A portable pump should be started only after suction has been taken. Which option reflects this?

A portable pump should be started only after suction has been taken. Which option reflects this?

• A. Before suction is taken
• B. After suction has been taken
• C. When told by supervisor
• D. When engine warms

Answer: (B)

Priming a portable pump is essential. You want the suction line to be free of air and fully primed before starting so the pump can actually draw water and develop suction. If you start the pump with air in the suction line, it can’t establish prime, the pump may lose prime, and discharge won’t come or the pump can overheat or cavitate. Once suction has been taken — meaning the suction line is submerged or successfully primed and water is in the pump — starting will produce a steady discharge. Starting before suction is taken isn’t effective because it invites air into the system and prevents the pump from functioning properly. Waiting for supervisor or for the engine to warm isn’t relevant to ensuring a proper prime.

Priming a portable pump is essential. You want the suction line to be free of air and fully primed before starting so the pump can actually draw water and develop suction.

If you start the pump with air in the suction line, it can’t establish prime, the pump may lose prime, and discharge won’t come or the pump can overheat or cavitate. Once suction has been taken — meaning the suction line is submerged or successfully primed and water is in the pump — starting will produce a steady discharge.

Starting before suction is taken isn’t effective because it invites air into the system and prevents the pump from functioning properly. Waiting for supervisor or for the engine to warm isn’t relevant to ensuring a proper prime.