Winterizing a Self-Priming Pump: How to Drain the Pump Casing and Piping Properly
Winterizing a Self-Priming Pump: How to Drain the Pump Casing and Piping Properly When winter temperatures fall below freezing, self-priming pumps installed outdoors may face a serious risk of freeze damage during extended shutdowns. Some users assume that draining the pump casing is sufficient to protect the entire system. However, residual liquid may remain inside suction pipes, discharge lines, valves, strainers, and other low points. When this trapped liquid freezes and expands, it can damage pump housings, pipelines, valves, and sealing components. So, how should a self-priming pump be prepared for winter shutdown? More importantly, how should the pump casing and connected piping be drained separately? 1. Why Is Winter Drainage Important for Self-Priming Pumps? A self-priming pump does not necessarily drain itself automatically after shutdown. Depending on its design, liquid may remain inside the pump casing, priming chamber, or internal flow passages. Some self-priming pump ...