How do I fix the suction in my irrigation pump?

Question

I have a pump just for my irrigation system. It had a pipe sticking above the ground, which got hit by a lawnmower. I had the tp of the pipe fixed, whats next? Do I prime the pump? If so how, it looks like a closed circuit for the sprinklers. Please help!

Answer 1

I suspect you may have air in the line after the pipe breakage by the lawn mower. The pump likely will need re-primed to remove this air so the pump can work properly again. I'm getting the impression the pump may be inaccessible. If this is the case you may reopen the repaired end of the pipe you fixed and pour as much water as you can into it and replace again and turn the pump on this may get it re-primed enough to start pumping properly again. If you can get at the pump , look for a rounded casing which would hold the impeller or blades which spin to pump the water. When you find this look on top for a removable plug to prime the pump, fill with water and replace. A garden hose would be ideal for this if one is available but a bucket of water will do. It may take a try or 2 but should work for you. Also many newer pumps are self-priming pumps so it may take a few minutes of running time for it to begin working normally again if it didn't start right away after the pipe repair.

Answer 2

I worked in irrigation for 8 years.
1. you always need to prime the pump, you'll fry the insides if you don't.
2. it would depend on whether the pipe that was broken was on the inlet, or outlet side of the pump.
3. there should be a valve on the top of the outlet side pipe, if there isn't then you'll have to find another way. most companies put a PVC hex screw on the top of the outlet, then there whould be a check valve (looks like a bulge in the PVC) in the suction line to keep it primed.
4. call an irrigation Co if you have any other problems.
good luck

Answer 3

some where up stream of the pump should be a fill line and possible with a fresh water line running in to it. If you open the valve and charge the line from there. Than turn on the pump it should work. In any case you need to get the air out of the suction line to prime the pump.