When opening a ballast pump for inspection, the wear ring clearance is found to be approaching maximum. Which of the following would be expected?

Correct Answer: Option A — Pump capacity would be decreased.

Increased clearance at the wear rings allows a greater volume of fluid to bypass the impeller and return to the suction eye. This internal recirculation reduces the net flow delivered to the discharge side, directly resulting in a measurable decrease in the pump's total capacity and volumetric efficiency.