17 Pump Technician Interview Questions and Answers

Pump technicians are responsible for the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of pumps used in a variety of settings, such as HVAC systems, water treatment plants, and chemical plants. As a pump technician, you need to have a strong understanding of how pumps work, as well as the ability to troubleshoot and repair them when they break down.

When you’re applying for a pump technician job, you may be asked to interview for the position. During the interview, you’ll be asked a variety of pump technician interview questions about your experience, skills, and knowledge.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of sample pump technician interview questions and answers.

Are you familiar with the different types of pumps that are used in industrial settings?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of expertise with industrial pumps. If you have experience working with a specific type of pump, share that information and explain how it’s used in an industrial setting. If you don’t have direct experience with a particular pump, you can still answer this question by describing the different types of pumps that are used in industrial settings.

Example: “I’ve worked with several different types of pumps during my career as a technician. I’m most familiar with centrifugal pumps because they’re commonly used to transfer liquids or gases from one container to another. They also work well for transferring fluids at high pressures. Pumps like these are often found in oil refineries and chemical plants.”

What are the different components of a centrifugal pump?

This question is a basic knowledge test that the interviewer may ask to see if you have the necessary skills and experience for this role. A centrifugal pump is one of the most common types of pumps used in oil and gas production, so it’s important to be familiar with how they work. In your answer, explain what each component does and give an example of when you’ve worked with them before.

Example: “A centrifugal pump has several components including the volute casing, impeller, diffuser plate, diffuser ring, diffuser cover, diffuser housing, diffuser cap, diffuser shaft, diffuser bearing, diffuser bushing, diffuser sleeve, diffuser spring, diffuser lock nut, diffuser bolt, diffuser pin, diffuser washer, diffuser guide and diffuser retainer.”

How would you troubleshoot a pump that’s not working properly?

Pump technicians must be able to troubleshoot problems with pumps and other equipment. Employers ask this question to see if you have the skills necessary to complete the job successfully. In your answer, explain how you would approach a problem like this one. Try to give an example of a time when you had to troubleshoot a pump or another piece of machinery.

Example: “I would first try to figure out what’s wrong by looking at the machine itself. I would check for any loose wires or broken parts. If that doesn’t work, I would use my diagnostic tools to test the pump. This usually involves checking the voltage, current and pressure levels. If those tests don’t reveal anything, then I would take the pump apart to look for more obvious issues.”

What is the proper safety protocol for working with a pump?

Interviewers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of safety when working with a pump. They want to know that you will follow all company policies and procedures regarding safety. In your answer, explain how you would ensure your own safety as well as the safety of others around you while working on a pump.

Example: “I always wear my hard hat, steel-toed boots and gloves when I’m working on a pump. It’s also important to have an assistant nearby in case something goes wrong. If there is no one else available, I make sure to keep myself out of harm’s way by not standing directly under the pump. I also make sure to turn off any power sources before beginning work.”

Provide an example of a time when you identified and resolved a problem with a pump.

Interviewers ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you apply them in the workplace. When answering, try to provide an example that highlights your ability to identify a problem, research possible solutions and implement a solution effectively.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job, we had a client who was having issues with their pump. The pump would randomly turn on and off, which caused it to overheat and eventually break down. After talking with the client, I learned they were using the wrong type of oil for the pump. Once I figured out what the issue was, I ordered the correct oil and replaced it, resolving the problem.”

If you had to choose one type of pump to work with for the rest of your career, which would it be and why?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your passion and enthusiasm for working with pumps. It’s important that you choose a pump type that aligns with your skills, experience and interests so you can be successful in this role. In your answer, explain why you chose this particular pump type and what makes it unique or interesting.

Example: “I would choose centrifugal pumps because they are versatile machines that I could use in many different industries. They’re also easy to maintain and repair, which means I could work on them without needing much assistance from other technicians. This appeals to me because I enjoy being able to troubleshoot problems on my own.”

What would you do if you discovered a leak in a pump that was actively in use?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. In your answer, explain how you would locate the leak and fix it as quickly as possible.

Example: “If I discovered a leak in an actively running pump, I would first shut down the system to avoid any damage. Then, I would use my tools to remove the pump’s cover and inspect all of its components for signs of leakage. If I found that one of the seals was damaged or worn out, I would replace it with a new seal before putting everything back together and restarting the system.”

How well do you understand the regulations and standards that apply to the use of pumps in the workplace?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your knowledge of the regulations and standards that apply to pump technicians. They want to know whether you can follow these rules and procedures when working in their company. In your answer, try to show that you understand how important it is to comply with all safety measures.

