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How to Prime a Jet Pump


Priming a jet pump is crucial for proper operation. Without first priming, the pump will not work properly. Priming is simply getting your pump ready to move water by making sure that the suction pipe and the casing of the pump are full of water. Running a pump that is not primed can cause serious damage to the pump.

1. Make sure that the electrical breaker is turned off.

2. Locate the priming location. Ideally, we would recommend a tee installed vertically coming out of the discharge at the top of the pump. The top of the tee should have a plug or a ball valve and the discharge would flow horizontally (see video link below for an example). Some pumps will have a separate priming plug that you will remove.


3. Fill the pump with water via a hose, bucket, or hand primer pump either through the tee or priming port. Replace the plug after the pump and suction pipe are completely full of water.

Click here to purchase a Hand Primer Pump

4. Turn the breaker on and run the pump through a normal cycle. The pump should run through a normal cycle and shut off. If the pump won’t prime, repeat the process.

Once you have completed these steps you will be able to use your pump as it's meant to be used.

Pro tip: To increase your likelihood of success, install a ball valve on the discharge side, crack it open slightly at startup, and slowly open it once you hear the water fill the pipe.

Have a question about priming a jet pump? You can live chat with us at www.rcworst.com, call 855.329.4519, or email Customer.Service@RCWorst.com to reach an industry expert