During drafting, how far below the water surface must the strainer be located?

During drafting, how far below the water surface must the strainer be located?

• A. 12 Inches
• B. 24 Inches
• C. 36 Inches
• D. 48 Inches

Answer: (B)

For drafting, the strainer should be submerged at least twenty-four inches (about two feet) below the water surface. Submerging the intake this depth helps prevent air from being drawn into the suction line as surface waves or splashing occur, which keeps the water column continuous and maintains the pump’s prime. If the intake is too shallow, air pockets can form and the pump can lose prime, reducing flow and performance. Keeping the strainer this depth also helps minimize debris intake while still staying practical for field setup.

For drafting, the strainer should be submerged at least twenty-four inches (about two feet) below the water surface. Submerging the intake this depth helps prevent air from being drawn into the suction line as surface waves or splashing occur, which keeps the water column continuous and maintains the pump’s prime. If the intake is too shallow, air pockets can form and the pump can lose prime, reducing flow and performance. Keeping the strainer this depth also helps minimize debris intake while still staying practical for field setup.