What happens if a pump does not maintain the required discharge pressure during operations?

When a pump does not maintain the required discharge pressure during operations, it can lead to inadequate water flow, which is critical during firefighting situations. This deficiency in flow can prevent the effective delivery of water to the fire scene, diminishing the ability to suppress the fire and protect life and property. Maintaining proper discharge pressure is essential for ensuring that the nozzle operators receive the expected water supply to effectively combat the fire.

The other potential outcomes are not the primary concern when a pump fails to maintain discharge pressure. While automatic shutdowns and leakages might occur under certain conditions, they are not direct results of pressure failure. Similarly, back pressure is a different issue that typically arises from blockages or design flaws in the system rather than insufficient discharge pressure alone.