Well Pump Losing Prime? What’s Really Going On
There are many benefits to using a well as your water supply. Instead of having to rely on municipal water and monthly utility bills, you can hook your home directly to an aquifer and enjoy fresh, naturally sourced water.
A well water system usually consists of several main parts, including a pump. This component is responsible for drawing water from the ground and maintaining steady water pressure, but it may start losing prime over time. If the suction line develops air leaks or the foot valves malfunction, this can cause the pump to run dry and fail, too.
How Well Pump Priming Works
Any time the pump starts losing prime, it can lead to low water pressure or no water flow. This happens because the pump can’t draw water from the well and send it inside your home.
Definition of well pump priming: Priming consists of filling the pump housing and suction line with water, giving the pump enough liquid to create suction and then begin drawing water from the well.
A well system that’s properly installed should stay primed automatically. It has two components that take care of the priming:
- A foot valve at the bottom of the well pipe
- A check valve that keeps water from flowing backward
How Priming Works on Different Well Pumps
Your property most likely has a well system with a jet pump or submersible pump. Both types work differently when it comes to priming. With a jet pump, the equipment typically sits in a basement or utility room. This type works by pulling water from the well using suction. Submersible pumps sit underwater inside the well; they push water upward rather than pulling it like a jet pump. Since submersible pumps stay submerged, they usually don’t experience as many priming issues as jet pumps.
Why Do Well Pumps Lose Their Prime?
There could be a number of factors contributing to priming problems with a well water system. Identifying the root cause is essential for choosing the best repair method.
Leaks
You can think of a well pump like a drinking straw. If it loses suction due to a leak that allows air into the suction line, the system won’t be able to pull water from the ground. Even tiny leaks may result in a total loss of water pressure. The foot valve can also develop leaks, making it impossible for the valve to hold water in the line. When this happens, you may go to turn on the tap and find no water.
Clogs and Other Obstructions
Well water may look clear, but it has minerals and sediment in it that can clog the pump, jet assemblies, impellers, or intake system. This is why regular maintenance is so important. You won’t have to worry about mineral buildup affecting the priming or damaging the pump.
Water Level and Pressure Issues
In some cases, the pump itself has nothing to do with the loss of water or failure in the priming. If the water in the well drops too low, this means the suction pipe is essentially trying to sip from an empty glass. When this happens, the system loses its ability to hold a steady prime. Pressure issues within the pressure tank may also throw the priming out of sync. An inspection is usually necessary to pinpoint pressure issues.
Other Complications With the Suction Line and Seals
Even if the suction line doesn’t have air leaks, it can still become damaged or misaligned. If the seal around the pump housing were to wear out, air may disrupt the suction process.
Best Way to Troubleshoot
Turn off the power to the system and look for obvious signs of leaks or fractures in the pump housing and suction line. Another option is to check the seals around the fittings and valves. If you don’t see any visible cracks or dripping water, call us for an inspection.
Repair Options
The best repair method for a well pump that doesn’t hold its prime depends on the underlying mechanical failure. Here’s how we fix most priming problems:
- Repair suction line air leaks: We carefully inspect the suction line and intake pipe to find gaps and cracks. Then we use industrial sealants or waterproof tape to seal the damaged sections. If we can’t achieve an airtight seal, we may have to replace the entire pipe segment.
- Replace a faulty foot valve: We take the old valve out and replace it with a new one that prevents water from draining back into the ground when the pump stops.
- Re-prime the pump and refill housing: We pour water into the pump chamber to eliminate trapped air; this restores the continuous liquid column that is necessary for the pump to create suction.
- Clear clogs from the intake or impeller: We have specialized tools that flush sediment and mineral buildup out of the internal housing so the impeller can rotate freely without any mechanical resistance.
- Repair or replace damaged piping or fittings: We find worn-out connectors and replace them with durable new fittings so air can’t leak into the system. We also inspect fractures in the piping to determine whether a simple patch or a full replacement is best.
Maintenance Tips for Proper Pump Priming
The smartest way to preserve your pump’s priming integrity is to book annual maintenance or inspections. We’ll check every part of the system, including the foot valve, pressure switch, suction line, and pump housing. Some of the seals or tank fittings may need lubrication to keep them from cracking or drying out.
Schedule a Well Pump Inspection Today
A pump that’s constantly losing prime can be incredibly frustrating. With our expert diagnostics, we make it simple to restore your home’s water pressure. After repairing the air leak, faulty foot valve, or clog, we’ll re-prime the pump and test water flow to your faucets. We’re the Punctual Plumbers in Pompano Beach that homeowners rely on for all of their home’s plumbing. We serve all of Pompano Beach and the surrounding areas.
Contact Pompano Beach Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today. If there’s any delay, it’s YOU we pay!
