What can occur due to pump cavitation besides impeller damage?

Pump cavitation is a phenomenon that occurs when the pressure in the pump falls below the vapor pressure of the liquid being pumped, leading to the formation of vapor bubbles. When these bubbles collapse or implode as they pass into higher pressure regions, they create shockwaves that can cause significant damage not only to the impeller but also impact the overall performance of the pump.

Erratic power consumption is a common consequence of cavitation, as the pump's behavior becomes inconsistent. As the vapor bubbles form and collapse, they disrupt the flow of liquid, leading to fluctuations in the hydraulic performance of the pump. This results in an unstable power draw, which can cause the motor to operate inefficiently.

Additionally, cavitation typically leads to reduced pump head or system pressure. This is because the vapor bubbles introduce a loss in hydraulic energy, which translates to a drop in the effective pumping capability. The combined effects of erratic power consumption and a reduced pump head can compromise system performance and reliability, ultimately leading to operational issues.

Understanding these effects is crucial for plumbing design professionals, as managing cavitation through proper pump selection, system design, and ensuring adequate net positive suction head (NPSH) can help prevent these undesirable outcomes in pumping systems.