On Thu, 05 Oct 2006 13:06:14 +0100, The Natural Philosopher wrote:

The pump runs - well makes its buzzy noise - but seems to draw no water
from the reservoir, but that pipe is OK as I disconnected it and sucked
water up.

Does it have a steam jet? The instructions usually say that after the
machine has run dry you will have to prime it by opening the steam jet and
allowing the machine to pump until water runs out.