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How to Prime a Water Pump Download Article Co-authored by Anthony "TC" Williams
Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Fact Checked
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Prepping the System
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Flushing the System
|
Finishing the Job
|
Video
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Expert Q&A
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Tips
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Warnings
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Things You'll Need
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This article was co-authored by Anthony "TC" Williams. Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 415,799 times.
Water pumps will run out of pressure and stop working if turned off for an extended period of time, such as over the winter. In order to get the pump working again, it needs to "primed": water needs to be flushed back into it and forced through in order for it to create enough pressure to begin pumping again. Although methods vary slightly for different types of water pumps, the steps below will show you the basic steps of how to prime this type of water pump.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Prepping the System
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1 Turn off electrical power to the pump. No device should be left on if you're fiddling with it. Turn off any and all electrical power to the pump and system at the breaker panel. You can also go to the base of the pump to make sure it's turned off.[1]XResearch source
2 Locate a plumbing fixture that provides access to the pump system. On a pool pump, this will be the strainer basket.[2]XResearch source If you're not working with a pool pump, use whatever fixture is closest to the water tank. Advertisement
3 Inspect the system for damage. Check all piping and fittings for any cracks,, or damage, especially if system was shut down over the winter. Check each drain plug to see if it needs re-tightening, and manually operate any valves. Ensure that all nuts, bolts and anchoring fasteners of the pumping system are in place and tightened properly. You should also inspect any safety guards, belts and pulleys that there might be.
4 Prepare a hose that can be connected to an independent water source. Flush the hose to remove any build-up and ensure you have clean water. Run water through it, keeping a constant stream for a few seconds before you shut it off. This is especially important for hoses that aren't routinely used or haven't been used yet this season.[3]XResearch source
Many people choose to use their garden hose or their washing machine hose connected to their garden hose. However, if your garden hose contains lead, know that you shouldn't drink from it. If you're using this for a well, be sure you have a way of filtering the water before and after it's through the hose.
5 Open any relief valves on the pump system. This will keep pressure from building up. Watch your water pressure gauge to make sure all is going according to plan.[4]XResearch source
Advertisement Part 2 Part 2 of 3:
Flushing the System
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1 Insert the hose in the plumbing fixture. On a pool pump, place it in the strainer basket. If you're priming a water pump for a building, just connect it to the fixture nearest the water tank. You now have a source of water flowing into the new building or pool.[5]XResearch source
2 Turn on the water to the hose. At the beginning, you'll hear air flowing through the system. This is normal.[6]XResearch source
3 Wait for water to enter the tank. You should hear water filling the tank or, if you have a water pressure gauge, notice the level rising. On a pool pump, fill the strainer basket and close its lid.
4 Turn off the water to the hose. Once you see water coming out the opposite end, you can turn off the turn off the water to the hose. This should take but a few minutes.[7]XResearch source
When the water stops flowing on the opposite end (where you're trying to get the water to), the water system has been pressurized.[8]XResearch source
However, don't disconnect the hose, just in case you end up needing to repeat the process.
Advertisement Part 3 Part 3 of 3:
Finishing the Job
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1 Restore power to the pump and turn on the pump system. Allow it to run for about a minute. Do know that the pump might not run if the water tank pressure is at or above that pump's cut-out pressure. if it doesn't start, that's why.
If you have opened relieve valves, wait for water to begin seeping from them and then close them.
2 Wait for the pump to finish its cycle. If it turns off naturally, it is primed. If not, you need to prime again. Try turning the water on at the recipient source. If you hear the water pump turn on, you're good to go.
3 Repeat all steps until the pump is primed and functioning normally. In certain circumstances, you may need to repeat this once or twice more.
If you have a water tank that is the steel bladderless type, try leaving the tank drain open at the start of the procedure. This way incoming water can enter the tank by pushing air out of the drain. However, when you see water coming out of the drain, close it.
