What action should be taken if suction air leaks are suspected during pump priming?

What action should be taken if suction air leaks are suspected during pump priming?

• A. Repair leaks, ensure sealed connections, observe gauge rise and prime
• B. Ignore and proceed
• C. Increase discharge line length
• D. Reduce engine RPM

Answer: (A)

Suction side air leaks prevent the vacuum needed to draw water into the pump, so the first step is to fix them and restore a sealed suction path. Repair any leaks and secure all connections along the suction line (gaskets, couplings, clamps, fittings), then re-prime and watch the gauge rise as the line fills with water. This confirms the prime is developing and the pump will reach a true prime. Proceeding without fixing leaks, or trying to compensate by changing discharge lines or engine speed, won’t clear the air pockets and can lead to incomplete priming or damage.

Suction side air leaks prevent the vacuum needed to draw water into the pump, so the first step is to fix them and restore a sealed suction path. Repair any leaks and secure all connections along the suction line (gaskets, couplings, clamps, fittings), then re-prime and watch the gauge rise as the line fills with water. This confirms the prime is developing and the pump will reach a true prime.

Proceeding without fixing leaks, or trying to compensate by changing discharge lines or engine speed, won’t clear the air pockets and can lead to incomplete priming or damage.