I'm new to pumps but reasonably good with stuff like this. I've got a new rainwater cistern tank and bought a submersible sump pump. Works fine but no pressure, and my guess is that this is the wrong kind of pump (decent flow but not designed for pressure delivery?).

I'm still trying to save a buck so bought a used 3/4 hp shallow well pump assembly with a little pressure tank, gauge, pressure switch - looks like the whole works. Can't figure out how to get it primed. I've hooked up a hose to the priming port on top, have a check valve at the bottom of the suction pipe in the tank, have the suction line filled with water but can't get the pump to start pumping.

Could be the whole thing is shot but I'm looking for some basic advice on how to prime a pump since I've never done this before. Seems like if I fill the whole thing with water (pump body, entire suction line) and turn it on, it should start pumping. With it running and water forced into the priming port it still doesn't start pumping when I turn off the priming water. Help...? Thanks.



Image Insert:



Image Insert: