Water Pump Backing Plate

Hey friends hope to get my engine up and running this weekend. Bought a new GMB water pump. Pump has a backing plate on it with a gasket. Do they typically seal these at the factory or do I need to pull the plate and seal it my self? I don't see mention of this in the instructions, assuming I don't need to mess with it but assuming always gets me into trouble. Thanks!!!

They are supposed to be sealed from the factory.  But if you have the right gasket it won't hurt to pull it and re-seal it.