Question
We have a small cottage on the Muskegon River.  We were given an irrigation pump to use for watering our yard versus using our well.  We had to prime the pump---and got it working for a while but it won't hold pressure.  Once we turned off the pump--it lost pressure and now we can't get enough pressure to draw water.  The motor works.  We've tried to re-prime the pump but it loses the prime.  The pipe from the pump to the river has a check-valve.  Any ideas on why the pump won't hold a prime?

Answer
Thanks for the question.
You need to check and recheck the suction pipe into the river. Chances are very good it has a tiny leak allowing air into the pump and that will kill it's ability to draw water. If you have the ability to connect a hose from the house to the pump it could help. By using the water pressure from the house the air leak will show quickly.

Matt