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AR15.COM
12/2/2016 8:45:22 AM EDT
So I'm a dummy. I installed a new dishwasher and made sure to turn
Off the breaker for the power. While at the panel I saw the well pump breaker and
Decided that should be off too. So if course I now  have no water and am having a hard time
Priming the pump. Worked on it last night for a  few hours to no avail. I'm filling the pump through the
Priming hole but it's not building pressure.  It will build pressure for a few seconds and then drop back to zero.
Should I try to crack a faucet  open while I switch the pump on? Water squirts out of the priming hole but I can't get pressure
To build.
Tips /tricks?
It's a utiltech shallow pump if that helpsAttached File
12/2/2016 8:50:22 AM EDT
[#1]
make sure every single fitting on the intake side is air tight.  redo the pipes going into the intake side of pump to be absolutely  sure.  if its sucking any air it won't prime.
12/2/2016 8:50:58 AM EDT
[#2]

Looks like this covers them all.

http://inspectapedia.com/water/Prime_The_Pump_by_Hose.php

just replaced my submersible which didn't need priming.

Didn't know there were non-submersible setups.
12/2/2016 8:53:48 AM EDT
[#3]
Mine has an adjustment screw/plunger that needs to be backed all the way out when I prime it. Cant tell if your does.

Mine also takes two- three fill ups before it will get pressure.

Make sure the main line valve closest to the pump is closed. I don't see one anywhere near it. If there isn't one all your doing is driving the primer water into the house.

I would screw off that whole 1" fitting where the pressure gage is and prime through there. That way you can fill all the lines to the valve and down into the well. Depending on how long the power was out the water level can drop down the well pipe. You may have to fill that also to prime.
12/2/2016 9:03:46 AM EDT
[#4]
Thanks that is helpful.
I think we did 2 fill ups last night
I don't think I closed the main valve..
12/2/2016 9:08:54 AM EDT
[#5]
Not that you want a bigger job, specially down in what looks like a crawl space, but Id redo that riser after the pressure gauge and put a shut off valve right there. Makes priming a lot quicker. Once you get pressure (which is quick with a shut off valve so close) you can slowly open it to pressurize the main line to the house.
12/2/2016 9:11:23 AM EDT
[#6]
I think the valve is to the right of the photo,
It's a red valve like you'd find on a hose bib .
Pretty sure I didn't shut it.
We'll see tonight
12/3/2016 12:25:27 PM EDT
[#7]
Plumber came out last night. He couldn't get pressure on the pump so the landlord and I replaced the foot valve in the well. Messed around with it for another hour or so and still couldn't get the pump to pressurize. Sometimes It would shoot up to 30-50 psi and then back down to zero. It feels like the pump is working and moving water but it's hard to tell. We did get a small dribble of water out of the tub faucet.
Any other ideas?