Which action should be taken if air leaks are detected in the suction line during priming?

• A. Ignore the leaks and continue.
• B. Inspect for air leaks in suction line, ensure water source is available, and verify priming device is functioning.
• C. Seal leaks with tape and proceed.
• D. Shut down and replace the suction line.

Answer: (B)

Air in the suction line prevents priming because the pump on the suction side must pull water to create a solid column and develop the necessary suction. Any air leaks let air slip into the line, breaking the prime and stopping the pump from starting properly. The best action is to locate and fix any air leaks in the suction path, confirm that a water source is available to feed the priming device, and verify that the priming device itself is functioning correctly. This approach addresses the three main factors that can derail priming: a leak in the suction line, an inadequate water supply for priming, and a malfunctioning priming mechanism.

Ignoring the leaks allows air to keep entering, so the pump won’t prime. Sealing leaks with tape may seem like a quick fix, but it’s unreliable and doesn’t solve the underlying issue, especially under suction where a durable repair is needed. Replacing the suction line is a bigger step than necessary if the problem can be corrected by fixing leaks, ensuring water availability, and confirming proper priming device operation.