Help:Priming water well pump-Help no water

[JUNEBUG 88]

HELP:
My parents had an open valve at cabin and lost all water out of water tank at cabin. We usually drain system in fall and they forgot to close 1 valve and now water is all over the place and system is dry.

How do we restart the system: Reprime? We have a few gallons in pump room is that enough or how much is needed? It is about 18 miles to a store that carries jugs of water. Otherwise no water is at cabin at this time except the lake in the garage that is quickly freezing.

[HayZee518]

The pump uses something called a foot valve. This is located at the end that is submerged below the water level. It is a one way check valve. The pipe line that is connected to the pump needs to be filled with water its whole length to prime the pump impeller. Water is used to seal any openings around the impeller and motor to pump ceramic rotating seals and to lubricate them. The output from the pump goes into a storage/pressure tank. This is what holds the water until it is used and provides back pressure to the faucets. You need to open a bleeder on the pump body and fill the whole length of pipe that goes to the foot valve. Once its capped you should be able to turn on the pump and start a flow going.

[JUNEBUG 88]

MY dad was able to use water from hot water tank to get the pump running again, thanks for the info. A line for the aerator on the kitchen faucet also burst flooding the kitchen. Opening a cabin in winter in below 20 degree temps anyway is something we rarely do. It seems we are learning of new problems that could arise. So much fun! No trip to the cabin is just a vacation.