How to Prime a Pond Pump
A pond pump is necessary to keep the water circulating in your pond. Without this circulation, your pond would quickly become overgrown with algae and become stagnant, killing the plants and fish within. Larger ponds typically use an external pond pump, because they are more efficient at moving greater amounts of water. These pumps must be primed -- filled with water -- before starting them. Knowing how to prime the pump is important if you have to turn it off, such as for cleaning, then start it back up. You can prime a pump in a variety of ways.
Step 1
Situate the external pond pump so its inlet is beneath the pond surface. You can achieve this by placing the inlet on the side of the pond. This ensures the pump is primed by the pressure of the water above it.
Step 2
Pump the primer button to bring water into the pump. This button is present only on smaller external pumps.
Step 3
Loosen the screw holding the primer cap in place on top of an external pump, using a screwdriver. Remove the cap. Pour 1 to 2 gallons of pond water into the pump, until the water level is just beneath the top of the pump. Replace the primer cap and secure it with the screw. Turn on the pump.
Step 4
Install a pond priming basket just in front of the pump inlet. The basket works in the same manner as a primer built into a pump, but it's easier to access. Remove the top of the basket and fill it with 1 to 2 gallons from the pond. Start the pump.
References
Writer Bio
Nathan McGinty started writing in 1995. He has a Bachelor of Science in communications from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Arts in international journalism from City University, London. He has worked in the technology industry for more than 20 years, in positions ranging from tech support to marketing.
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