Does pumping flood water damage fire trucks ?

[bajdas]

I have heard differing opinions over the years to the question of

"Does pumping flood water damage fire trucks ?"

Then I saw today: 09:54:58 14-12-10 TW34 IS OUT OF ACTION UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. HAVING WATER VALVES REPLACED. <name> - CFS Two Wells Info

Is this related to the recent flooding ?

I believe the sludge / flood pumps SES have are different to the fire trucks, but I have seen pumping done by fire trucks because of larger capacity.

Is it some flood water can be pumped until a certain depth, then too much chance of muck going through the system ?

[Fire000]

If the basket and pre-filter/ one way valve are installed, this should stop most of the larger foreign objects.

Things like muddy/sandy water are a different story - likely to put excess stress and wear on the pump housing and impeller(s) when compared to pumping clean water. Fire pumps have to be designed to handle this type of water on some occasions (i.e draughting from creeks or dams, however extended operation in flood waters is likely to send your truck off for a pump service sooner than you may have expected.

You're right in saying that there are sludge pumps designs specifically for pumping this 'dirty' water. However in a situation like Stockport, any available pump goes and you have to make do with what's available.

[rescue5271]

Agree with fire000, any pump will do as long as you flush it in clean water after use and not just put it back into the station as all the mud will go hard, You can always get the pump serviced after this type of work and you would be silly not to as state will pick up the costing for it...