Why Does My Well Pump Keep Losing Prime?

A well pump losing prime usually means air is getting into the suction line, the foot valve or check valve is failing, or the pump has a leak that lets water drain back out between cycles.

Common reasons a well pump loses prime

When a pump loses prime, it cannot keep enough water in the line to start and continue pumping properly. In Central Florida, we see this most often on shallow irrigation systems, older pump setups, and wells with worn fittings or valves.

1) Air is entering the suction line

A suction-side air leak is one of the most common causes. Even a small leak at a fitting, union, seal, or cracked pipe can let air in and break prime.

Signs may include:

• Pump runs but does not move water
• Gurgling or sputtering at startup
• Pressure that drops off after the pump stops
• Frequent need to reprime the pump

2) The foot valve or check valve is failing

If the foot valve or check valve will not hold water in the line, the pump can drain back into the well after shutdown. Then the next start is a dry or partially dry start.

This is a common issue on older systems and on wells that have seen a lot of use. If the valve is worn, stuck, or damaged, the pump may lose prime repeatedly even when the rest of the system looks fine.

3) The pump seal or pipe is leaking

A worn seal, loose pipe connection, or cracked casing-related component can cause prime loss. Sometimes the leak is visible; sometimes it only shows up when the system is under load.

On shallow wells, low water levels can make the problem seem worse because the pump has less margin before it starts pulling air.

What to check before calling for pump repair

If your well pump losing prime problem started suddenly, there are a few things worth observing before you call. Do not open electrical service or try to work on pressure tanks yourself.

Look for these clues:

• Whether the pump loses prime after sitting idle or during runtime
• Whether pressure drops to zero quickly after the pump shuts off
• Whether the problem is worse at certain times of day
• Whether you hear air in the lines
• Whether the well has been running more than usual for irrigation

If the pump is on a drinking water well that has stopped working, or a mobile-home-park well is down, call right away.

Why this happens in Central Florida wells

Central Florida well systems have their own patterns. Soil conditions, aquifer behavior, and shallow-water irrigation setups all affect how a pump performs over time.

At Dunham Well Drilling, we’ve worked in Polk County since 1950, so we know the kinds of failures that show up again and again in this area. A shallow irrigation well can be a very practical system here, but it still needs properly sized equipment and sound fittings to stay primed.

Shallow wells and irrigation systems are especially vulnerable

A shallow irrigation well can be cost-effective for regular watering, but it depends on a stable water column and a system that seals correctly. If the water table changes or a component starts leaking air, prime loss can happen fast.

That is why we offer both Shallow (2-Inch) Irrigation Wells and full Pump Repair & Installation service. We can diagnose the whole system, not just the pump itself.

How Dunham diagnoses and fixes prime-loss problems

We do more than swap parts. Our team works on pumps, turbines, pressure tanks, and irrigation equipment, and we have a full-line machine shop for in-house rebuilds.

That matters because a prime-loss issue can come from more than one place:

• Pump wear or internal damage
• Bad check valve or foot valve
• Leaking fittings or suction line
• Pressure tank or system control issues
• Irrigation pump problems tied to demand and setup

We handle residential pumps, irrigation pumps, turbine pumps, industrial pumps, centrifugal pumps, and pressure tanks. We also carry Goulds, Sta-Rite, Grundfos, and Schaefer new and used.

If the problem is tied to water quality, we can also help with Water Filtration & Treatment. Hard water, iron, and hydrogen sulfide do not usually cause prime loss directly, but they can create system problems that show up at the same time.

When pump loss of prime points to a bigger issue

Sometimes prime loss is a symptom, not the whole problem. If the system has been struggling for a while, the underlying issue may be more than one bad part.

Signs you may need more than a simple repair

Watch for:

• Repeated loss of pressure
• Burned-out motor or noisy startup
• Sediment or staining in the water
• Frequent short cycling
• Old components that have never been serviced

If lightning may have affected the system, our Lightning Damage Repair service includes pump and motor repair, pressure-switch and control replacement, and insurance claim assistance.

If you have an unused well that should be closed properly, we also handle Well Abandonment and file the state rebate paperwork for the customer.

Get the right fix the first time

A well pump that keeps losing prime should be checked by a professional, especially if it serves your drinking water or irrigation needs. We serve Polk County and Central Florida, and we’ve been doing this work since 1950.

If your well pump losing prime problem keeps coming back, call Dunham Well Drilling at (863) 965-2881. We have a 24/7 answering service, calls are returned within 48 hours, and our full machine shop, pump experience, and family history in Winter Haven make us a strong choice when you need the problem diagnosed correctly.