Pump Operations
Priming
Priming is removing air from the pump and suction hose so water can be drawn in, the essential first step of a draft. A primer pump evacuates the air and lets atmospheric pressure push water up to the pump.
A centrifugal fire pump cannot pull water on its own — it moves water but will not lift it against air. Priming clears that air from the suction side so the pump can establish flow from a static source.
Until the prime catches, the master gauges read a vacuum and no water moves. Once water reaches the pump and the gauges come off vacuum, the draft is established and the operator can begin to discharge.
Where this shows up
Calculator
Drafting & LiftPump Panel
Open the live pump panel