Pump Operations
Tank Time
Estimate how long onboard water lasts at a steady discharge rate.
What It Tells You
The approximate duration of the apparatus tank at the current flow.
Formula
Time (minutes) = tank gallons ÷ GPM
What the Variables Mean
- tank gallons
- usable onboard water gallons
- GPM
- total discharge flow gallons per minute
- Time
- estimated duration minutes
Plain-Language Explanation
Every open discharge draws from the tank. Higher total flow empties the tank sooner.
Worked Example
A 750-gallon tank is flowing 250 GPM.
- Time = 750 ÷ 250
Fireground Takeaway
Tank time is an estimate. Communicate early and establish a sustained water supply before the tank is empty.
Practice This Formula
Open Reverse Flow and start a Practice Quiz filtered to this topic.
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