Jet pump won't prime

[Jc125]

After the power went out our jet pump lost prime. A plumber came out and estimated $6000 for a whole new system. We don't have the money for that now.
So I manually added water to prime the jet pump and I knew it would take a lot of water, as I had seen my dad do it before.
After adding water continuously through a funnel for and hour and a half straight it would not fill. The next day I added a few gallons and like magic it stopped taking water. Put the cap on and had water working!
A week later hurricane Ida takes our power out again, now I have to do it all again.
This time I added water for 2 hours continuously and it never stopped taking the water. I tried again the next day and same thing. It just wont stop taking the water.

How did It fill the one day but a week later it will not? Not a single change was made. Only difference was on the day that I got it to work it was really hot outside in the afternoon 90s. Now it has been cool 70s.

I was thinking maybe a leak from the well pipes but I see no water from the pipes to where they go underground.
And if there was a leak how did It fill with water just a few days ago?

 

[Twowaxhack]

Use a garden hose connected to a neighbors hose faucet if possible to fill it up…..

 

[Jc125]

Use a garden hose connected to a neighbors hose faucet if possible to fill it up…..

Thanks for the quick response but I live on a farm and the closest neighbor is far up the road.

 

[Twowaxhack]

50 gal drum and a pump on a trailer ?

just trying to get you some water today..

 

[Valveman]

Most likely the foot valve down the well is failing. Failing foot valve will close sometimes but not others. Pull up the pipe and replace the foot valve. Less than $100 repair.

 

[arctic bill]

I agree foot valve