Mechanical seals should not ____.

• A. leak
• B. corrode
• C. wear
• D. overheat

Answer: (A)

Mechanical seals are designed to keep the process fluid contained and prevent it from escaping along the rotating shaft. The main function is containment—no leaks. If a seal leaks, it means the barrier isn’t working, which can lead to environmental contamination, safety hazards, and regulatory issues in a wastewater context. While corrosion, wear, and overheating are all ways a seal can fail or degrade over time, the direct expectation in this item is that the seal should prevent leakage.