Example: “I am very familiar with the regulations and standards that apply to my work as a pump technician. I have been working in this field for five years now, so I have seen many changes in the industry’s regulations. For example, I remember when we had to use only lead-free solder on our equipment. Now, however, there are no restrictions on what type of solder we can use.”

Do you have experience working with pumps that use hazardous materials?

This question can help interviewers determine if you have the experience and training to work with hazardous materials. If you do, explain your experience working with these materials and how you handled them. If you don’t have experience working with hazardous materials, discuss what you would do in a situation where you had to handle them.

Example: “I’ve worked with pumps that use hazardous materials before, but I haven’t done so for several years. When I was working as an apprentice, my mentor taught me how to identify different types of hazardous materials and how to safely handle them. He also showed me how to properly dispose of any waste from the pump.”

When is it appropriate to replace a pump instead of repairing it?

This question can help interviewers understand your decision-making process and how you prioritize tasks. Use examples from your experience to explain when it’s best to replace a pump instead of repairing it.

Example: “In my last role, I was working on a project where we needed to replace an old water pump that wasn’t functioning properly. The client had been experiencing issues with the pump for several months, so they were eager to get it fixed as soon as possible. However, because the pump was older, it would have cost more to repair than to replace it. We decided to replace the pump rather than spend money on repairs.”

We want to reduce the amount of time it takes to complete certain processes. How would you implement process improvements using pumps?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work as part of a team. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the steps you would take to implement process improvements using pumps.

Example: “I would first identify which processes need improvement by working with my supervisor and other technicians. Then I would determine what type of pump we could use to improve these processes. For example, if there was a long wait time for water delivery, I would look into installing a submersible pump that’s more efficient than the one currently in place. This would reduce the amount of time it takes to deliver water.”

Describe your experience working with different types of machinery.

Pump technicians often need to work with a variety of machinery, including pumps, motors and valves. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the experience working with different types of machinery. Use your answer to explain that you are comfortable working with many different machines. Explain which machines you’re most familiar with and why.

Example: “I’ve worked as a pump technician for five years now. During my time here, I’ve learned how to work on all kinds of machinery. For example, I’m very experienced working with motors, valves and pumps. I feel confident troubleshooting problems with these machines because I’ve done it so much. However, I am always looking for ways to improve my skills.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for this pump technician position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this position. Focus on highlighting your technical abilities, communication skills and problem-solving skills.

Example: “I am passionate about helping others, which is why I became a pump technician in the first place. In my previous role as a pump technician, I helped many customers with their questions and concerns. I also worked hard to solve any problems they were having with their pumps. My customer service skills are excellent, and I know I would be able to help your customers if they have any issues.”

Which computer programs have you used to document repairs or other work related to pumps?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you have experience using the company’s specific computer programs. If they ask about a program that is different from what the company uses, explain how you would adapt to their system.

Example: “At my previous job, we used an online document management system called SharePoint. I am familiar with it and can use it to create documents or upload them into the system. However, your company uses a similar system called DocuWare, so I’m confident I could learn it quickly. I also know how to use Microsoft Office programs like Word and Excel.”

What do you think is the most challenging part of being a pump technician?

Interviewers ask this question to see if you have the right attitude for the job. They want someone who is willing to face challenges and learn from them. In your answer, try to be positive about the role of a pump technician. Explain that it’s challenging but also rewarding.

Example: “The most challenging part of being a pump technician is when I’m diagnosing a problem with a pump. It can be difficult to figure out what exactly went wrong. However, I enjoy figuring out how to fix things. I like using my knowledge and skills to solve problems. I think it’s important to remain calm and focused during these situations. This helps me find solutions more quickly.”

How often should you perform routine maintenance on a pump?

Pump technicians must know how to perform routine maintenance on their equipment. This question helps the interviewer determine if you have experience with this process and whether you can do it independently or need supervision. In your answer, explain that regular maintenance is important for keeping pumps running smoothly. Explain what types of maintenance you would perform regularly and why it’s necessary.

Example: “I believe regular maintenance is essential for ensuring a pump continues to run efficiently. I typically perform weekly inspections to check for any loose parts or other issues. I also clean the exterior of the pump at least once per week. Finally, I test all major components of the pump every two weeks.”

There is a new type of pump that you’ve never worked with before. How would you learn about its components and functionality?

This question can help the interviewer assess your ability to learn new things and adapt to different situations. Use examples from previous experience where you had to learn something new or use a process that was unfamiliar to you.

Example: “I would first read through any manuals or instructions for the pump, then I would try to find someone who has worked with this type of pump before so they could show me how it works. If there are no other technicians available, I would look up videos online about the pump’s functionality and compare them to my own observations when working on the pump.”