Sprinkler Well Pump Produced Hot Water Then Lost Prime

Well pump ran hot water briefly (cavitation heating), then later ran but delivered no water. Classic suction line/foot valve failure.

Hot Water Cause

Pump cavitated (churned air/water mix) until primed. Friction heated water. Once primed, cold water flowed.

No Water Now

Foot valve (check valve at bottom of suction line) stuck open or leaking. Water drains back → pump loses prime → runs dry.

Fix

1. Pull suction line, inspect foot valve. Clean/replace.
2. Check suction line for cracks/leaks.
3. Reprime, test.

Foot valve is $15–$30. Prime loss is the #1 well pump issue.