[ELI5] Why does pumping air wreck water pumps?

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Saw it on a package for a water pump that it shouldn’t be run dry for more than 1 second. If air is going through it, which requires less energy to move than water, then it should be no big deal, right?

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Anonymous 0 Comments

Allowing air into the waterline can promote Cavitation. Cavitation is small air bubbles rapidly collapsing on the surfaceof the blades of the impellor causing damage. Always purge a water pump of air before operation for this reason.

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