What should be done if debris is blocking the strainer?

When debris is blocking the strainer, manually cleaning the debris away is the most effective course of action. The strainer is designed to protect the pump and the system from clogging and damage caused by larger particles. If the strainer is obstructed, it can lead to a decrease in water flow to the pump, potentially causing overheating or pump failure. By removing the debris, you ensure that the pump can operate efficiently, maintaining proper flow rates and protecting the integrity of the fire fighting equipment.

Ignoring the debris is not advisable, as it can lead to inefficiencies and possible equipment failure during critical operations. Increasing pump capacity is not a suitable solution either, as it doesn’t address the root cause of the problem and may exacerbate the situation by further stressing the pump. Shutting down all operations may not be necessary if the obstruction can be managed promptly, as it could lead to delays in emergency response times. Therefore, the appropriate action is to manually clean the items obstructing the strainer to ensure optimal operational conditions.