Do not draft without the _____ in place.

• A. Intake screen
• B. Intake cap
• C. Intake filter
• D. Intake valve

Answer: (A)

When drafting, the pump must be protected from solids at the suction source. An intake screen sits on or near the suction opening to filter out debris like leaves, mud, and small branches, so water can flow into the pump without clogging or damaging the impeller and helping maintain prime. This screening is essential because debris can rapidly cause loss of prime, reduced flow, and mechanical wear.

The intake cap would only seal the opening and doesn’t filter debris. An intake filter isn’t the standard term used for drafting protection, and an intake valve is part of the pump’s internal controls, not a debris barrier at the suction. So the intake screen is the component that best fulfills the need to keep the pump safe while drawing water.