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Connecticut (CT) J-1 Limited Well Pumps
Contractor Exam | Latest Verified Questions and
Detailed Answers
OVERVIEW DESCRIPTION:
This Comprehensive set of multiple choice questions is designed for the Connecticut J-1
Limited Well Pumps Contractor Exam, which assesses proficiency in the installation, repair,
and maintenance of domestic water pump and water conditioning systems. The exam
covers well pump systems and controls, water conditioning and treatment, piping layout
and electrical safety, and Connecticut-specific regulations and public health codes to ensure
safe and code-compliant water supply installations.
QUESTION 1
What is the primary purpose of a check valve installed in a submersible pump system?
A) Prevent water hammer in the well
B) Maintain prime in a jet pump
C) Hold pressure in the discharge line and prevent backflow into the well
D) Regulate flow rate to the pressure tank
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Hold pressure in the discharge line and prevent backflow into the
well
EXPERT RATIONALE: The check valve keeps the water column static between pump
cycles so the pump does not need to refill the drop pipe each start, and prevents
backspin and tank drainage.
QUESTION 2
Which type of jet pump is designed with two pipes extending into the well?
A) Shallow well jet pump
B) Convertible jet pump in shallow mode
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C) Deep well jet pump
D) Centrifugal booster pump
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Deep well jet pump
EXPERT RATIONALE: A deep well jet pump uses a pressure and a suction line (two pipes)
to the ejector assembly at the well bottom, allowing lifting from depths greater than 25
feet.
QUESTION 3
What air pressure should be set in a captive-air bladder tank when the pressure switch
cut-in is 30 PSI?
A) 30 PSI
B) 28 PSI
C) 20 PSI
D) 38 PSI
CORRECT ANSWER: B) 28 PSI
EXPERT RATIONALE: The pre-charge should be 2 PSI less than the pump cut-in pressure,
which allows maximum drawdown while preventing the bladder from hitting the tank
shell at empty.
QUESTION 4
A pitless adapter must be installed at what minimum depth relative to the frost line?
A) At the frost line
B) 12 inches above the frost line
C) Below the frost line per local code, typically at least 12 inches below
D) Exactly 24 inches regardless of frost depth
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Below the frost line per local code, typically at least 12 inches
below
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EXPERT RATIONALE: The pitless adapter and water service connection must be buried
below the maximum frost penetration depth to prevent freezing; codes require a
minimum cover below that depth.
QUESTION 5
What is the function of the start capacitor in a 3-wire submersible pump control box?
A) It improves power factor during run
B) It provides the phase shift needed to start the motor, then is removed from circuit
C) It protects the motor from lightning surges
D) It reduces voltage drop in the drop cable
CORRECT ANSWER: B) It provides the phase shift needed to start the motor, then is
removed from circuit
EXPERT RATIONALE: The start capacitor creates a high starting torque phase shift and is
disconnected by the relay once the motor reaches about 75% speed; the run capacitor
remains in circuit.
QUESTION 6
When sizing a water softener for a residence, which three variables are multiplied to
determine total grain capacity needed?
A) Flow rate, pipe size, and pressure
B) Hardness in gpg, daily water usage in gallons, and desired days between
regenerations
C) Iron content, pH, and TDS
D) Tank diameter, resin volume, and salt dosage
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Hardness in gpg, daily water usage in gallons, and desired days
between regenerations
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EXPERT RATIONALE: Total grains = (number of people × gallons per day per person) ×
hardness grains per gallon × days between regeneration, ensuring enough capacity
before exhaustion.
QUESTION 7
What is the minimum sustained well yield required by Connecticut DPH for a
single-family residence?
A) 1 gpm
B) 3 gpm
C) 5 gpm
D) 10 gpm
CORRECT ANSWER: B) 3 gpm
EXPERT RATIONALE: CT DPH regulation requires a minimum sustainable yield of 3
gallons per minute for a minimum of four hours, with sufficient well storage to meet
daily demand.
QUESTION 8
A submersible pump motor fails to start and hums. The first electrical check should be:
A) The pressure switch contacts
B) The start capacitor and relay
C) The well casing ground
D) The impeller stack
CORRECT ANSWER: B) The start capacitor and relay
EXPERT RATIONALE: A hum indicates power is reaching the motor but it cannot develop
starting torque; a failed start capacitor or stuck relay is the most common cause of a
locked rotor condition.
