The business of self priming pumps (also called self priming centrifugal pumps) requires extensive education and training. You need to learn about various aspects of the business, including technical factors, market conditions and new developments in the pump industry.

In addition, choosing the right self priming pump is an important task. An education on self priming pumps can enable you to determine whether you require a self priming domestic pump, a self priming external pump or a self priming portable utility pump. If you want to use a self priming fuel pump or self priming drill pump, you will need to have adequate knowledge about the installation and maintenance of self priming pumps.

To educate yourself and/or your workforce about self priming pumps, you can:

1. Browse various resources that provide basic information about self priming pumps
2. Subscribe to magazines and periodicals to update your knowledge
3. Interact with experts in the field of self priming pumps

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Understand the basics of self priming pumps and the relevant terminology

If you have very little exposure to self priming pumps, you can learn the basics by browsing different resources, such as websites of various self priming pump manufacturers and online knowledge resources.

I recommend: You can learn the basics of the design and application of self priming pumps at Goulds Pumps, a reputable manufacturer of industrial pumps. In addition, you can browse through information about the technology of self priming pumps at Processing, a good resource by Grand View Media that publishes articles related to process industries.

Subscribe to magazines that provide updates on the field of self priming pumps

You can update your knowledge about various types of self priming pumps, such as self priming water pumps and self priming fuel pumps, by subscribing to magazines dedicated to mechanical engineering and the pump industry.

I recommend: You can subscribe to Pumps & Systems, a magazine dedicated to the pump and rotating equipment industry. Impeller.net is an online magazine that provides useful updates on the global pump industry. You can also subscribe to Mechanical Engineering, a magazine by ASME (the American Society of Mechanical Engineers) International. In addition, Hindawi Publishing Corporation publishes the ‘International Journal of Rotating Machinery’, a magazine for the pump industry.

Learn about standards and codes about self priming pumps

If you are a self priming pump supplier, you must understand the different standards and codes related to self priming pumps. You can buy these codes from the organizations that establish the standards in the pump industry.

I recommend: Buy the standards for self priming pumps at the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). You can also buy the standards for centrifugal pumps at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME International). Beuth Verlag, the publishing house of DIN (German Institute for Standardization), offers standards for fluid systems and components.

Self priming pumps are a great way to quickly move many types of liquids on a boat, on a farm or in any type of commercial application. Common types of self priming pumps go by many names, including a self priming utility pump, a self priming external pump and a self priming fuel pump.

Self priming pumps can move a variety of liquids and gases, including water, slurries and oils. So before you start to look for a self priming pump, determine which of these pumps you will need:

1. Self priming drill pump;

2. Self priming centrifugal pump;

3. Or self priming water pump.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase a self priming drill pump

A self priming drill pump is a versatile and portable way of moving water or fluid. All you need is a drill with a chuck. It is particularly handy for use on boats.

I recommend: Jamestown Distributors is a Rhode Island company that has made and sold boat building supplies for more than 25 years. The company's self priming drill pumps are also sold as a kit that include accessories such as hose and hose adaptors. Boatingstore is a company based in Florida that sells a variety of boating products. Its catalog includes a self priming drill pump sold as a kit with hoses.

Buy a self priming centrifugal pump

A self priming centrifugal pump is especially useful because it can pump liquids, gases or a combination of liquids and gases. These pumps are sometimes called a self priming fuel pump or a self priming oil pump.

I recommend: The Gorman-Rupp Company features a full line of pumps that are made to be easy to operate and service. The pumps are specifically designed so that maintenance can be completed quickly. Franklin Electric is a global electric motor manufacturer headquartered in Indiana. The company makes a full line of pumps, including self priming centrifugal pumps.

Choose a self priming water pump

Self priming water pumps are handy for transferring water in a variety of marine, agricultural and commercial applications. They are generally recommended for moving clean water.

I recommend: Go2Marine sells a self priming water pump that is great for marine applications. You can use it for cleaning boats, as a shower pump or for general use. WattPower sells a portable water pump powered by gasoline that's great for larger jobs, including agricultural applications.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before you purchase a self priming pump of any type, be sure to inquire about the pump's warranty and the retailer's return and exchange policy. If the pump isn't exactly what you need and you have to return it, you may have to pay to ship it back to the place you bought it from. In some cases, you may even have to pay a restocking fee.