Texas General Pump Installer Practice Exam
2026 |Questions and answers 2026 | Latest Update
1. A centrifugal pump is losing prime after a short period of operation. What is the most likely
cause?
1. Worn impeller
2. Leaking suction line
3. Air in the discharge line
4. Oversized motor
Answer: 2 – Leaking suction line
Rationale: Air entering the suction line prevents the pump from maintaining prime.
Leaks in the suction piping allow air to enter, which causes loss of prime. Worn impellers
reduce efficiency but usually do not cause immediate loss of prime.
2. What is the primary function of a pump’s impeller?
1. Increase pressure
2. Seal the pump casing
3. Convert mechanical energy into kinetic energy
4. Prevent cavitation
Answer: 3 – Convert mechanical energy into kinetic energy
Rationale: The impeller accelerates the fluid, converting the motor’s mechanical energy
into kinetic energy, which is then converted into pressure energy in the pump casing.
3. Which pump type is most suitable for deep well applications?
1. Centrifugal
2. Submersible
3. Gear pump
4. Diaphragm pump
Answer: 2 – Submersible
Rationale: Submersible pumps are designed to operate fully submerged in water and are
ideal for deep wells because they push water rather than pull it.
4. A pump is running hot and the bearings are failing prematurely. What is the most likely cause?
1. Low fluid level
, 2. Misalignment of pump and motor
3. Excessive suction lift
4. Incorrect impeller size
Answer: 2 – Misalignment of pump and motor
Rationale: Misalignment causes vibration and uneven load on bearings, leading to
overheating and premature failure.
5. In pump terminology, what does “head” refer to?
1. Pump speed
2. Pressure generated by the pump
3. Flow rate in gallons per minute
4. Motor horsepower
Answer: 2 – Pressure generated by the pump
Rationale: Head is the height of a liquid column the pump can produce and is directly
related to the pressure it generates.
6. Which of the following is a common cause of pump cavitation?
1. Excessive suction lift
2. Oversized discharge pipe
3. Low motor speed
4. Incorrect impeller rotation
Answer: 1 – Excessive suction lift
Rationale: Cavitation occurs when vapor bubbles form in the pump due to low pressure
at the suction, often caused by excessive suction lift.
7. During pump installation, what is the recommended way to align a pump with its motor?
1. Using laser alignment or dial indicators
2. Eyeball alignment only
3. Tighten bolts and check for vibration
4. Adjust after one week of operation
Answer: 1 – Using laser alignment or dial indicators
Rationale: Accurate alignment reduces vibration, bearing wear, and seal failure. Eyeball
alignment is not precise enough.
8. Which type of pump seal is most commonly used for centrifugal pumps in water systems?
, 1. Mechanical seal
2. Stuffing box
3. O-ring seal
4. Labyrinth seal
Answer: 1 – Mechanical seal
Rationale: Mechanical seals provide a reliable seal for centrifugal pumps, reducing
leakage and maintenance compared to traditional packing in a stuffing box.
9. When priming a centrifugal pump, what is the correct procedure?
1. Fill the pump casing and suction line with water
2. Run the pump dry for a few seconds
3. Open discharge valve fully
4. Start the motor at maximum speed
Answer: 1 – Fill the pump casing and suction line with water
Rationale: Centrifugal pumps cannot move air; they require water in the casing and
suction line to create the necessary vacuum for operation.
10. Which factor has the greatest effect on pump efficiency?
1. Pipe color
2. Impeller diameter and speed
3. Pump casing material
4. Motor brand
Answer: 2 – Impeller diameter and speed
Rationale: Pump efficiency is primarily determined by the impeller design, diameter,
and rotational speed, which dictate flow and head generation.
11. What is the purpose of a pump check valve?
1. Maintain pump speed
2. Prevent backflow
3. Reduce motor vibration
4. Increase pressure at the suction
Answer: 2 – Prevent backflow
Rationale: Check valves allow fluid to flow in one direction only, preventing backflow
that could damage the pump or system.
12. In a pump curve, the intersection of flow rate and head indicates:
, 1. Motor voltage
2. Operating point of the pump
3. Bearing life
4. Fluid viscosity
Answer: 2 – Operating point of the pump
Rationale: The pump’s operating point shows the flow and head at which the pump will
operate given the system resistance.
13. Which type of motor starter is preferred for large pump motors to reduce inrush current?
1. Direct-on-line (DOL)
2. Star-delta starter
3. Manual switch
4. Single-phase capacitor start
Answer: 2 – Star-delta starter
Rationale: Star-delta starters reduce starting current for large motors, preventing
electrical overload and mechanical stress.
14. A pump is producing vibration and noise. Which action should be taken first?
1. Replace the motor
2. Check for misalignment and worn bearings
3. Reduce discharge pressure
4. Increase speed
Answer: 2 – Check for misalignment and worn bearings
Rationale: Misalignment and worn bearings are common causes of pump vibration and
noise; these should be addressed before other solutions.
15. What is the main reason for installing a foot valve on a suction line?
1. Maintain prime
2. Reduce motor load
3. Increase pump head
4. Prevent cavitation
Answer: 1 – Maintain prime
Rationale: Foot valves keep the suction line full of water, preventing loss of prime when
the pump stops.
