Here's the scenario. I have a old hand-dug, 30'x3' wide shallow well that is pumped using a single line shallow well configuration (2" PVC). The pump is a 1/2 horse "red-jacket" jet-pump in my basement.
About 3 months ago while doing some plumbing work (changing pressure tank) I noticed that a check valve has been installed right at the pump's inlet. This indicates to me that there might not be a foot valve at the bottom of the well.
If there isn't a foot valve, how can I prime the pump, if the need ever arises? My understanding of the "normal" priming method is to simply pour in water until the pipe is full, but without a check valve, the water will just run right into the well.
I am concerned that the need to re-prime may very well be imminent since galvanized fittings were used between the pump, checkvalve and PVC, and they show signs of decay.
Can anyone enlighten me on how to re-prime a line without a foot valve?
Ohh, and does anyone know when PVC pipe and grey PVC fittings became available? (I'm trying to figure out how old this set-up is, or could be)
-cwe
URL showing my pump model: