Storage Tank Maintenance
Electrical Components: Water storage tanks, when used in
conjunction with domestic water wells, typically have some
form of liquid level control device to automatically turn on the
well pump when the tank reaches a prescribed water level and
turn it off when it becomes full. This is typically done with micro
switches inside plastic housings that float on the water inside
the tank. A second micro switch is often submerged lower in
the tank to shut off the booster pump if the water level in the
tank becomes too low. Electrical switches operating daily on or
under water can fail and must be replaced from time to time.
Homeowners are not advised to troubleshoot or replace
these electrical components themselves, but to rely upon
qualified, licensed water well contractors. While they may
look the same, and serve the same purpose, there are liquid
level control float switches that use a small bubble of liquid
mercury to open and close the electrical contacts; these
models are never approved for use in drinking water systems.