Texas General Pump Installer License
Exam 200 Multiple-Choice Practice
Test
INTRODUCTION
Becoming a licensed pump installer in Texas is a significant professional achievement.
It demonstrates your competence, commitment to safety, and mastery of the skills
required to install, repair, and maintain water well pumping systems across the state.
To earn that license, you must successfully pass the Texas Department of Licensing
and Regulation (TDLR) Pump Installer examination—a comprehensive test that covers
everything from hydraulic principles and electrical systems to Texas-specific well
codes and safety regulations.
Section 1: Pump Types & Applications (Questions 1-25)
What is the primary purpose of a centrifugal pump?
To displace fluid using a piston
To create a 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 .
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 the water level and are built to
work underwater in deep wells where suction pumps cannot lift water effectively .
,What is "pump head"?
The electrical power consumption of a pump
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 the energy imparted to the fluid, expressed in
feet or meters of water column. It represents the height the pump can lift water .
What is the typical function of a pump volute?
To house the motor windings
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 the velocity from the impeller into pressure while
directing flow efficiently to the outlet .
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, which can damage the system or cause backflow contamination .
What is the maximum theoretical suction lift for a standard shallow well
jet pump at sea level? a) 10 feet
25 feet
50 feet
100 feet
*Explanation: Due to atmospheric pressure limitations (14.7 psi), shallow well jet
pumps are limited to a theoretical maximum lift of about 25-28 feet at sea level .*
What is the primary advantage of a submersible pump over a jet pump?
a) Lower initial cost
Higher efficiency and ability to pump from greater depths
Easier repair access
Quieter operation only
Explanation: Submersible pumps push water from below, allowing them to lift water
from depths exceeding 200 feet where jet pumps lose efficiency .
, A deep well jet pump uses which component to assist in lifting water?
a) Impeller only
Ejector assembly (venturi) located in the well
Check valve only
Pressure switch only
Explanation: The ejector (venturi) creates a pressure differential that helps lift water; it is
installed in the well for deep well applications .
What type of pump is designed to handle solids and wastewater?
Submersible well pump
Effluent or sewage pump
Jet pump
Booster pump
Explanation: Effluent and sewage pumps are designed with features like open impellers
and macerators to handle solids without clogging .
Which pump is most commonly used for irrigation from a pond or lake?
Submersible well pump
End-suction centrifugal pump
Jet pump
Diaphragm pump
Explanation: End-suction centrifugal pumps are commonly mounted above grade with
suction lines extending into the water source for high-flow irrigation .
What is the purpose of a recirculating pump in a residential hot water system? a)
To heat water
b) To provide instant hot water by circulating water through return
lines c) To filter water
To pressurize water
Explanation: Recirculating pumps reduce water waste and wait time by eliminating the
delay for hot water at distant fixtures .
Which pump is designed to remove water from a basement or crawl space? a)
Well pump
Sump pump
Booster pump
Jet pump
Explanation: Sump pumps are installed in sump basins to collect and discharge
groundwater that enters the structure, preventing flooding .
Exam 200 Multiple-Choice Practice
Test
INTRODUCTION
Becoming a licensed pump installer in Texas is a significant professional achievement.
It demonstrates your competence, commitment to safety, and mastery of the skills
required to install, repair, and maintain water well pumping systems across the state.
To earn that license, you must successfully pass the Texas Department of Licensing
and Regulation (TDLR) Pump Installer examination—a comprehensive test that covers
everything from hydraulic principles and electrical systems to Texas-specific well
codes and safety regulations.
Section 1: Pump Types & Applications (Questions 1-25)
What is the primary purpose of a centrifugal pump?
To displace fluid using a piston
To create a 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 .
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 the water level and are built to
work underwater in deep wells where suction pumps cannot lift water effectively .
,What is "pump head"?
The electrical power consumption of a pump
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 the energy imparted to the fluid, expressed in
feet or meters of water column. It represents the height the pump can lift water .
What is the typical function of a pump volute?
To house the motor windings
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 the velocity from the impeller into pressure while
directing flow efficiently to the outlet .
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, which can damage the system or cause backflow contamination .
What is the maximum theoretical suction lift for a standard shallow well
jet pump at sea level? a) 10 feet
25 feet
50 feet
100 feet
*Explanation: Due to atmospheric pressure limitations (14.7 psi), shallow well jet
pumps are limited to a theoretical maximum lift of about 25-28 feet at sea level .*
What is the primary advantage of a submersible pump over a jet pump?
a) Lower initial cost
Higher efficiency and ability to pump from greater depths
Easier repair access
Quieter operation only
Explanation: Submersible pumps push water from below, allowing them to lift water
from depths exceeding 200 feet where jet pumps lose efficiency .
, A deep well jet pump uses which component to assist in lifting water?
a) Impeller only
Ejector assembly (venturi) located in the well
Check valve only
Pressure switch only
Explanation: The ejector (venturi) creates a pressure differential that helps lift water; it is
installed in the well for deep well applications .
What type of pump is designed to handle solids and wastewater?
Submersible well pump
Effluent or sewage pump
Jet pump
Booster pump
Explanation: Effluent and sewage pumps are designed with features like open impellers
and macerators to handle solids without clogging .
Which pump is most commonly used for irrigation from a pond or lake?
Submersible well pump
End-suction centrifugal pump
Jet pump
Diaphragm pump
Explanation: End-suction centrifugal pumps are commonly mounted above grade with
suction lines extending into the water source for high-flow irrigation .
What is the purpose of a recirculating pump in a residential hot water system? a)
To heat water
b) To provide instant hot water by circulating water through return
lines c) To filter water
To pressurize water
Explanation: Recirculating pumps reduce water waste and wait time by eliminating the
delay for hot water at distant fixtures .
Which pump is designed to remove water from a basement or crawl space? a)
Well pump
Sump pump
Booster pump
Jet pump
Explanation: Sump pumps are installed in sump basins to collect and discharge
groundwater that enters the structure, preventing flooding .
