What is necessary to do when priming a pump?

When priming a pump, making the pump as airtight as possible is crucial for creating the necessary vacuum that allows atmospheric pressure to push water into the pump. A properly sealed pump prevents air from entering the system and disrupts priming. When air is present, it can form bubbles that prevent the creation of the required vacuum, leading to an inability to draw water from the source effectively.

While other methods, such as introducing water gradually or filling the pump with water before engaging, might aid in the operation of the pump, they do not fundamentally address the requirement to eliminate air from the system. Keeping the pump at a lower elevation can aid in water flow but does not specifically assist with the priming process itself. Therefore, ensuring the pump is airtight is an essential step in successful priming.