What should you do if a pump loses its prime due to an air pocket in the suction line?

When a pump loses its prime because of an air pocket in the suction line, the most effective action is to open the suction piping air bleed off valves. This action allows the trapped air to escape, thereby restoring the pump's ability to draw water. Proper priming is essential for the efficient operation of a pump; without adequate liquid in the suction line, the pump cannot generate the necessary suction to move the fluid effectively.

Opening the air bleed off valves helps eliminate the air pocket, permitting the fluid to fill the suction line completely. This restores the proper hydraulic conditions for the pump to operate, leading to improved performance and preventing potential damage to the pump from running dry.

Other choices may not effectively address the issue of the air pocket. For instance, replacing the pump would be unnecessary and costly, while increasing the pump speed could exacerbate cavitation or damage to the pump if it is not primed properly. Closing the suction line valves would further isolate the pump and not facilitate the removal of air from the suction line, leading to continued operational problems.