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Question 1. According to 16 TAC Chapter 76, who is responsible for ensuring a well is properly capped after completion? A) Property owner B) Pump installer C) Well driller D) Local health authority Answer: C Explanation: The well driller is responsible for proper capping upon completion as outlined in Texas Administrative Code regulations. Question 2. What is the main purpose of annular space sealing (grouting) in well construction? A) Increase water flow B) Prevent surface water contamination C) Reduce drilling costs D) Enhance pump efficiency Answer: B Explanation: Grouting seals the annular space, preventing surface water and contaminants from entering the well. Question 3. Which license is required to legally install a pump in a public water supply well in Texas? A) Journeyman plumber license B) TDLR Pump Installer license C) State electrician license D) Water treatment specialist license Answer: B Explanation: Texas law requires a TDLR Pump Installer license to install pumps in public water supply wells. Question 4. What is the minimum required continuing education hours for pump installer license renewal in Texas?
A) 4 hours every year B) 8 hours every year C) 4 hours every renewal period D) 12 hours every renewal period Answer: C Explanation: Licensees must complete 4 hours of continuing education per renewal period as per TDLR requirements. Question 5. A centrifugal pump operates by: A) Trapping fluid in compartments and moving it B) Using rotating impellers to increase fluid velocity C) Lifting water via suction only D) Compressing air to move water Answer: B Explanation: Centrifugal pumps use rotating impellers to impart velocity to the water, which converts to pressure. Question 6. Which document must be submitted after the installation of a new water well pump in Texas? A) Well completion report B) Electrical inspection report C) Grout log D) Pump test certificate Answer: A Explanation: The installer must file a well completion report with the TDLR after installing a pump. Question 7. What is the primary function of a pitless adapter? A) Prevent pump overheating B) Allow horizontal discharge below frost line C) Increase water pressure
Question 11. Which factor is most critical in selecting a pump for a residential well? A) Pipe color B) Pump horsepower only C) Well depth and required flow rate D) Size of electrical wires Answer: C Explanation: Pump selection depends on the depth of the well and the flow rate required by the household. Question 12. Who is responsible for maintaining accurate records of pump installations and repairs? A) Equipment manufacturer B) Well owner C) Licensed pump installer D) Local building inspector Answer: C Explanation: Licensed pump installers must keep accurate records for installations and repairs per TDLR rules. Question 13. What is the total dynamic head in a pump system? A) Height from pump to water table B) Sum of static lift, friction loss, and pressure head C) Only the vertical lift required D) Total length of discharge pipe Answer: B Explanation: Total dynamic head includes static lift, friction losses, and required pressure at the discharge. Question 14. According to Texas law, when must a pump installer submit the well report? A) Immediately after drilling
B) Within 60 days of completion C) Within 30 days of completion D) Only upon request Answer: C Explanation: The well report must be submitted within 30 days of completing the well or pump installation. Question 15. What does the Bernoulli equation help determine in a water system? A) Pipe diameter B) Relationship between pressure, velocity, and elevation C) Electrical consumption D) Bacteria levels Answer: B Explanation: The Bernoulli equation relates pressure, velocity, and elevation in a flowing fluid. Question 16. A pressure tank in a water system is primarily used to: A) Increase water temperature B) Reduce pump cycling and provide pressure reserve C) Remove iron from water D) Lower electricity usage Answer: B Explanation: Pressure tanks store water under pressure, reducing pump cycling and maintaining system pressure. Question 17. What is required before a person can advertise as a pump installer in Texas? A) Submit a bond B) Obtain a TDLR-issued license C) Register with the county clerk D) Complete an apprenticeship
Question 21. Which method is most effective for disinfecting a newly completed well? A) Adding bleach (chlorination) B) Flushing with plain water C) Boiling the water D) Adding vinegar Answer: A Explanation: Chlorination with bleach is the recommended method for disinfecting new wells. Question 22. The primary function of a check valve in a pump system is to: A) Increase flow rate B) Prevent backflow of water C) Reduce noise D) Purify water Answer: B Explanation: Check valves stop water from flowing backward, protecting pumps and preventing contamination. Question 23. What is the typical cause of “short cycling” in a water well system? A) High voltage supply B) Undersized pressure tank C) Dirty water filter D) Large diameter well casing Answer: B Explanation: Short cycling occurs when the pressure tank is too small, causing the pump to turn on and off frequently. Question 24. Which entity enforces well construction and pump installation standards in Texas? A) Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
B) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency C) Local police D) Texas Department of Agriculture Answer: A Explanation: The TDLR enforces regulations regarding well construction and pump installation in Texas. Question 25. What should be done if a well is found to be contaminated with bacteria? A) Ignore the contamination B) Disinfect the well and retest C) Seal the well permanently D) Install a larger pump Answer: B Explanation: The well should be disinfected and retested until it meets bacteriological safety standards. Question 26. What information is required on a Texas well report? A) Owner’s name, well location, well depth, casing size B) Pump manufacturer only C) Water temperature D) List of drilling crew Answer: A Explanation: Well reports must include owner, location, depth, casing, and other construction details. Question 27. Which hydraulic principle explains the reduction in pressure as water flows through a constriction? A) Pascal’s law B) Venturi effect C) Law of gravity D) Darcy’s law Answer: B
A) Choose the largest available pump B) Determine required flow rate and total dynamic head C) Select the pipe diameter D) Measure the well casing thickness Answer: B Explanation: Pump sizing starts with determining the flow rate needed and the total dynamic head. Question 32. Why is it important to use NSF-approved materials in potable water systems? A) To increase pump efficiency B) To ensure materials are safe for drinking water C) To reduce installation costs D) To make the system heavier Answer: B Explanation: NSF-approved materials are certified to be safe for potable (drinking) water systems. Question 33. What is the function of a pressure switch in a pump system? A) Prevent electrical shock B) Turn the pump on and off based on system pressure C) Increase water flow D) Reduce pipe corrosion Answer: B Explanation: Pressure switches control the pump operation by sensing system pressure. Question 34. In Texas, who is authorized to perform repairs on a public water supply well pump? A) Any handyman B) Licensed pump installer C) Homeowner D) Plumber Answer: B
Explanation: Only licensed pump installers may perform work on public water supply well pumps. Question 35. Which document must a pump installer provide the well owner after installation? A) Manufacturer’s warranty only B) Copy of the well report C) Pump motor manual D) Water quality test result only Answer: B Explanation: Installers must provide the well owner with a copy of the well report for their records. Question 36. What could be a sign of a failing submersible pump? A) High energy bills and low water pressure B) Water is warmer than usual C) Increased iron in water D) Loud pump start-up Answer: A Explanation: A drop in water pressure and increased energy use often indicates pump failure. Question 37. What is required for a well to be considered “abandoned” under Texas regulations? A) No water produced for 6 months B) No use for 1 year and not properly maintained C) Pump removed for repairs D) Well is less than 20 feet deep Answer: B Explanation: A well is considered abandoned if it is unused and not properly maintained for at least one year. Question 38. At what minimum depth must a well casing extend below ground surface in Texas? A) 10 feet
Question 42. What is the maximum allowable lead content in materials used for potable water in Texas? A) 10% B) 0.25% C) 1.0% D) 5% Answer: B Explanation: Texas and federal law limit lead content to 0.25% for materials contacting potable water. Question 43. What is the primary risk of cross-connections in a water supply system? A) Increased pressure B) Backflow contamination C) Pump overheating D) Loud noises Answer: B Explanation: Cross-connections can allow contaminants to flow back into the potable water system. Question 44. Which test measures the ability of a well to supply water over time? A) Static level test B) Pumping test (yield test) C) Water clarity test D) Pressure decay test Answer: B Explanation: Pumping tests determine the well’s yield and sustained capacity. Question 45. What is the best method for preventing backflow in a well system? A) Install a check valve B) Increase pipe diameter C) Use copper pipe
D) Add a second pump Answer: A Explanation: Check valves prevent water from flowing backward and contaminating the well. Question 46. What is the most common cause of low water pressure in a well system? A) Water too cold B) Clogged filter or screen C) Too much chlorine D) Excessive wire length Answer: B Explanation: Clogged filters or well screens are frequent causes of low system pressure. Question 47. What must a pump installer do if a well is found to be unusable and abandoned? A) Remove the pump only B) Plug the well according to state regulations C) Install a larger pump D) File no paperwork Answer: B Explanation: Abandoned wells must be plugged per TDLR standards to prevent contamination. Question 48. The main purpose of a water storage tank in a well system is to: A) Increase water temperature B) Provide reserve water and maintain pressure C) Reduce pump noise D) Lower water hardness Answer: B Explanation: Storage tanks store water for use and help maintain system pressure.
