What could be the issue if water pumps at a plant are making loud banging noises, shaking severely, and running very hot while at 100% capacity?

If the water pumps at a plant are making loud banging noises, shaking severely, and running very hot while operating at full capacity, a likely issue is that the pumps may be only pumping air. When a pump is designed to move liquid and is instead drawing in air, it can lead to a condition known as cavitation. This occurs when vapor bubbles form in the liquid being pumped due to low pressure and subsequently collapse violently, causing loud banging noises and vibrations in the pump. These conditions can also increase the temperature of the pump because there is less liquid to carry away heat, leading to overheating.

This scenario indicates that the pump is not achieving its intended function, resulting in significant operational issues. Being aware of how a pump operates and recognizing the signs of cavitation or air-lock conditions is crucial for troubleshooting and maintaining efficient operations in wastewater systems.