If a pump has been primed but will not start, what should be checked first?

When a pump has been primed but fails to start, one of the first things to check is the circuit breaker or fuses. This is crucial because if there is an electrical issue—such as a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse—the pump will not receive the necessary power to operate. Electrical failures can occur for various reasons, including overload or short circuits, and ensuring that power is reaching the pump is essential for diagnosing the problem.

Other checks are important as well but typically follow the inspection of the electrical supply. For example, the water level in the reservoir needs to be adequate for proper function, and while it may affect operation, it's not the primary reason for failure to start if the pump has already been primed. The pump's filter might be dirty, impacting flow, and the suction line could have blockages that prevent proper operation; however, these issues would usually present differently. Thus, ensuring that the electrical components are functioning is the logical first step in troubleshooting why the pump will not start.