Getting water flowing by priming a well

If you've ever turned on your kitchen faucet only to be met with a pathetic hiss of air instead of a steady stream of water, you know exactly how frustrating priming a well can be when you're just trying to get on with your day. It's one of those classic homeowner "mysteries" that feels like it requires a degree in engineering, but in reality, it's mostly just about patience and a little bit of physics. Most of us don't think about our well pumps until they stop working, and usually, that happens at the most inconvenient time—like right before you need to jump in the shower or start a load of laundry. ...

February 10, 2026 · 7 min · Stangneth Emerson