If the Master Intake has not yet reached 20 psi, which statement is correct regarding water flow?

If the Master Intake has not yet reached 20 psi, which statement is correct regarding water flow?

• A. If the Master Intake has not reached 20 psi, you should reduce flow immediately.
• B. The Master Intake must always stay above 30 psi.
• C. You may have more water to flow until the Master Intake reaches 20 psi.
• D. The Master Intake pressure has no relation to flow.

Answer: (C)

The main point is the relationship between the suction pressure at the master intake and the amount of water you can safely deliver. A minimum suction pressure is needed for the pump to prime and to draw water reliably from the source. If the master intake hasn't reached 20 psi yet, you can safely increase the discharge flow to pull more water until that intake pressure climbs to 20 psi. Once you approach that 20 psi level, you regulate the flow to maintain it and prevent the suction from dropping below the safe minimum. This is why you wouldn’t automatically reduce flow immediately, and it isn’t about hitting 30 psi. The intake pressure does relate directly to how much water you can push.

The main point is the relationship between the suction pressure at the master intake and the amount of water you can safely deliver. A minimum suction pressure is needed for the pump to prime and to draw water reliably from the source. If the master intake hasn't reached 20 psi yet, you can safely increase the discharge flow to pull more water until that intake pressure climbs to 20 psi. Once you approach that 20 psi level, you regulate the flow to maintain it and prevent the suction from dropping below the safe minimum. This is why you wouldn’t automatically reduce flow immediately, and it isn’t about hitting 30 psi. The intake pressure does relate directly to how much water you can push.