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Thread: Float switch for head tank.

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
    Location
    Mid Michigan
    Posts
    13

    Default Float switch for head tank.

    My plan for the upcoming season is to place my 275 tote on the floor of my barn and pump up to a much smaller head tank. I've been looking around at float switches which I would place in the head tank but most are designed to remove liquid from the tank they are placed into instead of adding liquid to the tank. In some cases could just inverting the float switch trick it into maintaining a water level.
    I would like to hear what producers with this set up use.

    Thanks

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Eden Prairie, MN
    Posts
    1,636

    Default

    This is what I use. Adjust On and Off levels by position and length of free cable. I ran mine through a pvc pipe that I can slide up and down through the lid of a 65 gallon tank. Wired for emptying or filling.
    Works great!
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
    John
    2x8 Smokylake drop flue with AOF/ AUF
    180 taps on sacks
    75 on 3/16 tubing with shurflo
    Eden Prairie, Minnesota

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Kirschnerville, NY
    Posts
    463

    Default

    Something like what Riley linked to will work.
    If you are a google search kind of person, or calling a plumbing supply store you need to ask for a “pump up” switch.
    Jake Moser
    Moser's Maple

    2 beautiful little girls
    1 wife that's become her mother

    www.facebook.com/mosersmaple

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    WI
    Posts
    53

    Default

    We've run these and have very good luck with them. Easy to clean also. Wired a 120v Shurflo into it and works great.

    http://washerwatcher.com/Tank_Level_Controller.htm
    150 on 12v Shurflo pump
    250 buckets

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    smithville flats ny near binghamton
    Posts
    600

    Default

    We use a sump pump switch but turn it upside down with a rod and a float. They're cheap and readily available. They have infinite adjustability. I keep mine adjusted so the head tank is always within an inch, so the pump is turning off and on about once a minute. Been using the same switch for over 20 years.
    shrunken producer, from 8,000 taps to 4,000 to 5800 to 9500 to 11,000 vac
    5x16 woodchip fired evaporator with 5x10 max flue and 5x6 revolution front pan
    CDL 20+ RO
    Double 10"filterpress

    sp-11, bb2, airtech L63, L160, L230 vac pumps
    CDL low profile electric releaser
    MES 8000 electric releaser
    CDL 4000 tap mechanical releaser

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Ashford, CT
    Posts
    920

    Default

    I use a float switch as well. It has a plug on the end and I have a pump plugged into that pumps from my main tank to the feed tank. It was one of those "why didn't I do this sooner?" type things. Before I manually filled the tank but it is so nice having that done automatically. I check it every once and a while but it works fine.

    Next year I'll be getting a larger RO that should be able to keep up with the evaporator so the pump shouldn't go on but it's nice to know that it is there.
    About 300 taps
    2'x6' air tight arch
    Semi complete 12'x24' sugarhouse in Somers, CT
    My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CapturedNature
    My eBook: Making Maple Syrup in your Backyard

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Location
    Esko,MN
    Posts
    290

    Default

    I use a two ball stainless steel float switch in a 65 gallon leg tank for the head tank. The wires and the nut just happen to friction fit in the cap of the tank so it pops out easy for cleaning.

    https://www.ebay.com/p/Liquid-Water-...r=581696172658
    Chad

    2014: 12 taps, 5 gal buckets
    2015: 15 taps on bags
    2016: 150 taps: 100 on bags, 50 on 3/16" natural vac, 2x8 AUF/AOF Homebuilt Arch, 2x8 SL Drop Flu & Auto Draw, SL Propane Canner/Bottler
    2017: 225 taps: Built Lean to, Added SL hood, preheater, concentric exhaust, SL SS 7" SB Filter Press
    2018: 180 taps: Added Shurflo to 50 - 3/16", Auto fill sensor to head tank
    2019: No tapping
    2020: 175 taps
    2021: 300 taps, homemade RO and releaser
    2022: 600+ taps

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