C) Local county clerk D) Well owner Answer: B Explanation: Installers must report changes of address to TDLR to ensure license records are current. Question 53. What is the function of a torque arrestor in a submersible pump installation? A) Increase pump speed B) Center the drop pipe and absorb starting torque C) Reduce water pressure D) Remove silt Answer: B Explanation: Torque arrestors prevent movement and abrasion of the drop pipe caused by pump starting torque. Question 54. Which is a requirement for a pump installer’s business sign in Texas? A) Business hours B) TDLR license number C) Pump manufacturer logo D) Water quality statement Answer: B Explanation: Business signs must display the TDLR license number for legal compliance. Question 55. In pump system hydraulics, “friction loss” refers to: A) Loss of water due to evaporation B) Loss of pressure due to resistance in pipes and fittings C) Loss of pump efficiency due to wear D) Reduction of water temperature Answer: B Explanation: Friction loss is the pressure lost as water moves through pipes, fittings, and valves.
Question 56. What is the main hazard of using a well without an intact, secure well cap? A) Increased pump efficiency B) Entry of insects, animals, and contaminants C) Reduced electricity usage D) Increased water pressure Answer: B Explanation: An unsecured well cap can allow debris and contaminants into the well. Question 57. What is the purpose of the air volume control in a pressure tank? A) Remove iron from water B) Maintain proper air-to-water ratio C) Increase flow rate D) Lower pump noise Answer: B Explanation: Air volume controls keep the correct balance of air and water in the tank for efficient operation. Question 58. In Texas, what is the penalty for operating as a pump installer without a license? A) No penalty B) Administrative penalty and possible criminal charges C) Reduced renewal fee D) Free training Answer: B Explanation: Unlicensed activity is subject to administrative penalties and possible criminal prosecution. Question 59. What is the best first step when troubleshooting a non-working submersible pump? A) Replace the pump B) Check the electrical power supply
Question 63. What type of wire is typically required for submersible pump installations? A) Solid copper, non-submersible rated B) Stranded copper, submersible rated C) Aluminum, non-waterproof D) Steel wire Answer: B Explanation: Submersible-rated, stranded copper wire is necessary for submersible pump installations. Question 64. What is the purpose of a well screen? A) Increase water pressure B) Filter out sand and sediment while allowing water to enter the well C) Add air to the water D) Reduce electrical consumption Answer: B Explanation: Well screens filter sand and sediment, protecting the pump and maintaining water quality. Question 65. What is the required minimum extension of casing above finished ground level for a new well in Texas? A) 12 inches B) 24 inches C) 6 inches D) 36 inches Answer: B Explanation: Casing must extend at least 12 inches above ground, but 24 inches is often required in flood-prone areas. Question 66. What is the result of installing a pump that is too large for the well? A) Longer pump life B) Pump may draw the well down too quickly and cause damage
C) Lower electricity usage D) Reduced flow rate Answer: B Explanation: Oversized pumps can draw down wells too fast, causing pump damage and well depletion. Question 67. What is a key sign of a failing pressure switch? A) Constant humming noise B) Pump does not turn on or off as pressure changes C) Water turns brown D) High voltage Answer: B Explanation: A bad pressure switch fails to activate the pump at the right pressures. Question 68. What is the main purpose of a “well log”? A) Track electrical consumption B) Document geological formations and well construction details C) Record water temperature D) List maintenance costs Answer: B Explanation: Well logs detail construction and geology, required for regulatory and future reference. Question 69. According to TDLR, who can supervise well drilling or pump installation apprentices? A) Any licensed plumber B) Licensed well driller or pump installer C) Well owner D) City inspector Answer: B Explanation: Only licensed well drillers or pump installers may supervise apprentices under TDLR rules.
