TEXAS GENERAL PUMP INSTALLER Newest
Practice Exam – 200 Realistic Practice Questions
with Bolded Answers & Explanations | Pass the
PSI Exam First Try
COVERAGE BY SECTION
Section Title Questions
1 Pump Types & Applications 1–25
2 Hydraulics & Pump Performance 26–50
3 Electrical Systems & Motors 51–75
4 System Components & Pressure Tanks 76–100
5 Installation & Well Standards 101–125
6 Troubleshooting & Maintenance 126–150
7 Safety & OSHA Compliance 151–175
8 TDLR Rules & Texas Regulations 176–200
Texas General Pump Installer Practice Exam: Questions 1–25
1. What is the primary purpose of a centrifugal pump?
a) To displace fluid using a piston
b) To create vacuum for fluid lifting
c) To convert rotational energy into kinetic energy to move fluid
d) To compress air for fluid movement
Explanation Centrifugal pumps use an impeller to accelerate water, converting mechanical
energy from a motor into fluid motion for distribution .
,2. Which type of pump is best suited for deep wells (several hundred feet)?
a) Jet pump
b) Centrifugal pump
c) Submersible pump
d) Positive displacement pump
Explanation Submersible pumps are installed below water level and are built to work
underwater in deep wells where suction pumps cannot lift water effectively .
3. What is "pump head"?
a) The electrical power consumption of a pump
b) The diameter of the pump discharge pipe
c) The height to which a pump can raise water
d) The speed of the pump impeller
Explanation Pump head is a measure of energy imparted to the fluid, expressed in feet or
meters of water column .
4. What is the typical function of a pump volute?
a) To house the motor windings
b) To filter debris from incoming fluid
c) To direct fluid from the impeller to the discharge pipe
d) To regulate pump speed
Explanation The volute converts velocity from the impeller into pressure while directing flow
efficiently to the outlet .
5. Which pump component prevents backflow when the pump stops?
a) Pressure relief valve
b) Strainer
c) Check valve
d) Flow switch
Explanation Check valves allow fluid to flow in one direction only, preventing reverse flow
and potential system damage .
,6. What is the proper way to prime a centrifugal pump?
a) Run the pump dry for 30 seconds
b) Open the discharge valve fully before starting
c) Fill pump casing and suction line with water before starting
d) Apply heat to the pump casing
Explanation Priming ensures the pump contains liquid and avoids running dry, which can
damage seals and impellers .
7. What is the primary purpose of a mechanical seal in a pump?
a) To align the pump and motor shaft
b) To increase pump flow rate
c) To prevent leakage between pump casing and shaft
d) To reduce electrical consumption
Explanation Mechanical seals keep pumped fluid contained, ensuring safety, efficiency,
and preventing environmental hazards .
8. Which factor affects pump efficiency the most?
a) The color of the pump housing
b) The material of the discharge pipe
c) Pump operating point relative to design curve (BEP)
d) The length of the electrical cable
Explanation Efficiency decreases if a pump operates too far above or below its Best
Efficiency Point (BEP), causing energy loss and wear .
9. Under 16 TAC 76, a licensed pump installer must:
a) Approve building permits for new construction
, b) Design municipal water treatment systems
c) Plug abandoned wells when required
d) Issue plumbing certificates to homeowners
Explanation Texas rules assign well-closure responsibility to licensed drillers and installers
for safety and environmental protection .
10. What is Total Dynamic Head (TDH)?
a) The static water level in the well only
b) The horsepower rating of the motor only
c) Vertical lift + friction losses
d) Flow rate multiplied by pipe diameter
Explanation TDH combines elevation change and system resistance that the pump must
overcome .
11. What is cavitation in a pump?
a) The pump running at maximum speed
b) Air entering the suction line from a leak
c) Formation and collapse of vapor bubbles due to insufficient suction pressure
d) Excessive lubrication of bearings
Explanation Cavitation results from low inlet pressure that lets vapor bubbles form and
collapse, damaging impellers .
