When a tank is filled up by an automatically operated way, like a float switch or float ball, an overflow solution is required to upkeep the air gap between the water in the tank and the mains water connection to avoid contamination of the mains water supply. This is a legal requirement to all boosted irrigation systems where the tank is filled up from mains. Learn about legal requirements, follow the link
here.
If the tank is an underground one, an overflow is highly recommended anyway to avoid flood in the tank area when it's overfilled.
There are more way for sorting this problem, but the most common is the gravity way into a natural depression (pit, river, brook, sewage) via an overflow pipe.
When the tank is located deeper than all of these points, the overflow must be sorted on a boosted way, like a dedicated overflow pump. In this case the power supply of the pump is connected to a dedicated
float switch.
Operation, test and maintenance
Overflow pump can be tested by lifting up its float switch a few times. If the pump starts every time, the overflow works. You have to make sure that the float switch is positioned on the same level than before and can float and hung freely when you release in the tank at the end of the test.
There is no way to check gravity overflows sometimes because the outlet of them are not even visible in an underground tank. There are a few thing we can do to insure their working.
If the other end of overflow is known and accessible, check i at the highest water level in the tank. If there is no water flows out, the highest level is set accurately. Then fill over the tank by lifting up the filler float switch or activating the float ball and see if the water starts flowing via the overflow. It tells that the overflow pipe is not blocked.
if the overflow is completely hidden, check the tank area regularly. When the tank is overfilled, the overflow is likely blocked. Keeping the overflow free from any debris is important.
Filtering every possible tank inlet and make sure the filters are in good working order. Clean them regularly, especially the rain harvesting filter if it’s applicable.
Related Articles
Water delivery in irrigation systems
Finally we have arrived to the water delivery. Water pipes are one of the most important parts of an irrigation system which takes the vast majority of the installed parts. Even a relatively small system may demand laying of one or two hundred metres ...
Underground Irrigation Tank
Underground tank is a hidden solution of storing water as part of a booster set. Size of the tank is chosen based on the water usage of irrigation system and the filling flow. Usually made from medium-density polyethylene with reinforced walls, these ...
Boost Whilst Meet The Regulations: Irrigation Pumps
In the dynamic realm of irrigation systems, pumps stand as the pulsating heart, driving the lifeblood of water through the intricate network. Submersible and standing pumps are the unsung heroes, each playing a crucial role in ensuring a flourishing ...
Explore Irrigation System Management
Irrigation controller and timers, sometimes called irrigation computers are the brain of an automatic irrigation system. Not just simple switches, but able to store programs and operate the irrigation zones/stations by its choreography influenced by ...
Irrigation Master Valve
A master valve, in the context of irrigation systems, is a valve that controls the main water supply to the entire system automatically. It serves as a primary shut-off valve for the irrigation system and is typically installed at the point where the ...