With more than 30 years combined experience helping customers install, use, and maintain their pumps, we hear a lot of questions regarding pump repair and more. While many of these are specific to certain models, some are universally applicable to a wide range of pumps, particularly self-priming pumps.
So, we wanted to take a minute to address some of the most common questions we hear.
Answering Four Frequently Asked Questions About Pump Repair and Usage
- Do I ever need to prime a self-priming pump?
Yes. While a self-priming pump can be turned off and on during regular usage without needing to be primed before each startup, it will need some water inside its casing to start the process going. So, despite the name, self-priming pumps still need to be primed on first use, or after long periods of disuse.
- Can I increase my pump’s suction lift simply by buying a bigger pump with more horsepower?
Actually, no. This might seem surprising, but the suction lift is mostly controlled by the amount of air pressure (14.7 psi at sea level) pushing against the water in the hose. Pretty much all self-priming pumps have a lift potential of around 20-25 vertical feet, regardless of the size or HP of their motors.
- Can I improve my discharge pressure by using a smaller hose?
No, because the smaller the hose, the more friction loss occurs. The effect is exponential, so using a smaller hose will actually decrease overall pressure, rather than raising it. For more discharge pressure, you want a larger hose.
Your pump’s manual should have detailed charts or graphs showing the ratios of hose size to pressure, to help you find the right fit.
- Can I expect to get the listed maximum head pressure and maximum flow from my pump?
Those are theoretical maximums, and really they are just to provide guidelines when choosing a pump. As long as your needs are within the maximums, you’ll be OK, but don’t expect to ever truly max out your pump.
For Pump Repair, Installation, and Maintenance, Call FloRight!
FloRight Pump & Controls has decades of experience helping customers across Arizona and the wider United States. We have experts on staff who can tackle any challenge, along with the very best in parts and products.
Need help? Please don’t hesitate to contact us!
