Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The sound indicative of cavitation in a pump is notably a loud pounding or hammering noise. Cavitation occurs when the pressure within the pump drops below the vapor pressure of the liquid, leading to the formation of vapor bubbles. As these bubbles travel through the pump and enter areas of higher pressure, they collapse violently, which generates shockwaves. This can create a loud and disruptive noise, often described as a hammering or pounding sound.

This phenomenon is problematic because it can lead to significant damage to the pump components, including erosion and vibration issues. Recognizing this sound is essential for maintenance and troubleshooting to prevent further damage to the pump system. Other sounds such as continuous humming, intermittent whistling, or soft rattling may indicate different issues within the pump system but are not characteristic of cavitation. Continuous humming might suggest electrical problems or an imbalance, while intermittent whistling could indicate an air leak or flow issues, and soft rattling might signal loose components or minor vibrations without the presence of cavitation.