What is a low water alarm on a pump and what actions should you take if it activates?

What is a low water alarm on a pump and what actions should you take if it activates?

• A. It indicates water is too cold and should be warmed before continuing.
• B. It indicates the water is at optimal level; continue as normal.
• C. It indicates insufficient water supply to the pump; actions: check source, ensure prime, adjust valves, re-prime.
• D. It indicates pressure is too high and should be vented.

Answer: (C)

A low water alarm means the pump isn’t drawing enough water on the suction side, which can cause cavitation and damage if you keep running it. The best response is to take steps that restore a solid water supply to the pump: check the water source to confirm water is available, make sure the pump is primed (fill the pump and suction line with water to remove air), adjust any valves that might be restricting flow, and re-prime if air has entered the line. These actions directly address the insufficient water condition and put the pump back into a safe operating state. The other options don’t fit because they describe conditions (water being too cold, optimal level, or excessively high pressure) that aren’t what a low water alarm indicates.

A low water alarm means the pump isn’t drawing enough water on the suction side, which can cause cavitation and damage if you keep running it. The best response is to take steps that restore a solid water supply to the pump: check the water source to confirm water is available, make sure the pump is primed (fill the pump and suction line with water to remove air), adjust any valves that might be restricting flow, and re-prime if air has entered the line. These actions directly address the insufficient water condition and put the pump back into a safe operating state. The other options don’t fit because they describe conditions (water being too cold, optimal level, or excessively high pressure) that aren’t what a low water alarm indicates.