How to prime the water pump?

[Johnny R]

All winter the water pump held its prime while it was parked in the garage. I recently had to disconnect the water supply line from the fresh water tank and left the tank empty. Now, the pump does not draw water. The inlet/screen and outlet lines are threaded into the pump. The pump appears to be a sealed unit. How can I prime the pump?

[markopolo]

Shouldn't need priming as it is usually located below the level of the water in the tank so gravity will take care of getting the water to the pump.

The problem is most likely caused by an airlock - make sure a faucet is open to let the air escape when you first try to fill the pipes with water using the pump. Make sure there is water in the tank, open a faucet, turn on the pump.

[Johnny R]

@ Markopolo - The tank is under the floor and the pump is in the cupboard under the sink. I'll fill the tank some more, to raise the water level in the supply line.
Thanks for your reply.

[markopolo]

Originally Posted by Johnny R

The tank is under the floor...........

Now, that I think about it the tank could be under the floor in lots of Class B's.

I'd still try again with an open faucet if you haven't already. I know that's how I get my pump to draw RV antifreeze from a bottle below the level of the pump.

[Johnny R]

It's all OK now. I opened the water tap, attached a hose, turned on the pump and sucked up the water until it got drawn into the pump. Pretty easy, but I'm glad no one was there to take pictures.