Q: This pumps refuses to suck out from a holding tank until a rod is pushed down inside the pump, where up on it starts to suck. I then have to reconnect but it is always a messy job. I have changed the valves and am on the 2nd pump.

 

R: This pump is generally quite a robust design with a reasonably strong self prime capability. Your description implies the valves are getting blocked or stuck open (the normal resting state for the valves is closed) which is rather unusual and suggests some quirk in this particular application. We are always happy to discuss challenges customers have with installations or behaviour of our products and can frequently resolve them. Not every pump type is suited to every application or installation.