What happens when a fire pump is operated without water?

Operating a fire pump without water leads to pump failure or damage due to several factors. Fire pumps are designed to function through the movement of water; when there is no water, the pump can run dry. This condition can cause the components of the pump to overheat because there is no coolant being circulated. Additionally, without water, the seals and bearings are not properly lubricated, which can lead to excessive friction, wear, and ultimately catastrophic mechanical failure. This can result in costly repairs and a significant loss in operational readiness for fire suppression efforts.

Other choices such as increased efficiency, shortened response times, or no significant impact do not accurately reflect the consequences of dry operation. Continuous operation without water fundamentally undermines the reliability and safety of the fire pumping system.