lawn pump electrical hook-up

We just installed a new lawn pump. We were a little confused with the electrical diagram so we hooked up the wires the way we thought it said. The pumps runs but we can not get it to prime. Is it possible for it to be wired wrong and still run( maybe the impeller is going the wrong way) but not prime. We thought we should have the answer to this before we re-plumb it because of suspicious air leaks. Thank you.

Whether it primes or not depends on if it is a "self priming" pump, which not all are. As for the rotation, some motors can be reversed but you have to switch wires inside its junction box, NOT just attach the incoming wires incorrectly, (unless it were 3 phase which is not likely in a residence). There could be many reasons why it does not prime or loses its prime but we would have to be there to sort them out.

Thank you. We just thought that we had it wired wrong but it sounds like if it is running we should find another reason why it won't prime. We did add water and ran it for awhile so we will check for air leaks and I guess then check the foot valve. Thanks for your help.

Welcome to Terry's Forums papayoda,

If the pump is wired for 230 and you are running it on 115 then it could be running at a slower speed than normal.


Have a Good day.

DonL

More than likely you have a suction leak. Reprime and submerge the outlet in a bucket of water. If the lift isn't to great and you continue to see bubbles at the outlet, you probably have a suction leak.