How do you handle a failing pump primer?

• A. Inspect suction line for leaks, ensure priming device operates, remove air, reseal fittings, and attempt another prime
• B. Replace the entire priming system
• C. Increase pump RPM to compensate
• D. Ignore and proceed

Answer: (A)

A failing pump primer usually means air is still in the suction path or the priming device isn’t doing its job. The goal is to eliminate air and establish a continuous liquid column so the pump can lift and circulate fluid. Start by inspecting the suction line for leaks, cracks, loose clamps, or poor seals and fix or reseal them. Check the priming device itself to be sure it’s operating correctly, not blocked, and that it’s actually drawing fluid and not bypassing. Purge the system to remove trapped air—bleed at available bleed points and then tighten fittings to keep air from re-entering. Make sure fluid is available at the source and that no air is entering from the supply. After these steps, try priming again. If it still won’t prime, there may be a deeper fault in the priming device or suction path that needs further inspection or replacement. Increasing RPM won’t fix a prime issue and could cause dry-running damage, while skipping steps or replacing the entire priming system without diagnostics isn’t warranted.