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Priming made Simple for External Pumps
When there is no other choice than to put the pond pump above the
water level, the unit must be "primed." This means that water
must be introduced into the pump and the lines in order for the
system to create a way for the pond pump to get new water into it.
There are many ways this can be done however, this method is
very simple and will help make the priming process less of a
headache.
You will need:
Pump, pipe, Check Valve, Priming Basket, Hose and water
The first thing that you are going to do is install the check
valve on the end of the line in the water. The check valve
allows the water to only flow in one direction. We recommend a
flapper type because they are easy to install and work with most
pumps. They can be purchased at your local garden center
(Lowe's, Home Depot, etc.) and are fairly inexpensive. Once the
check valve and lines are in place, the pump and basket need to
be added in the correct place. After the pump is in place,
install the rest of the pipe. At this point the pond will be
empty and all of the plumbing will be in place. It is a good
idea to make sure that all of the joints are glued tightly at
this point so that there are no air leaks. This will save time
and extra work down the road. Now take the hose and fill the
pond so that the suction point of the pipe is covered by enough
water to not allow a vortex to occur (usually 8" or more). Take
the hose out and put t into the discharge line of the system.
This could be the point where the waterfall is or maybe it is
just a point that you have left open in the discharge line. Let
the water fill the line (wait until water is coming back out of
the point where the hose has been inserted. Once water is coming
out, start the pump. The line will be primed at this point
unless there is air trapped in the line. If the pump is running
correctly, fill the rest of the pond up. If it is not repeat the
steps above until it begins to flow properly.
Some important things to keep in mind:
1. Inverted U's (a place where the line will go up the wall of
the pond, over the wall of the pond, and then back down the side
(looks like an upside down U)) are bad ideas. Air is very
difficult to expel out of these points (unless a bleed valve is
installed) and ValuFlo pumps will not pump if there is air in
the intake line.
2. Try, try again. If the pump is spinning, it is working.
When there is nothing coming out but the pump is spinning, there
is a problem with the system. Generally, it is on the intake
side of the pump and will be in the form of an air leak or an
obstruction. With the clear pump, it will be noticeable as an
air pocket right at the center of the impeller. This means there
is air in the line. If that pocket is not present and the pump
is spinning, there is something blocking the discharge line. |
