Operator terms · Water
What is an altitude valve?
An altitude valve controls the water level in a storage tank. It senses the level and closes the inflow when the tank reaches a set height, so the tank fills without overflowing, then reopens as the level drops. It automates tank filling in the distribution system.
Last reviewed 2026-08-03
What it does
As a tank fills, the altitude valve watches the level. When the water reaches the set height, the valve shuts the fill line so the tank does not overflow. When the level falls, it opens again to refill.
Why it helps
Without automatic level control, a tank could overflow and waste treated water or run empty and lose pressure. The altitude valve keeps the tank within its working range without constant attention.
Common questions
- What does an altitude valve control?
- The water level in a storage tank.
- What stops the tank overflowing?
- The altitude valve closing the inflow at a set level.
- Does it reopen?
- Yes; it opens again as the tank level drops.