OPERATION
PRIMING THE PUMP
NOTICE:
‘Priming’ refers to the pump expelling all air in the
system and beginning to move water from its source out into
the system. It does not refer only to pouring water into the
pump (although pouring water in is usually the first step).
NOTICE: NEVER run pump dry.
Running pump without
water in it will damage seals and can melt impeller and dif-
fuser. To prevent damage,
fill pump with water before
starting.
1. Remove priming plug (Figure 11).
2. Make sure suction and discharge valves and any hoses on
discharge side of pump are open.
3. Fill pump and suction pipe with water.
4. Replace priming plug, using Teflon tape on thread;
tighten plug.
NOTICE:
If a priming tee and plug have been provided
for a long horizontal run, be sure to fill suction pipe
through this tee and replace plug. (Don’t forget to Teflon
tape the plug.)
5. Start pump: water should be produced in 10 minutes or
less, the time depending on depth to water (not more
than 20’) and length of horizontal run (10’ of horizontal
suction pipe = 1’ of vertical lift due to friction losses in
the pipe).
If no water is produced within 10 minutes, stop pump,
release all pressure, remove priming plug, refill and try
again.
Hazardous pressure and risk of explo-
sion and scalding. If pump is run continuously at no
flow (that is, with discharge shut off or without prim-
ing), water may boil in pump and piping system.
Under steam pressure, pipes may rupture, blow off of
fittings or blow out of pump ports and scald anyone
near.
To prevent explosion, do the following:
A. Be sure discharge (valve, pistol grip hose nozzle, etc.) is
open whenever pump is running.
B. If pump fails to produce water when attempting to prime,
release all pressure, drain pump and refill with cold water
after every two attempts.
C. When priming, monitor pump and piping temperature. If
pump or piping begin to feel warm to the touch, shut off
pump and allow system to cool off. Release all pressure
in system and refill pump and piping with cold water.
7
P
867 0494
P
858 0494
1117 0993
Figure 12 – Fill Pump Before Starting
Figure 14 – Do Not Run Pump With Discharge
Shut Off
Figure 11 – Remove Priming Plug
Figure 13 – Run Ten Minutes Or Less