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Expert Q&A
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Question How do I check the foot valve on a shallow well pump? Anthony "TC" Williams Professional Landscaper Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas. Anthony "TC" Williams Professional Landscaper Expert Answer The first indication of a faulty foot valve is being unable to fill the suction pipe full of water or it leaks out slowly. You will have to pull the foot valve piping system out to inspect and clean or replace it. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 10
Question What could make a pump quit pumping water? Anthony "TC" Williams Professional Landscaper Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas. Anthony "TC" Williams Professional Landscaper Expert Answer There are a few things that will cause a pump to stop so here is a quick check list. Check power and ground as well as the pressure switch. If the motor is running, it might be a broken impeller shaft or the bearing seize may not be spinning the impeller to move water. It could also be plugged suction\inlet piping or a faulty foot valve. Check the 'Prime' again. These are the main things that can cause a pump to stop operating correctly. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 17
Question How do I add air to the tank? Fahad Irshad Community Answer Just add a T joint to your pump by connecting a pipe to the upper fitting of your tank. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 9
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Video
Tips
Your goal in priming a water pump is to restore pressure so that the pump can pull water itself. Check your pressure gauges periodically and, if the pressure is not high enough or the pump is not working adequately, repeat all steps. It's normal to make a few attempts when priming a water pump. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 8
When priming a pool pump, you may want to prime the pool skimmers first and then the main drain. This can be accomplished by turning the diverter valve first to the main drain indicator, shutting off water to that section, and flowing water through the pool skimmers. Next, turn the diverter valve away from the main drain indicator so that both it and the pool skimmers are open, and wait for water to flow normally. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 11
If you cannot locate a plumbing fixture (Step 2), you have may a simple pump system that requires you to make your own intake valve. This can be made with a tee fitting, clamps and some pipe, and should be installed near the water source. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 10
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
Keep a close eye on your pressure gauges throughout. Keep release valves open longer than you think you might need to. It's better to let pressure escape than have it build up to dangerous levels, which can cause permanent damage to the pump system. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 12
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Things You'll Need
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Garden hose
Independent water source
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Co-authored by: Anthony "TC" Williams Professional Landscaper This article was co-authored by Anthony "TC" Williams. Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas. This article has been viewed 415,799 times. 2 votes - 50% Co-authors: 22Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 415,799 Categories: WaterArticle SummaryX
To prime a water pump, start by turning off electrical power to the pump and opening any relief valves on the system. Then, insert a hose into the plumbing fixture and turn it on so the tank in the pump starts filling up. Once you notice water coming out of the opposite end, turn off the hose and restore power to the pump. Let the pump finish its cycle and repeat the process if it doesn't turn off on its own. To learn how to prepare your water pump for priming, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Annette King
Dec 7, 2016
"I wanted to know how to prime a water pump that has been turned off for about three years. It runs for a little while, and then stops. That means that the water pressure is too high, and I need to open the valves a bit. Thank you for your help."..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Anthony "TC" Williams Professional Landscaper 2 votes - 50% Click a star to vote 50% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 22Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 415,799
Annette King
Dec 7, 2016
"I wanted to know how to prime a water pump that has been turned off for about three years. It runs for a little while, and then stops. That means that the water pressure is too high, and I need to open the valves a bit. Thank you for your help."..." more Share yours!
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Co-authored by: Anthony "TC" Williams Professional Landscaper This article was co-authored by Anthony "TC" Williams. Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas. This article has been viewed 415,799 times. 2 votes - 50% Co-authors: 22 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 415,799 Categories: Water Article SummaryX
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1 Turn off electrical power to the pump. No device should be left on if you're fiddling with it. Turn off any and all electrical power to the pump and system at the breaker panel. You can also go to the base of the pump to make sure it's turned off.[1] 
2 Locate a plumbing fixture that provides access to the pump system. On a pool pump, this will be the strainer basket.[2] If you're not working with a pool pump, use whatever fixture is closest to the water tank. Advertisement 
3 Inspect the system for damage. Check all piping and fittings for any cracks,, or damage, especially if system was shut down over the winter. Check each drain plug to see if it needs re-tightening, and manually operate any valves. Ensure that all nuts, bolts and anchoring fasteners of the pumping system are in place and tightened properly. You should also inspect any safety guards, belts and pulleys that there might be. 
4 Prepare a hose that can be connected to an independent water source. Flush the hose to remove any build-up and ensure you have clean water. Run water through it, keeping a constant stream for a few seconds before you shut it off. This is especially important for hoses that aren't routinely used or haven't been used yet this season.[3] 
5 Open any relief valves on the pump system. This will keep pressure from building up. Watch your water pressure gauge to make sure all is going according to plan.[4] Advertisement 
1 Insert the hose in the plumbing fixture. On a pool pump, place it in the strainer basket. If you're priming a water pump for a building, just connect it to the fixture nearest the water tank. You now have a source of water flowing into the new building or pool.[5] 
2 Turn on the water to the hose. At the beginning, you'll hear air flowing through the system. This is normal.[6] 
3 Wait for water to enter the tank. You should hear water filling the tank or, if you have a water pressure gauge, notice the level rising. On a pool pump, fill the strainer basket and close its lid. 
4 Turn off the water to the hose. Once you see water coming out the opposite end, you can turn off the turn off the water to the hose. This should take but a few minutes.[7] 
1 Restore power to the pump and turn on the pump system. Allow it to run for about a minute. Do know that the pump might not run if the water tank pressure is at or above that pump's cut-out pressure. if it doesn't start, that's why. 
2 Wait for the pump to finish its cycle. If it turns off naturally, it is primed. If not, you need to prime again. Try turning the water on at the recipient source. If you hear the water pump turn on, you're good to go. 
3 Repeat all steps until the pump is primed and functioning normally. In certain circumstances, you may need to repeat this once or twice more. 
Anthony "TC" Williams Professional Landscaper Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas. 
Fahad Irshad Community Answer Just add a T joint to your pump by connecting a pipe to the upper fitting of your tank. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 9 
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