
Understanding priming and pump operation
Your pump is powered by an electric motor that directly affects your water flow rate. When the electric
motor is turned on it utilizes centrifugal force to generate velocity of the water. The water then flows into the
strainer pot from the water source, filtering out debris. Water continues its flow 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
flow for your waterscape oasis.
The Dial-A-Flow 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
horizontal lengths. It is important to note that operating at maximum suction lift height may negatively
affect the pumps overall performance. If after starting the pump you notice it takes more than three minutes
for water to start flowing into the priming pot after being filled with water and energized, it is recommended
to install a rubber flapper 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 air tight fit even without PVC adhesive. Some swing check
valves have true union connection fittings that offer easier access for cleaning when needed.
Never use a spring loaded check valve as it will reduce or stop flow.
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 efficient. When installing a swing check valve, be sure your connections are properly
seated and air tight. Then, simply fill 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 flow or a union
fitting, 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 flow may initially be very little or non-existent for the first few
minutes. If three minutes pass with no water flowing into the priming pot, the pump should be shut off,
connections rechecked, water refilled 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 fifteen minutes to complete; however, as noted above,
you should see water flowing into the pump within three minutes or less.
For system specific assessments including suction lift and friction loss guidance and operating
PUMP OPERATION
The Basics
The Prime
With Valve
No Valve
4
GENERAL TIPS
Proper installation of your Dial-A-Flow pump will help ensure years of trouble free service.
1.
Position the pump as near to the water and as low as is practical. This will help reduce priming time,
avoid cavitation, and maximize your pumps performance.
2
. Minimize friction loss by using the appropriate diameter pipe determined by gallons per minute flow,
reducing run length, and minimizing the number of elbows and fittings as much as possible.
3. Maximize your pumps service life by protecting the motor from the elements by ensuring it is well covered
and adequately ventilated. Exposing your pump to excessive heat or moisture will shorten the life of the motor.
4. Protect the motor from dirt, water, and all foreign matter. If the motor has been flooded,
do not operate it until it has been checked by an authorized motor technician and has been found to be
safe to operate. If the motor is damaged by dirt, moisture, foreign matter or corrosion it is not covered by the
warranty.
5. Mount the motor to a stable base where it will not get submerged. Use caution when installing in a vault.
Be sure proper drainage is in place to prevent flooding. A sturdy pedastal under the pump is beneficial
in a vault application to maximize space to the ground. Ensure the vault is properly ventilated.
6. The fittings included with your pump should connect to PVC or flex pipe plumbing. All plumbing lines should
be self supported and properly aligned. This will prevent undue stress to the housing and fittings. We
recommend using a good primer and PVC cement to glue the pump to the tailpiece fittings.
7.
Installations in which the water level is elevated above the pump it is highly recommended to use a
ball or swing type check valve to prevent back flow and possible reverse rotation. A ball valve will supplement
a swing check valve and allow flow adjustments.
8.
FILL THE PRIMING POT WITH WATER BEFORE STARTING THE PUMP.
General
Before Installation
Open the pump box when received and inspect for evidence of rough handling or damage to the
pump and verify the product ordered. If damage is found, notify the freight carrier and contact the
vendor purchased from immediately.
For order discrepancies, contact the vendor purchased from immediately.
Be sure your installation location is no higher than 9 feet above the water surface level.
If using smaller than 2” pipe, excessive fittings such as elbows, sweeps or reducers, using an excessively
long pipe run, using additional strainers or any other water flow restriction device, can increase the prime
cycle time. Refer to the Pump Operation information on page 3.
9.
When determining pump placement, it is important to consider the distance and height from the
water source. To ensure reasonable prime time without an inline swing type check valve, position the
pump no higher than 9 feet from the water source. Positioning is also important to maintain the
pumps ability to stay primed and minimize cavitation. Do not use spring loaded check valves!
WARNING
5
Understanding priming and pump operation
Your pump is powered by an electric motor that directly affects your water flow rate. When the electric
motor is turned on it utilizes centrifugal force to generate velocity of the water. The water then flows into the
strainer pot from the water source, filtering out debris. Water continues its flow 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
flow for your waterscape oasis.
The Dial-A-Flow 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
horizontal lengths. It is important to note that operating at maximum suction lift height may negatively
affect the pumps overall performance. If after starting the pump you notice it takes more than three minutes
for water to start flowing into the priming pot after being filled with water and energized, it is recommended
to install a rubber flapper 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 air tight fit even without PVC adhesive. Some swing check
valves have true union connection fittings that offer easier access for cleaning when needed.
Never use a spring loaded check valve as it will reduce or stop flow.
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 efficient. When installing a swing check valve, be sure your connections are properly
seated and air tight. Then, simply fill 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 flow or a union
fitting, 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 flow may initially be very little or non-existent for the first few
minutes. If three minutes pass with no water flowing into the priming pot, the pump should be shut off,
connections rechecked, water refilled 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 fifteen minutes to complete; however, as noted above,
you should see water flowing into the pump within three minutes or less.
For system specific 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
4
GENERAL TIPS
Proper installation of your Dial-A-Flow pump will help ensure years of trouble free service.
1.
Position the pump as near to the water and as low as is practical. This will help reduce priming time,
avoid cavitation, and maximize your pumps performance.
2
. Minimize friction loss by using the appropriate diameter pipe determined by gallons per minute flow,
reducing run length, and minimizing the number of elbows and fittings as much as possible.
3. Maximize your pumps service life by protecting the motor from the elements by ensuring it is well covered
and adequately ventilated. Exposing your pump to excessive heat or moisture will shorten the life of the motor.
4. Protect the motor from dirt, water, and all foreign matter. If the motor has been flooded,
do not operate it until it has been checked by an authorized motor technician and has been found to be
safe to operate. If the motor is damaged by dirt, moisture, foreign matter or corrosion it is not covered by the
warranty.
5. Mount the motor to a stable base where it will not get submerged. Use caution when installing in a vault.
Be sure proper drainage is in place to prevent flooding. A sturdy pedastal under the pump is beneficial
in a vault application to maximize space to the ground. Ensure the vault is properly ventilated.
6. The fittings included with your pump should connect to PVC or flex pipe plumbing. All plumbing lines should
be self supported and properly aligned. This will prevent undue stress to the housing and fittings. We
recommend using a good primer and PVC cement to glue the pump to the tailpiece fittings.
7.
Installations in which the water level is elevated above the pump it is highly recommended to use a
ball or swing type check valve to prevent back flow and possible reverse rotation. A ball valve will supplement
a swing check valve and allow flow adjustments.
8.
FILL THE PRIMING POT WITH WATER BEFORE STARTING THE PUMP.
General
Before Installation
Open the pump box when received and inspect for evidence of rough handling or damage to the
pump and verify the product ordered. If damage is found, notify the freight carrier and contact the
vendor purchased from immediately.
For order discrepancies, contact the vendor purchased from immediately.
Be sure your installation location is no higher than 9 feet above the water surface level.
If using smaller than 2” pipe, excessive fittings such as elbows, sweeps or reducers, using an excessively
long pipe run, using additional strainers or any other water flow restriction device, can increase the prime
cycle time. Refer to the Pump Operation information on page 3.
9.
When determining pump placement, it is important to consider the distance and height from the
water source. To ensure reasonable prime time without an inline swing type check valve, position the
pump no higher than 9 feet from the water source. Positioning is also important to maintain the
pumps ability to stay primed and minimize cavitation. Do not use spring loaded check valves!
WARNING
5