Installation and first time startup of an irrigation / booster pump

Before installation and initial start-up

Our PROMO deals include as standard a role of Teflon tape, which is used to make screw connections airtight. However, you are free to use other sealants such as hemp or Loctite.

Please note: Some of the steps described below may not apply to your situation. These are indicated by '(optional)', and only apply if you have included the relevant article in your order.

Connecting a garden pump

Preparing a suction connection

Installing a garden pump or booster pump starts with preparing the suction connection which is situated on the side of the water pump. The pump draws in water from the source through this connection. Please note that water pumps can only operate efficiently if they come into contact with water.  Dirt and air affect the pump's performance.

Step 1: Connecting the pre-filter (optional)

The pre-filter (the filter with the red cap) protects the pump from dirt by providing extra filtering before the water enters the pump. If you have included the pre-filter package in your order, it comes with a pipe nipple, which is delivered separately with the filter. Therefore, make sure to choose the package and not just the pre-filter separately.

Take the pipe nipple and ensure that you apply sufficient Teflon tape to both screw connections.

• Next, screw the nipple onto the pump's suction connection

• Then screw the pre-filter onto the other side of the nipple

Step 2: Filling and connecting the suction hose

All the suction hoses we supply are fitted with a foot valve, which serves as a non-return valve to ensure that the water in the hose does not run back to the source. Complete the following steps before attaching the suction hose:

• Apply Teflon tape to the screw connection of the suction hose

• Fill the suction hose with water (which stays in the hose because of the foot valve fitted at the bottom)

• Attach the suction hose to the pre-filter (if you do not have one, connect the hose to the water pump)

• Immerse the end of the suction hose (the suction strainer) into the water source, preferably at least 20 cm from the bottom.

Step 3: Priming the pump body

The manual relating to the ordered water pump instructs the user to fill the pump body with water. This should be done to ensure that as little air as possible is located in the circuit. As the name might imply, a water pump has trouble pumping air.

• Remove the filler screw from the pump (on top of the pump body)

• Optional (if there is a pre-filter): Unscrew the breather cap from the filter

• Using a watering can / measuring cup, fill the pump body until the water runs over

• Replace the filler screw

• Optional (if there is a pre-filter): Screw the breather cap back onto the filter

Preparing the delivery connection

The water pump's delivery connection is situated on the top, through which the drawn-in water is pumped away under high pressure. Our kits do not include hoses and/or accessories for this connection but these can also be ordered from us. Please refer to the accessories category. Of course, any accessories ordered, such as a dry-running protection or control system, can also be connected at this stage in the process.

You are advised to use hoses/tubes with a minimum inner diameter of 19 mm (3/4"), and preferably 25 mm (1") / 32 mm (1,25").This is recommended to keep the pipe resistance as low as possible, which allows the pump to release the water and pressure most efficiently and provides a stronger water output/pressure at the end of the hose/tube.  Also with regard to the delivery connection, we advise that you apply Teflon tape to the screw couplings to ensure that they are as airtight as possible.

Connecting a connection cable with plug (optional)

In our DAB Jet / JetInox / EuroInox kits, you can purchase a separate connection cable with a plug. We have made a short video that shows step by step how to connect this cable correctly. Please refer to our blog article 'How do I connect a power cable to a water pump?'

First start-up of the water pump

You are ready to start the pump for the first time. Please complete the following steps:

• Close the delivery hose / garden hose / discharge hose / pipe a few metres away from the pump. This can be done with a ball valve/sliding valve, or simply by squeezing the hose closed to block it off.

• Turn on the pump by inserting the plug into the socket

• The pump will now start drawing in water from the source. The water pump can focus fully on this because the hose/tube on the delivery side is closed off. If air is present, as much of it as possible will be removed.

• After 30 seconds, slowly open the delivery hose / garden hose / discharge hose / pipe again.

What to do after the first start-up

Starting the water pump for the first time is crucial to remove all the air from the system. If this goes well and all couplings are airtight, you do not need to worry about the above steps. The water pump is ready to be used.

What to do in the event of problems

Have you completed all these steps but the water pump still does not operate adequately? Please view the video below, or read one of the following blog articles on how to solve possible problems.

• Suction problems with garden or booster pumps

• My booster pump does not switch off or continues pulsating (on/off, on/off)