Self-Priming Centrifugal Pumps
Put the pump at grade and keep your hands out of the pit. Self-priming centrifugals clear the air from suction lines and re-prime after every cycle without a foot valve—perfect for bypass, tank unloading, stormwater, and sumps. We size trash/sewage non-clog and chemical duty builds with the right impellers, seals, and elastomers for your fluid.
- True self-priming from a dry suction (after initial fill), re-primes after interruptions
- Solids-handling options: trash/non-clog hydraulics, replaceable wear plate
- Chemical options: 316SS and sealless self-priming (mag-drive) for aggressive fluids
- Serviceability: removable cover plates & back-pullout designs speed maintenance
Manufacturers We Represent for Self-Priming
Featured Self-Priming Products
What Makes Self-Priming Different (and When It Beats Other Pumps)
How Self-Priming Pumps Work
- A priming chamber retains liquid after shutdown; on restart the pump recirculates that liquid to evacuate air from the suction.
- No foot valve needed; once the casing is initially filled, the pump re-primes automatically after each stop.
- Trash designs add oversized passages, replaceable wear plates, and inspection covers for fast cleanout.
Where Self-Priming Wins
- Bypass & lift stations: above-grade installation, easy access, dry motor and bearings
- Tank truck & tote unloading: quick prime on intermittent duty
- Stormwater & sumps: fluctuating levels and air ingestion
- Chemical transfer: 316SS or sealless self-priming for aggressive fluids
Best-Fit Self-Priming Configurations by Service
| Service | Ideal Configuration | Recommended Brands | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sewage bypass / trash | Self-priming trash with non-clog hydraulics, wear plate, inspection cover | Gorman-Rupp • Goulds | Handles rags/wipes; quick cleanout without pulling piping |
| Stormwater / construction dewatering | Cast/ductile iron self-primer, abrasion-resistant seals | Gorman-Rupp • Goulds | Air-handling volute tolerates intermittent air and low NPSH |
| Chemical transfer (corrosives/solvents) | 316SS self-primer or sealless self-priming mag-drive | Griswold • Finish Thompson | Materials & seal strategy match aggressive chemistries |
| Tank truck / railcar unloading | High-efficiency self-primer with check valve & quick-prime piping | Gorman-Rupp • Griswold | Fast prime and reliable re-start on batch duty |
| Hot liquids / vapor-forming | Vented suction, oversized line, elevated NPSHa; seal faces for temp | Goulds • Griswold | Reduces vapor lock risk and seal distress |
Sizing inputs: duty flow/head, suction lift & pipe run, fluid SDS (SG/viscosity/temp), solids size, required re-prime time, and installation constraints.
Materials & Performance
Wetted & Sealing Options
- Casings/Rotors: cast/ductile iron for wastewater; 316SS for corrosives
- Seals: SiC/SiC or TC/TC for abrasives; elastomers NBR/EPDM/FKM per chemistry
- Features: built-in check, replaceable wear plate, inspection/cleanout cover
Real-World Ranges
- Flow: fractional to 5,000+ GPM (trash duty); chemical ranges vary by model
- Head: up to ~150+ ft TDH typical; higher with staged designs
- Suction lift: ~20–25 ft at sea level with tight suction & initial prime
- Solids: large passages on trash builds; verify max solid size
Accessories That Make Self-Priming Installs Bulletproof
- Suction design: short, straight run; one size larger than nozzle; air-tight joints
- Piping & valves: eccentric reducer at pump, swing check on discharge, isolation valves
- Priming assist: initial fill port, vacuum priming skid for extreme lifts/long runs
- Wear items: spare wear plate/impeller kits and cover gaskets
- Controls: HOA/auto panel, level controls, dry-run/over-temp protection
Self-Priming vs. Other Common Pump Types
| Use Case | Self-Priming | Submersible | End-Suction | AODD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Above-grade installation | Excellent | Not applicable | Good (needs prime) | Portable, but air required |
| Solids / rags | Great (trash) | Great (cutter/vortex) | Fair | Great (soft solids) |
| Efficiency on steady duty | Good | Good | Great | Fair (air costs) |
| Priming/NPSH sensitivity | Low | Low | High | Low |
| Maintenance access | Excellent (at grade) | Good (rails) | Good | Excellent |
What We Need to Size Your Self-Primer (5-Minute Worksheet)
- Duty: target GPM & TDH; desired prime/re-prime time; batch vs. continuous
- Suction: static lift, pipe length/ID, fittings, elevation profile, strainer/foot valve status
- Fluid: SDS, SG/viscosity/temp, solids type/size/percent
- Materials: required metallurgy/elastomers; seal faces; coating if outdoors
- Power/Controls: voltage/phase, HOA or VFD, alarms
Top Self-Priming Lines We Stock (Placeholders)
Send your suction sketch and duty point—we’ll return curves, prime times, materials, and a service-friendly BOM.
Need a Fast-Priming, Service-Friendly Package at Grade?
We’ll size the hydraulics, suction piping, and controls—so your self-primer starts clean, re-primes reliably, and stays easy to own.
Self-Priming Pump FAQs
Do I need a foot valve?
No. After the initial fill of the casing, self-primers re-prime automatically without a foot valve. Keep the suction line airtight with proper reducers and minimal fittings.
How high can I lift from?
At sea level with tight suction design, plan for ~20–25 ft of lift. Altitude, hot liquids, small suction lines, or air leaks reduce achievable lift and increase prime time.
Why isn’t my pump priming?
Common causes are air leaks on suction (threaded joints, valve stems), insufficient initial fill, undersized/long suction with too many elbows, clogged strainers, or worn wear-plate/impeller. We can review your suction sketch and recommend fixes.
Can it handle rags, wipes, or stringy solids?
Trash/non-clog self-primers are designed for this. For severe ragging, consider bar screens, a cutter/vortex submersible, or a grinder upstream.
Self-Priming vs. Submersible—when to pick which?
Choose self-priming when you want at-grade access, portable skids, or long suction runs. Choose a submersible for deep wet wells, quiet operation, or when suction piping makes priming impractical.