How do I prime a well pump?

At the top of the pump you will find a plug or possibly a pressure gauge. Simply remove it, pour in water until it is absolutely full and overflows, replace the plug (or gauge), and you are in business.

Now if the impeller cage won't hold water then look for a faulty check/foot valve. Good luck, tom

At the top of the pump you will find a plug or possibly a pressure gauge. Simply remove it, pour in water until it is absolutely full and overflows, replace the plug (or gauge), and you are in business.

Thank you I will try that maybe this weekend when the temperature is high enough so that my pipes won't freeze. Does it make any difference that the whole system has been drained and water has to be drawn up from the bottom of the well once all of the pipes are clamped back onto the pump?

Where do you live... Siberia?? :)

Prime the pump. I believe that will solve your problem. Take note of what Speedball added. Also, bear in mind that air leaks, such as around clamped pipes, are enemies of prime in your type system. They allow the pump to slowly lose prime.

Thank you and I will let you know soon as to how I got along.