Is it ok to start a Self-Priming Pump if it’s dry inside the casing?
No, you do not want to start a Self-Priming Pump if it is dry inside the cas
ing.
A Self-Priming Centrifugal Pump requires liquid in the casing in order to operate correctly and to avoid pre-mature mechanical seal failure due to running dry. Prior to start up you should always refer to the owner’s manual for the basic start-up instructions.
For Self-Priming Centrifugal Pumps, you will need to fill the casing with liquid before operation. By completing this simple step it allows your pump to circulate the fluid inside the casing while mixing with the air in the suction line. The air is forced out the discharge creating a low pressure area in the impeller. Atmospheric pressure pushes the fluid up the suction line to fill the low pressure. Once all the air is moved out of the suction line the pump will then operate as normal. Without the initial fill of liquid the pump will not move the air out of the suction