugal pumps, which are commonly used in water systems, are not self-priming. They work by spinning an impeller to create centrifugal force, which pushes water out of the discharge. However, if the pump casing is filled with air, the impeller simply spins the air, which is not dense enough to create the necessary suction to draw water from the well. By filling the pump with water, you ensure the impeller can generate the hydraulic pressure needed to start the water moving.
This is the most important question to answer before you begin. Not all deep well pumps can be primed.
· Submersible Pumps: These are the most common type for deep wells. The pump motor is located inside the well, submerged deep below the water level. Submersible pumps do not require priming because they are already surrounded by water and push water to the surface. If you have no water and you have a submersible pump, the issue is likely electrical (a tripped breaker, faulty control box, or damaged pump) or a break in the drop pipe. Priming is not the solution.
· Jet Pumps for Deep Wells: These pumps are located above ground, in your basement or well house. Deep well jet pumps have two pipes (one for suction, one for return) going into the well. These pumps absolutely require priming and are the focus of this guide.
How to Tell Them Apart: A submersible pump is silent from inside the house; you might hear a pressure switch click, but the pump itself is deep in the well. A jet pump is a large, noisy unit you can see and hear running inside your home.
Before starting, gather your tools and materials: a garden hose connected to a water source, a bucket, a funnel, plumber's tape (Teflon tape), and perhaps a pair of channel-lock pliers.
Safety First! Always turn off the electrical power to the pump at the circuit breaker. This prevents the pump from accidentally turning on while you are working on it, which could cause injury or damage the pump.
Step 1: Locate and Prepare the Prime PlugFind the prime plug on the pump. It’s usually a large, threaded plug (often plastic or brass) on the top of the pump casing, clearly labeled. There may also be a pressure release valve nearby. Place your bucket underneath to catch any spilled water. Using your pliers, carefully remove the prime plug.
Step 2: Check and Open the Release ValvesLocate any other plugs or pressure release valves on the pump casing. Opening these allows trapped air to escape as you fill the pump with water, making the priming process much more efficient. If your system has a pressure gauge, it’s a good idea to open the valve on that slightly to allow air to escape from there as well.
Step 3: Fill the Pump Casing with WaterThis is the core of the priming process. You have two main options:
· Using a Hose and Funnel: Slowly pour water into the pump casing using a hose or a funnel. Be patient. You may need to add water in stages as trapped air bubbles escape from the release valves you opened.
· The Bucket Method: If a hose isn't available, use a bucket to steadily pour water into the casing.
Continue adding water until the pump casing is completely full and water begins to seep out of the prime plug hole. This indicates that the chamber can hold no more water.
Step 4: Re-seal the SystemOnce the pump is full, quickly but carefully replace the prime plug. Use plumber's tape on the threads to ensure a tight, water-tight seal. Close all the release valves you opened in Step 2. Double-check that every port is securely sealed; any air leak will cause the prime to fail.
Step 5: Restore Power and Test the PumpGo to your circuit breaker and turn the power back on to the pump. The pump should now kick on automatically. Listen to its sound. A properly primed pump will run with a steady, heavy hum. If it sounds like it's churning or struggling, it may not be fully primed.
Let the pump run for a minute. Monitor the pressure gauge. You should see the pressure steadily climb until it reaches the cut-out pressure (usually between 40-60 PSI), at which point the pump will shut off.
Step 6: Check for Water Flow and Repeat if NecessaryGo to a faucet in your home (preferably one closest to the pump) and turn on the cold water. It may sputter at first as remaining air is purged from the lines, but it should quickly turn into a strong, steady flow.
If the pump does not build pressure or the water flow is weak, it has likely lost its prime. Turn the power off and repeat the entire process. Sometimes, getting all the air out requires two or three attempts.
If you repeatedly prime the pump but it loses prime shortly after, you have an underlying issue. Common causes include:
· Air Leaks: The most common culprit. Check all pipe fittings, the prime plug seal, and the foot valve at the bottom of the well. A leaking foot valve will allow water to drain back into the well when the pump is off.
· A Failing Foot Valve: This one-way valve is located at the bottom of the well and is designed to keep water in the pipes. If it's faulty, your prime will be lost every time the pump cycles off.
· Leaks in the Suction Line: Cracks or holes in the pipes underground can draw in air, breaking the prime.
Diagnosing and fixing these issues, especially a foot valve or underground pipe leak, often requires the expertise of a professional well technician.
Successfully priming your deep well pump is a satisfying and cost-effective DIY task. By understanding the type of pump you have and following this meticulous guide, you can restore your water supply with confidence. However, if the pump consistently fails to hold prime, it’s a clear signal of a more serious problem. In such cases, don’t hesitate to call a licensed well contractor to diagnose and resolve the issue, ensuring your home has a reliable water supply for years to come.