16. Which type of pump is best for handling abrasive fluids?
2026 |Questions and answers 2026 | Latest Update
1. A centrifugal pump is losing prime after a short period of operation. What is the most likely
cause?
1. Worn impeller
2. Leaking suction line
3. Air in the discharge line
4. Oversized motor
Answer: 2 – Leaking suction line
Rationale: Air entering the suction line prevents the pump from maintaining prime.
Leaks in the suction piping allow air to enter, which causes loss of prime. Worn impellers
reduce efficiency but usually do not cause immediate loss of prime.
2. What is the primary function of a pump’s impeller?
1. Increase pressure
2. Seal the pump casing
3. Convert mechanical energy into kinetic energy
4. Prevent cavitation
Answer: 3 – Convert mechanical energy into kinetic energy
Rationale: The impeller accelerates the fluid, converting the motor’s mechanical energy
into kinetic energy, which is then converted into pressure energy in the pump casing.
3. Which pump type is most suitable for deep well applications?
1. Centrifugal
2. Submersible
3. Gear pump
4. Diaphragm pump
Answer: 2 – Submersible
Rationale: Submersible pumps are designed to operate fully submerged in water and are
ideal for deep wells because they push water rather than pull it.
4. A pump is running hot and the bearings are failing prematurely. What is the most likely cause?
1. Low fluid level
, 2. Misalignment of pump and motor
3. Excessive suction lift
4. Incorrect impeller size
Answer: 2 – Misalignment of pump and motor
Rationale: Misalignment causes vibration and uneven load on bearings, leading to
overheating and premature failure.
5. In pump terminology, what does “head” refer to?
1. Pump speed
2. Pressure generated by the pump
3. Flow rate in gallons per minute
4. Motor horsepower
Answer: 2 – Pressure generated by the pump
Rationale: Head is the height of a liquid column the pump can produce and is directly
related to the pressure it generates.
6. Which of the following is a common cause of pump cavitation?
1. Excessive suction lift
2. Oversized discharge pipe
3. Low motor speed
4. Incorrect impeller rotation
Answer: 1 – Excessive suction lift
Rationale: Cavitation occurs when vapor bubbles form in the pump due to low pressure
at the suction, often caused by excessive suction lift.
7. During pump installation, what is the recommended way to align a pump with its motor?
1. Using laser alignment or dial indicators
2. Eyeball alignment only
3. Tighten bolts and check for vibration
4. Adjust after one week of operation
Answer: 1 – Using laser alignment or dial indicators
Rationale: Accurate alignment reduces vibration, bearing wear, and seal failure. Eyeball
alignment is not precise enough.
8. Which type of pump seal is most commonly used for centrifugal pumps in water systems?
, 1. Mechanical seal
2. Stuffing box
3. O-ring seal
4. Labyrinth seal
Answer: 1 – Mechanical seal
Rationale: Mechanical seals provide a reliable seal for centrifugal pumps, reducing
leakage and maintenance compared to traditional packing in a stuffing box.
9. When priming a centrifugal pump, what is the correct procedure?
1. Fill the pump casing and suction line with water
2. Run the pump dry for a few seconds
3. Open discharge valve fully
4. Start the motor at maximum speed
Answer: 1 – Fill the pump casing and suction line with water
Rationale: Centrifugal pumps cannot move air; they require water in the casing and
suction line to create the necessary vacuum for operation.
10. Which factor has the greatest effect on pump efficiency?
1. Pipe color
2. Impeller diameter and speed
3. Pump casing material
4. Motor brand
Answer: 2 – Impeller diameter and speed
Rationale: Pump efficiency is primarily determined by the impeller design, diameter,
and rotational speed, which dictate flow and head generation.
11. What is the purpose of a pump check valve?
1. Maintain pump speed
2. Prevent backflow
3. Reduce motor vibration
4. Increase pressure at the suction
Answer: 2 – Prevent backflow
Rationale: Check valves allow fluid to flow in one direction only, preventing backflow
that could damage the pump or system.
12. In a pump curve, the intersection of flow rate and head indicates:
, 1. Motor voltage
2. Operating point of the pump
3. Bearing life
4. Fluid viscosity
Answer: 2 – Operating point of the pump
Rationale: The pump’s operating point shows the flow and head at which the pump will
operate given the system resistance.
13. Which type of motor starter is preferred for large pump motors to reduce inrush current?
1. Direct-on-line (DOL)
2. Star-delta starter
3. Manual switch
4. Single-phase capacitor start
Answer: 2 – Star-delta starter
Rationale: Star-delta starters reduce starting current for large motors, preventing
electrical overload and mechanical stress.
14. A pump is producing vibration and noise. Which action should be taken first?
1. Replace the motor
2. Check for misalignment and worn bearings
3. Reduce discharge pressure
4. Increase speed
Answer: 2 – Check for misalignment and worn bearings
Rationale: Misalignment and worn bearings are common causes of pump vibration and
noise; these should be addressed before other solutions.
15. What is the main reason for installing a foot valve on a suction line?
1. Maintain prime
2. Reduce motor load
3. Increase pump head
4. Prevent cavitation
Answer: 1 – Maintain prime
Rationale: Foot valves keep the suction line full of water, preventing loss of prime when
the pump stops.
16. Which type of pump is best for handling abrasive fluids?
