How to Prime a Hydraulic Pump

The pump displaces the volume of a liquid through a physical or mechanical action. A hydraulic pump is a pump that is powered by hydropower. The pump takes in water at one pressure and flow-rate, and emits it a higher pressure and lower flow-rate. The pump acts by developing pressure that allows some of the input water to be lifted to a point that is higher than the original.

• Realize how hydraulic pumps work. The hydraulic pump is most often used to pump water to a location that is higher in elevation than the source. In cases where the pressure is too low, the water cannot move through the pipes. This calls for priming the pump. This is done by adding liquid into the pump and the inlet pipes to start the pump. Loss of "prime" occurs when air is ingested into the pump.


• Pour liquid into the pump manually through the inlet pipes. Keep pouring the liquid until the pump starts working again. This method of priming can be time consuming and physically exhausting but it works eventually.


• Install a clamp on the pipes where you can attach a valve. This is a more permanent method to prime the pump. Installing a T-clamp will allow you to attach an adjoining pipe or valve.


• Attach a pipe to the T-clamp. Use an angled or elbow pipe, and at the end of the pipe install the valve.


• Keep the shutoff valve open to let all the air escape and the liquid goes in. Locking in the air will interfere with the movement of the liquid.


• Pour the liquid into the pipes by attaching a hose to the inlet and letting the water or liquid flow in. This is less exhausting than pouring the water in manually.


• Turn off the liquid when the pump has been primed.