Used for the start-up and successful operation of centrifugal pumps in which the casing housing the impeller is first filled or primed with liquid before operation begins. Since the density of a liquid is many times greater than that of a gas, vapour, or air, the suction pressure is otherwise insufficient to draw in more liquid. Depending on the type of pump, priming can be achieved either manually or by drawing liquid in using a vacuum pump. Valves can be used to prevent drainage and ensure that the pump does not require priming once the pump stops. Alternatively, the pump can be configured in such a way that it always maintains a reservoir of liquid at the suction side.