Testing a Dredge in a Pond

If you have decided to test your dredge is a pond make sure the one you go to (if this is your only option) is not too deep. The ideal depth is around waist deepness since this way it is easier to work and move around while you are still becoming familiar with how everything functions. If there is nowhere else to do the testing but in a moving stream, just make sure you become familiar and learn about anchoring before attempting this. Once the dredge has been placed in position appropriately, the engine will need to be started up. It is essential to wait until the launch time to start up the engine for the reason that the centrifugal pump should never by any means run without having a reliable supply of water. The centrifugal pump can run for a few seconds without water but this is only for a few seconds so it’s better to avoid this. It is necessary for it to have the water so it will be lubricated and cool the impellers. Some are not able to run for over a time of sixty seconds without water because they simply heat up too rapidly and this can originate permanent damage to a new dredge. There are not any self-priming centrifugal pumps, even when the intake is inside a few inches of the water. You can prime the pump by the uncomplicated task of allowing the water to go in through the high pressure hose. However it will then be necessary to disconnect the high pressure hose in at least one place you will then need to reconnect it. Obviously what you want to do is start without having to pull the dredge apart several times. Almost all dredges have the pump intake hose loaded with a foot valve and strainer. These are generally butterfly type valves that open when pressure is placed on the bottom side and it will then close when pressure is no longer there. The tension on the valve is not high and is just enough to close it.