Texas General Pump Installer Exam
2025/2026 – Complete Questions with
Verified Correct Answers
Question 1
What is the minimum distance a water well must be from a septic tank drain field per Texas
regulations?
A. 25 feet
B. 50 feet
C. 100 feet
D. 150 feet
Correct Answer: C. 100 feet
Rationale: Per 16 TAC §76.100, water wells must be located at least 100 feet from septic
tank drain fields to prevent contamination of the groundwater supply.
Question 2
Which type of pump is most commonly used for residential water wells in Texas?
A. Centrifugal pump
B. Submersible pump
C. Jet pump
D. Positive displacement pump
Correct Answer: B. Submersible pump
Rationale: Submersible pumps are widely used in residential water wells in Texas due to
their efficiency, ability to handle deep wells, and low maintenance requirements.
Question 3
What is the primary purpose of a check valve in a pump system?
A. Increase water pressure
B. Prevent backflow of water
C. Regulate pump speed
D. Filter water impurities
, 2
Correct Answer: B. Prevent backflow of water
Rationale: A check valve prevents water from flowing back into the well when the pump is
off, maintaining system pressure and preventing pump cycling.
Question 4
According to TDLR rules, who may perform pump installation without a license?
A. A homeowner installing a pump on their own property
B. A licensed plumber
C. A certified electrician
D. A general contractor
Correct Answer: A. A homeowner installing a pump on their own property
Rationale: Per Texas Occupations Code §1901.255, a homeowner may install a pump on
their own property for personal use without a license, provided they comply with state
regulations.
Question 5
What is the minimum casing diameter for a water well in Texas?
A. 2 inches
B. 4 inches
C. 6 inches
D. 8 inches
Correct Answer: B. 4 inches
Rationale: Per 16 TAC §76.100, the minimum casing diameter for a water well in Texas is 4
inches to ensure adequate water flow and structural integrity.
Question 6
Which of the following is a required safety practice when working in a confined space during
pump installation?
A. Using a non-programmable calculator
B. Having a confined space entry team
C. Wearing blue or brown clothing
D. Placing spoil within 1 foot of the excavation
, 3
Correct Answer: B. Having a confined space entry team
Rationale: Per 16 TAC §76.101 and OSHA standards, a confined space entry team
(supervisor, attendant, and entrant) is required to ensure safety during pump installation in
confined spaces.
Question 7
What is the purpose of a pressure tank in a water well system?
A. To filter water
B. To store water and maintain system pressure
C. To disinfect water
D. To increase pump horsepower
Correct Answer: B. To store water and maintain system pressure
Rationale: A pressure tank stores water and maintains system pressure, reducing pump
cycling and ensuring consistent water delivery.
Question 8
What is the maximum allowable concentration of total coliforms in a public water system, per
TCEQ standards?
A. 0 per 100 mL
B. 5 per 100 mL
C. 10 per 100 mL
D. 15 per 100 mL
Correct Answer: A. 0 per 100 mL
Rationale: Per TCEQ and EPA standards, no total coliforms are allowed in a 100 mL
sample of drinking water to ensure safety.
Question 9
Which component protects a submersible pump from running dry?
A. Foot valve
B. Low water cutoff switch
C. Check valve
D. Pressure regulator