People have been using well pumps for a long time. The interesting thing is that people no longer use a roped bucket. It is because we are living in a cutting-edge technology era where we use modern well pumps. Although well pumps and water pumps are different, their functionality is almost the same.

When we talk about a well-pump, we are actually referring to bringing water to our homes. For example, we use the modern well pump to draw water from the well. This is simple to understand. No matter what type of pump you use, somehow, you have to prime it. In this article, we will tell you how to prime a well pump.

The purpose of priming the Well Pump

Before we tell you the steps that you need to prime the well pump, it is important to know the application of priming the well pump. In simple words, it is to know why you need to prime the pump.

So, you need to prime the pump to create internal pressure, which is necessary for drawing water from the well. There are two categories of well pumps. One is the submersible pump and the other is the non-submersible well pump.

You don’t need to prime the submersible well pump. Other the other hand, it is important to prime the non-submersible well pump. When you prime a shallow well pump, you flush the water through it and the attached piping.

In this regard, you need to fill every chamber and the tube. This way, you can create pressure, which is necessary for pumping water through this system.

Moreover, you need to properly install the piping, fitting, and valves of the primed pump. Doing so ensures that there are no leakages in the well pump system. So, this way, you can prevent the backflow in the piping, even when you turn off the pump.

Make sure you check the valves, including the foot valves. These are important things to do when it comes to priming the well pump because your goal is to prevent water from flowing into well.

How to Prime a Well Pump?

Now that you have understood the basic concept of well pump prime, the next thing is to follow the steps given below to prime a well pump. You must understand that most well-pumps come with self-priming. This means that you only have to prime them during the process of installation. For example, you must correctly install the pump, the piping, the valves, and the fittings, etc.

If you have confused about the term “self-priming,” then let us tell you that it is a term used at the industrial level. It means that the pump should have the ability to create a partial vacuum through the process of air purging. This involves the intake of a hose and pump casing. Typically, most modern well pumps have self-priming.

Without further ado, let us tell you how to prime a shallow or non-submersible well pump. Continue reading!

Step 1:

The first is about turning the well pump off. Make sure you disconnect your pump from all outlets of the electricity. Now, inspect the well pump and find out whether or not there are any breaks or damages to the connectors.

Step 2:

Once you have done this, you need to remove the prime plug. You can locate the plug of the prime on the pump head. Now, you have to open the valves to prevent any pressure that has been built up.

Step 3:

The next step requires you to find a lead-free hose and then clean it with water. Make sure the water run through the hose. You may not know but the hose is a common and important component, which you can use to prime your wall pump. On the other hand, some experts suggest using a bucket or large bottle. The important thing is to have enough water so that you can fully full the housing of your well pump.

Step 4:

After doing this, you need to use the hose so that you can fill the casing of the pump with water. Make sure it comes out of the plug and relief valves. The next step is to replace your prime plug of the well pump.

Also, you have to ensure that the source of the water you use to fill the pump casing matches the application of the pump. For instance, if you are using the pump for drinking water purposes, then, you must use the clean water to fill the tank.

Step 5:

The final step is about reconnecting your wall pump and then running it through the normal cycle. Typically, if it starts and stops, you need to close the valves. If you think you have done it correctly, then you can repeat the process so that you achieve adequate results.

How much water is needed to prime a well pump?

Obtain a gallon or two of water to use for re-priming the water pump. If you have a little water pressure remaining in the system just run the water into a couple of clean one-gallon milk cartons (or any clean container in an emergency).

How do you prime a deep well pump?

How to Prime a Deep Well Pump
  1. Remove the rubber or plastic prime plug from the top side of the pump. Run a water hose to the exposed hole on the top of the pump.
  2. Run water through the water hose and into the pump casing.
  3. Remove the water hose from the pump.
  4. Remove the plug and fill the casing with water once more.

What causes a pump to lose its prime?

Leaks on the pump’s intake line as well as around the shaft seal of the pump housing itself can cause your pump to lose its prime. Obstruction-One possible reason your pump may be losing its prime is an obstruction or blockage in a line. Debris blocking the suction strainer or foot valve is the most common cause.

How do you bleed air from a well pump?

  1. Turn power to pump off.
  2. Remove bushing with gauge and vent plug on opposite side of gauge on casting.
  3. Pour water into pump until water comes from the vent hole.
  4. Reinstall vent plug, top off water at gauge and reinstall gauge and bushing.
  5. Turn power on.
  6. Open faucet or hose bib at pump to bleed air from system.

Can a well pump loses its prime?

Well pumps can lose their prime for several reasons. If your well water level is too low, you may have pulled too much water from the system. There isn’t enough water in the well to be drawn up by the pump.

How long does it take a well pump to prime?

Let the pump run for approximately one minute. If you opened any relief valves, wait until water begins to run from them before closing them again. If the pump turns off naturally, it’s primed.

How can I tell if my well pump is bad?

Some of the most common indicators of a faulty well pump and pressure tank include:
  1. Fluctuations in water pressure throughout the home.
  2. Strange noises or rapid clicking sounds coming from the tank.
  3. Spitting faucets.
  4. Scalding shower water.
  5. High electric bills.

How much does it cost to prime a well pump?

Well pump installation costs between $300 and $4,500 with most homeowners spending $725 to $1,851 depending on the well depth, type of pump, size of the pump, size of the pressure tank, and labor costs.

What is the lifespan of a well pump?

The average life expectancy is 10 to 15 years for a residential 3-wire and 8 to 13 years for a residential 2-wire well pump. Life expectancy of the pump depends on many different factors, some of which are the quality of the pump, how often the pump has to run, and the electrical supply to the pump.

Can I replace my well pump myself?

And there are special tools that contractors have to lift the pump from that kind of depth. Look at it this way: Even if you have someone else pull the well, you can do the repair/replace action on your own once it’s out of the ground, and still save money. 😉 My well was dug about 25 years ago.

Is a well pump covered under homeowners insurance?

Does Home Insurance Cover Well Pump Repair? Yes. Water well pump repairs are covered by your homeowners insurance if a covered peril causes the failure. If your well pump stopped working because of a windstorm, lightning, fire, or any of the 16 named perils, HO3 standard homeowners insurance covers the costs.

What is the average price to replace a well pump?

The average cost of replacing a well pump is between $900 and $2,500. The cost varies based on the well size, materials used, and installation required. For example, replacing a shallow well pump will cost less than a deep well submersible pump.

How often should a well pump be serviced?

Get the well professionally inspected by a water well contractor every ten years.

Does well water run out?

Can Your Well Run Out of Water? If your well has been correctly drilled, it can last your family a lifetime, but it is possible for a well to run dry. This often happens with wells that are too shallow. If a well is not drilled deep enough, it may only be a water table well.

How fast does well water replenish?

The well’s size, the type of geology the well is in, and the condition of the well all factor into the recovery rate of a water well. Recovery rates can vary from a fraction of a gallon per minute to more than ten gallons per minute.

Does well water need to be filtered?

Well water may look, taste, and smell differently than water from a city home. When you own a home with a private well, the safety and quality of the water is your responsibility. Well water almost always requires some softening and filtration to make it ideal for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

How long does it take for well water to fill back up?

Some shallow wells that are in a sand and gravel geological formation will recharge within 24 hours. Some that recharge by a nearby stream or river will also recharge quickly. However, some deep wells with a small and semi-impervious recharge area may take many months or years to fully recharge.