how do I reprime my return setup?

[ddc0715]

help. how do I restart/ prime my return system if I have to remove the return pump for service? the return pump is a magnetic drive so it does not create suction?
here's what i have. the chk valve keeps the line primed if I have to kill/lose power, but pump removal is a different story.

 

[DrZoidburg]

You can try to get water down the return line. Sometimes I have to feed return lines with a hose hooked up to another pump.

 

[ddc0715]

I believe I have come up with a solution. I am going to put a PVC tee in just below the first elbow coming out of the sump,( this tee will be in the sump above the water level, then reduce it down to say 1/4-1/2", then install a shark bite turn valve with a long enough piece of tubing to ensure it stays pointed down into the sump. the plan would be----- when turning off the return for cleaning, I would close the gate valve, then remove the return pump, the gate valve would hold water in the discharge line, then upon reinstalling the pump, I would open this small turn valve, followed by opening the main gate valve, doing this should let gravity fill the line with water from the DT, once water flows out of this small turn valve, I would close it off, doing this should fill the entire return line an allow the pump to restart and start pulling water normally. thoughts it seems like a solid starting point