How To Prime A Shallow Well Pump
A shallow well pump brings water to your house through the external water supply. The pump draws the water through the well and lifts it back to the surface. The pump relies on the pressure from the air and water to get the water through the plumbing system. Your pump may need priming if you realize the motor keeps cycling, but you are not receiving any water in the taps.
If the pump keeps running in these circumstances, you run the risk of burning out the pump parts.
Reasons why your shallow well pump may need priming include:
- Leaks in the pipe and pipe fixtures
- Any damage to the pump
- Blocks or clogs in the pipelines
- A dry well
- Connections or fitting that come loose
- Seals that break
- Low water pressure
To prime the pump:
- Locate the shallow well pump and the electrical outlet for the pump. Disconnect the current.
- Open and close a nearby pipe to help drain any water and air pressure out of the pump.
- Check the shallow well pump and attachments for any wear and tear that may be present.
- Go to the head of the pump and disconnect the plug.
- Keep the release valves open to help stop air pressure from building up.
- Fill a hose, bucket, or another large container with water and fill the pump house to the top.
- Let the water flow out of the plug to help relieve the valve and reconnect the plug.
- Re-attach the power and let the pump cycle as usual. Close the valves if it is running as normal.
Ensure you use the same quality of water in the well pump as well as the pump casing. If the pup does not work, do the test again.
Priming your shallow well pump is a natural process. In just a few steps, you can release the air pressure and have the pump up and running in short order. When priming the shallow well pump is successful, the water flows through freely to all areas of the pump system. As the water comes in, it generates enough pressure to keep the pump sending water to the house’s water source.
How to prime a jet pump on a shallow well pump
A jet pump brings water and also helps keep the water pressure stable in the house’s water supply system.
When you prime the jet pump, you flood the pump with water to help restore the right pressure levels inside the pump.
- Switch off the pump and disconnect the cable to the priming outlet on the well pump.
- Use a suitable garden hose to fill up the pump with water. If the pump is empty, leave it off to avoid damaging the pump.
- Slightly loosen the priming plug. Next, switch on the pump and observe how it is cycling. If the pump is cycling, as usual, it will come on automatically.
- Once the pump is working correctly, re-attach the priming plug.
In case the pump does not work, try following the process again. It may take a few tries before the pump starts up again.
How to prime a shallow well jet pump
Here is the list of the tools needed:
- Funnel
- Wrench
- Bucket
A well jet pump brings water and keeps water pressure stable in your house’s water system.
The shallow well jet pump works manually, or by generator or electrical current.
A valve inside the jet pump forces the water through the pipe in a single direction.
When the water reaches the plumbing system, it cannot run back into the well.
The well jet shallow pump also works by utilizing a tube-like mechanism that uses air pressure to push the water up through the pump.
Shallow well jet pumps are useful for a variety of pumping needs. These include draining ponds, pools, drains, irrigation areas, and other sources of rising water.
They also help pump off floodwater during storms and emergencies.
Priming the jet pump involves flooding the pump with water to help restore the right level of pressure inside the pump. It also helps keep the pump cycling and protects it from running dry.
- Switch off the pump and disconnect the cable to the priming outlet on the shallow well pump.
- Switch the valve connector from the ON to the OFF position. Remove the cable leading to the impeller in the pump casing.
- Use the funnel and pour some water into the holes to help widen the inlet valve. You may see some bubbles coming up to the surface. Continue to pour the water until the pump fills up.
- Reconnect the cables and switch on the pump. Check the pressure readings to see if the air is rising in the pump.
- Switch the in-house taps on to allow the water to run through the pipelines. It helps push any remaining air out of the pump.
Conclusion
Priming a shallow well jet pump involves sending water through the system to help relieve some of the pressure inside the pump.
Keeping the jet free of excess pressure or damage ensures the water will pass through the plumbing system freely.
