Why won’t my Little Giant Jet Pump or Sprinkler Pump prime?

There are a few possible reasons why the Little Giant Jet Pump or Sprinkler Pump won’t prime:

  • The inlet might have leaks. 
  • The suction lift could be too high for the pump. 
  • The pipes could be too small on the inlet. 
  • There is low voltage or the voltage is on the wrong setting. 
  • The water level is below sand point. 
  • There are clogged or restricted pipes. 
  • The impeller could be damaged. 
  • The pump inlet pipe has no water.

NOTE: For more information, review the troubleshooting section of the owner’s manual.  

Why is my Little Giant jet pump getting hot?

There are a few possible reasons why a Little Giant jet pump is getting hot:

  • Make sure your pump is located close to the water source. 

NOTE: Boxes will make it overheat. 

  • If it’s not the environment, then it could be the thermal overload system.
  • Ensure proper voltage is getting sent.  
  • Check wire gauge ensure all connections are proper.

Why does the pressure switch chatter on my Little Giant jet pump?

There are a few possible reasons why the pressure switch is chattering on a Little Giant jet pump.

  • Check if there a big difference on pressure due to cycling and if you hear the chattering during on/off moments.  
  • Ensure the pressure tank is within 5 ft of the pump.  
  • Ensure you are using a 1-inch pipe going from the pump to the pressure tank. 
  • Make sure the pump is on the correct voltage.  
  • Verify there is not too much pressure in the tank.  
  • Ensure the pressure tank is still functional. 
  • Verify there is a check/foot valve. If you do have one, make sure it is not leaking.  
  • Check that there are minimal fittings between the pump and the check valve. Each fitting adds distance between the pump and tank.
  • Verify there is no check valve between the pressure tank and the pump.
  • Ensure the pressure switch is still functional and there are no blockages.
Our Brand Promise

There’s a reason we’ve been the go-to pump for HVAC, Plumbing, Pool, and Hydroponics professionals for generations: experience. For 80 years, Little Giant® products have stood the test of time, pumping a steady flow of proven reliability in the most demanding applications.