To draft directly from a static water source through hard suction, how far must the pumper be from the source?

• A. 3 m (10 ft)
• B. 6 m (20 ft)
• C. 2 m (7 ft)
• D. 9 m (30 ft)

Answer: (B)

Drafting from a static water source with hard suction works best when the pump isn’t right at the water’s edge. Being a bit back from the edge helps keep the suction line submerged cleanly and reduces the chance of air being drawn into the line from surface disturbance or debris. Six meters (about 20 feet) provides a practical balance: enough distance to avoid waves, surface debris, and eddies that can break prime, while not so far that the suction hose adds excessive friction losses or makes priming harder. If you’re too close, surface agitation and debris can cause air to enter the suction and break prime; if you’re too far, the extra hose length just wastes effort and can hurt prime due to friction. So six meters is the best-tested distance.