Part of the maintenance required for a lift station with tipping balls is to check the?

• A. Air Tube
• B. Probe
• C. Float cleanliness
• D. Hydrostatic meter

Answer: (C)

Tipping-ball level controls rely on a buoyant float that rises with the wastewater level and tips a switch to start or stop the pump. If the float becomes dirty, coated with grease, scum, or solids, its buoyancy or movement can be hindered, causing inaccurate level readings or the switch to fail to trigger properly. Regular maintenance should include inspecting and cleaning the floats so they move freely and actuate the switch reliably. Debris buildup on the float is a common cause of nuisance trips or delayed pump operation, so keeping the float clean is essential for proper level control. Other sensing methods (air tubes, probes, hydrostatic measurements) use different parts, but for a lift station with tipping balls, the float cleanliness is the key maintenance item.