View Full Version : Loss of prime
Wpage1979
Aug 25, 2012, 01:45 PM
I have replaced my water pump, and after replacing it, the water worked GREAT. After an hour or so, my pump was running and I had no water. I re-primed the pump, and once I opened the valve to test the water, it lost prime and water just dribbled out. I have noticed water leaking around my pressure tank, which it top mounted. Could a faulty tank be my problem for losing prime? I am lost and have no water. Thanks for any advice offered.
hkstroud
Aug 25, 2012, 02:02 PM
Show a picture of that tank and the piping.
What kind of pump?
Wpage1979
Aug 25, 2012, 02:10 PM
The tank had a little residual water in the fitting that srcews into the pipe, and it is bubbling air into that water. With the unit running, it catches prime, and shuts off until I open the water valve. Then the pump loses prime.
hkstroud
Aug 25, 2012, 03:10 PM
Pictures to close, back up a little.
I take it that the first pic is of the pump.
What kind of tank is that. From here it looks like a expansion tank.
Wpage1979
Aug 26, 2012, 09:35 AM
I am not sure if it is pressure or expansion. It worked before my pump went out. I got the pump to hold prime, and I had water with great pressure again, but the same thing happened after about an hour. The water stopped flowing and the pump would not shut off with the pressure switch. I noticed a tiny stream of water shooting out of the bottom of the tank, near the bolt part that screws into the fitting. Is it possible that the tank could have a small crack; when the water pushes against the bladder in the tank, the bladder can't do its job because of the pressure differential that the air/water escaping out if the crack is causing? In turn, the pump was never losing prime, but actually just pulling water it and the water is just gravity feeding through the spigot? Sorry if I am confusing, but this problem is got me all mixed up, and I am not really sure how to explain what I have in my head. Thanks so much for your help. I appreciate it.