How to Prime a Shallow Well Pump
If your well pump has lost pressure or has been turned off for a while, you will need to prime it in order to get the water moving again. Pumps suction water through pipes in order to pull water from the well. If your pump is otherwise in good condition, you will likely not have to prime it often.
Things You'll Need:
- Wrenches
- Water
- Turn the breaker off to the well pump. If you only turn off the pump itself but do not shut off the electricity, you can risk electrocuting yourself while you work.
- Shut off the water valve that brings water into the pump and remove the pump's plug. You may need a wrench to operate the valve if it does not have a handle.
- Pour water into the pump through the plug and open the inlet valve again. Watch for bubbles through the plug and continue to add water until the pump is full.
- Close the plug.
- Turn the pump's breaker back on and start the pump.
- Look at the pressure gauge on the pump. It should be rising. If it is not, repeat the above steps until the pressure comes up.
- Turn on the faucets inside. They do not have to be open fully, but they should be at least 1/4 of the way on. You should hear air moving through the pipes, followed by at least a trickle of water. If the water is not moving, repeat the process from the beginning until the water begins to flow. Once the water is flowing, turn off all the faucets. Test the water pressure inside the house by turning a faucet on completely.