12. How can pump cavitation be prevented?
a) Increase the pump discharge pressure
b) Reduce the impeller diameter
c) Ensure adequate suction pressure and correct NPSH
d) Install a larger motor
Practice Exam – 200 Realistic Practice Questions
with Bolded Answers & Explanations | Pass the
PSI Exam First Try
COVERAGE BY SECTION
Section Title Questions
1 Pump Types & Applications 1–25
2 Hydraulics & Pump Performance 26–50
3 Electrical Systems & Motors 51–75
4 System Components & Pressure Tanks 76–100
5 Installation & Well Standards 101–125
6 Troubleshooting & Maintenance 126–150
7 Safety & OSHA Compliance 151–175
8 TDLR Rules & Texas Regulations 176–200
Texas General Pump Installer Practice Exam: Questions 1–25
1. What is the primary purpose of a centrifugal pump?
a) To displace fluid using a piston
b) To create vacuum for fluid lifting
c) To convert rotational energy into kinetic energy to move fluid
d) To compress air for fluid movement
Explanation Centrifugal pumps use an impeller to accelerate water, converting mechanical
energy from a motor into fluid motion for distribution .
,2. Which type of pump is best suited for deep wells (several hundred feet)?
a) Jet pump
b) Centrifugal pump
c) Submersible pump
d) Positive displacement pump
Explanation Submersible pumps are installed below water level and are built to work
underwater in deep wells where suction pumps cannot lift water effectively .
3. What is "pump head"?
a) The electrical power consumption of a pump
b) The diameter of the pump discharge pipe
c) The height to which a pump can raise water
d) The speed of the pump impeller
Explanation Pump head is a measure of energy imparted to the fluid, expressed in feet or
meters of water column .
4. What is the typical function of a pump volute?
a) To house the motor windings
b) To filter debris from incoming fluid
c) To direct fluid from the impeller to the discharge pipe
d) To regulate pump speed
Explanation The volute converts velocity from the impeller into pressure while directing flow
efficiently to the outlet .
5. Which pump component prevents backflow when the pump stops?
a) Pressure relief valve
b) Strainer
c) Check valve
d) Flow switch
Explanation Check valves allow fluid to flow in one direction only, preventing reverse flow
and potential system damage .
,6. What is the proper way to prime a centrifugal pump?
a) Run the pump dry for 30 seconds
b) Open the discharge valve fully before starting
c) Fill pump casing and suction line with water before starting
d) Apply heat to the pump casing
Explanation Priming ensures the pump contains liquid and avoids running dry, which can
damage seals and impellers .
7. What is the primary purpose of a mechanical seal in a pump?
a) To align the pump and motor shaft
b) To increase pump flow rate
c) To prevent leakage between pump casing and shaft
d) To reduce electrical consumption
Explanation Mechanical seals keep pumped fluid contained, ensuring safety, efficiency,
and preventing environmental hazards .
8. Which factor affects pump efficiency the most?
a) The color of the pump housing
b) The material of the discharge pipe
c) Pump operating point relative to design curve (BEP)
d) The length of the electrical cable
Explanation Efficiency decreases if a pump operates too far above or below its Best
Efficiency Point (BEP), causing energy loss and wear .
9. Under 16 TAC 76, a licensed pump installer must:
a) Approve building permits for new construction
, b) Design municipal water treatment systems
c) Plug abandoned wells when required
d) Issue plumbing certificates to homeowners
Explanation Texas rules assign well-closure responsibility to licensed drillers and installers
for safety and environmental protection .
10. What is Total Dynamic Head (TDH)?
a) The static water level in the well only
b) The horsepower rating of the motor only
c) Vertical lift + friction losses
d) Flow rate multiplied by pipe diameter
Explanation TDH combines elevation change and system resistance that the pump must
overcome .
11. What is cavitation in a pump?
a) The pump running at maximum speed
b) Air entering the suction line from a leak
c) Formation and collapse of vapor bubbles due to insufficient suction pressure
d) Excessive lubrication of bearings
Explanation Cavitation results from low inlet pressure that lets vapor bubbles form and
collapse, damaging impellers .
12. How can pump cavitation be prevented?
a) Increase the pump discharge pressure
b) Reduce the impeller diameter
c) Ensure adequate suction pressure and correct NPSH
d) Install a larger motor
