Yes, the idea is that the valves on either pump will allow fuel to pass through even if that pump ain't active.
Fuel hose is normally made with an outer, a robust string-reinforced body, and a liner. I have had happen to me twice (once car, once U/L); and heard of several times; the liner comes loose from the body. Now, if the liner between the engine pump suction and the elec pump outlet did this, with elec not running the suction partly closes the fuel line; and the elec pump pressurises it back to full size. To test this, get a length of line - the cheap clear not-really-fuel-resistant stuff is ideal - and run it through the cab, or on the ground outside, from the elec pump outlet to the engine pump inlet. Then ground run the engine. If it works fine under test, you've got yourself a good spare engine pump! - and the pleasant job of replacing the std fuel hose with something of at least equal quality... (as far as I know, NO lined fuel line is immune from this problem, ocassionally)