Connecticut (CT) J-1 Limited Well Pumps
Contractor Exam | Latest Verified Questions and
Detailed Answers
OVERVIEW DESCRIPTION:
This Comprehensive set of multiple choice questions is designed for the Connecticut J-1
Limited Well Pumps Contractor Exam, which assesses proficiency in the installation, repair,
and maintenance of domestic water pump and water conditioning systems. The exam
covers well pump systems and controls, water conditioning and treatment, piping layout
and electrical safety, and Connecticut-specific regulations and public health codes to ensure
safe and code-compliant water supply installations.
QUESTION 1
What is the primary purpose of a check valve installed in a submersible pump system?
A) Prevent water hammer in the well
B) Maintain prime in a jet pump
C) Hold pressure in the discharge line and prevent backflow into the well
D) Regulate flow rate to the pressure tank
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Hold pressure in the discharge line and prevent backflow into the
well
EXPERT RATIONALE: The check valve keeps the water column static between pump
cycles so the pump does not need to refill the drop pipe each start, and prevents
backspin and tank drainage.
QUESTION 2
Which type of jet pump is designed with two pipes extending into the well?
A) Shallow well jet pump
B) Convertible jet pump in shallow mode
,2|Page
C) Deep well jet pump
D) Centrifugal booster pump
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Deep well jet pump
EXPERT RATIONALE: A deep well jet pump uses a pressure and a suction line (two pipes)
to the ejector assembly at the well bottom, allowing lifting from depths greater than 25
feet.
QUESTION 3
What air pressure should be set in a captive-air bladder tank when the pressure switch
cut-in is 30 PSI?
A) 30 PSI
B) 28 PSI
C) 20 PSI
D) 38 PSI
CORRECT ANSWER: B) 28 PSI
EXPERT RATIONALE: The pre-charge should be 2 PSI less than the pump cut-in pressure,
which allows maximum drawdown while preventing the bladder from hitting the tank
shell at empty.
QUESTION 4
A pitless adapter must be installed at what minimum depth relative to the frost line?
A) At the frost line
B) 12 inches above the frost line
C) Below the frost line per local code, typically at least 12 inches below
D) Exactly 24 inches regardless of frost depth
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Below the frost line per local code, typically at least 12 inches
below
,3|Page
EXPERT RATIONALE: The pitless adapter and water service connection must be buried
below the maximum frost penetration depth to prevent freezing; codes require a
minimum cover below that depth.
QUESTION 5
What is the function of the start capacitor in a 3-wire submersible pump control box?
A) It improves power factor during run
B) It provides the phase shift needed to start the motor, then is removed from circuit
C) It protects the motor from lightning surges
D) It reduces voltage drop in the drop cable
CORRECT ANSWER: B) It provides the phase shift needed to start the motor, then is
removed from circuit
EXPERT RATIONALE: The start capacitor creates a high starting torque phase shift and is
disconnected by the relay once the motor reaches about 75% speed; the run capacitor
remains in circuit.
QUESTION 6
When sizing a water softener for a residence, which three variables are multiplied to
determine total grain capacity needed?
A) Flow rate, pipe size, and pressure
B) Hardness in gpg, daily water usage in gallons, and desired days between
regenerations
C) Iron content, pH, and TDS
D) Tank diameter, resin volume, and salt dosage
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Hardness in gpg, daily water usage in gallons, and desired days
between regenerations
, 4|Page
EXPERT RATIONALE: Total grains = (number of people × gallons per day per person) ×
hardness grains per gallon × days between regeneration, ensuring enough capacity
before exhaustion.
QUESTION 7
What is the minimum sustained well yield required by Connecticut DPH for a
single-family residence?
A) 1 gpm
B) 3 gpm
C) 5 gpm
D) 10 gpm
CORRECT ANSWER: B) 3 gpm
EXPERT RATIONALE: CT DPH regulation requires a minimum sustainable yield of 3
gallons per minute for a minimum of four hours, with sufficient well storage to meet
daily demand.
QUESTION 8
A submersible pump motor fails to start and hums. The first electrical check should be:
A) The pressure switch contacts
B) The start capacitor and relay
C) The well casing ground
D) The impeller stack
CORRECT ANSWER: B) The start capacitor and relay
EXPERT RATIONALE: A hum indicates power is reaching the motor but it cannot develop
starting torque; a failed start capacitor or stuck relay is the most common cause of a
locked rotor condition.
