The fire pump packing glands should have what level of water discharge?

• A. Slight
• B. Moderate
• C. Heavy
• D. None

Answer: (A)

The packing gland around the pump shaft is meant to leak a little water. That tiny discharge lubricates and cools the packing rings, helps carry away heat and debris, and prevents the stuffing box from overheating. So, during a fire pump run, a slight amount of water steaming from the packing gland is the ideal indication that the gland is properly adjusted: loose enough to allow a small bleed, but tight enough to limit overall leakage. If there’s more leakage, the packing is too loose or worn and wasting water; if there’s no leakage, the gland is too tight and may overheat the packing and shaft.