What is the ideal action if your pump begins to cavitate?

When a pump begins to cavitate, the primary objective is to restore the normal operation of the pump and prevent damage. Decreasing the discharge flow is often an ideal short-term solution to alleviate cavitation. Cavitation occurs when the pressure in the pump drops below the vapor pressure of the liquid, leading to the formation of vapor bubbles. By reducing the discharge flow, you increase the pressure in the pump's intake side, which can help stabilize the fluid flow and eliminate the vapor bubbles that contribute to cavitation.

Increasing the engine RPM may not effectively address the root cause of cavitation and could potentially exacerbate the problem by increasing the discharge flow and lowering the intake pressure even further. Shutting down the pump could be appropriate in severe cases, but it’s not necessarily the ideal initial action, as it interrupts operations. Blocking the intake would likely create further issues, including an increased risk of damage to the pump and reduced efficiency.

Overall, decreasing the discharge flow is a strategic move to manage cavitation and maintain the pump’s performance safely.