Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Civil: Water Resources and Environmental (WRE) Practice Exam 2026 - Free PE Civil Practice Questions and Study Guide

Using a smaller pump does not help reduce the risk of cavitation because it can lead to a higher rotational speed relative to the flow conditions in the system. Cavitation occurs when the pressure in a fluid drops below its vapor pressure, leading to the formation of vapor bubbles that implode, potentially causing damage to the pump.

In contrast, decreasing the pump speed allows for reduced flow velocities and lower pressure drops at the pump inlet, mitigating the likelihood of cavitation. Reducing the suction pipe length minimizes pressure loss and improves hydraulic performance, further lowering the chances of cavitation. Lowering the pump intake ensures that the fluid being pumped is at a sufficient pressure to avoid dropping below the vapor pressure, thereby directly addressing cavitation risks.

Hence, a smaller pump does not inherently address the critical factors related to pressure and flow dynamics, making it less effective in preventing cavitation compared to other methods used in pump design and operation.