3
Understanding priming and pump operation
Your pump is powered by an electric motor that directly aects your water ow rate. When the electric
motor is turned on it utilizes centrifugal force to generate velocity of the water. The water then ows into the
strainer pot from the water source, ltering out debris. Water continues its ow into the eye of the impeller
where the water meets the impeller vanes and converts kinetic energy into static pressure allowing the
pump to maintain pressure and is then forced out of the pumps discharge port resulting in continuous
water ow for your waterscape oasis.
The Artesian Pro High RPM pump is considered a “true”self-priming pump. This means it is designed to
prime and operate at varying heights up to 9 feet above the water source surface as well as varying horizon-
tal lengths. It is important to note that operating at maximum suction lift height may negatively aect the
pumps overall performance. If after starting the pump you notice it takes more than three minutes for water
to start owing into the priming pot after being lled with water and energized, it is recommended to install
a rubber apper type swing check valve. The valve should be as low and as close to your source water as
possible to maintain constant pressure and shorten prime time. The best location can even be underwater
when possible as this can provide an airtight t even without PVC adhesive. Some swing check valves have
true union connection ttings that oer easier access for cleaning when needed.
What to expect for priming cycle with swing check valve installed.
Essentially, when utilizing a properly installed swing check valve the priming process is less time consuming
and is more ecient. When installing a swing check valve, be sure your connections are properly seated and
airtight. Then, simply ll the priming pot with water until the intake plumbing and priming pot are full.
Replace the lid, securing tightly and turn on your pump. With the swing check valve in place your pump is
fully primed from the beginning. However, if after running your pump you observe the water level in the
strainer pot decreasing continuously, this indicates there is either a blockage limiting the ow or a union
tting, connection on the intake pipe or lid is not airtight. Check all connections for debris, crimping, or
cracking and re-tighten or replace parts as needed.
What to expect for priming cycle without a swing check valve installed.
In installation applications where the pump and plumbing are above the water level and no swing check
valve is installed, the priming process will work as listed in the installation instructions on page 4. In this
application the internal pressure in the pipe drops below outside barometric pressure which allows this
pressure to slowly push water toward the pump. This slow push results in a longer priming cycle. It is
important to note that the incoming water ow may initially be very little or non-existent for the rst few
minutes. If three minutes pass with no water owing into the priming pot, the pump should be shut o,
connections rechecked, water relled and system restarted.
With a valve or without a valve, the time it takes for your pump to complete the prime cycle is based on a
variety of factors including pipe type, diameter, suction lift height, horizontal distance, motor speed and
horsepower. The entire cycle can range from one to fteen minutes to complete; however, as noted above,
you should see water owing into the pump within three minutes or less.
For system specic assessments including suction lift and friction loss guidance and operating questions,
please call 503-356-5888 or email sales@performancepropumps.com.
PUMP OPERATION
The Basics
The Prime
With Valve
No Valve
