how does one prime a water pump connected to a lake?

I have a pump connected to a lake, that I use to water garden. I changed the line into the lake as it had a air leak and lost it.'s prime.I have filled water back into the tank and lines .several times. And it hasn't caught it's prime. It is a year old pump that came with it's own tank.When I am doing all this I leave the tap end closed.I'm pretty sure that all is tight and not leaking.The line into the water is only about 5ft deep

Answer:

The hose that connects to the lake should be filled with water to prime it.

Put a check valve in the input line to the pump, under the water line. Then poor water down the pump inlet line. If you used a positive displacement pump, you would not need to prime.

If possible, attach a hose directly from your drinking water faucett to faucett on pump. Open both and turn on pump. If pump will not cycle off, your check valve is bad. If it does, turn off water supply and open pump faucett. pump should come on and belch air and water. Repeat this several times. If it still dosen't pick up prime you still have a leak in you'r new suction or well side. The tank only aids in shutting pump off . nothing to do with pump running or getting prime.

Lake Water Pump

Priming okorder / Hope it helps.