Discharge pressure at the FP is higher than the design pressure, what action should be taken?

• A. Secure a pump or place additional services online
• B. Increase a discharge pressure
• C. Vent the line
• D. Shut down the pump

Answer: (A)

When discharge pressure is higher than the system design, the goal is to reduce the hydraulic load so the pressure returns to safe, intended levels. In a fire pump setup, that means either cutting back the pump’s output or increasing downstream demand so more water is drawn through the system, which lowers pressure due to added head loss.

Securing the pump stops it from delivering excess pressure, immediately reducing the discharge pressure. Placing additional services online achieves the same effect by drawing more water through the system, which lowers pressure to design levels. Increasing discharge pressure would only raise the problem, while venting the line isn’t an effective or appropriate fix in a closed firefighting distribution and could introduce other hazards. Shutting down the pump alone would also reduce pressure but at the cost of losing firefighting capability until the pump is restarted; the preferred actions maintain safety while preserving readiness.