Understanding how the PTLevel Cistern Level Monitor Works

Low or 0% Readings

If you are getting low or 0% readings, you may have an air leak.
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How the PTLevel Works
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The way that the PTLevel works is that it measures the pressure of an air pocket created at the bottom of the liquid volume. This is done by means of our “Pressure Chamber” which is the weighted part with the tube (black, or clear blue) attached that you dropped into your tank. The supplied small diameter tube is what transports that pressure pocket to the PTLevel device where it can be measured.

Pressure chamber function

Monitoring water levels online

 

Why is my PTLevel giving low or 0% readings?
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The reason why your device reads low is due to an air leak between the Pressure Chamber and the PTLevel device. The way to know that the issue is an air leak is to check your trends and see if the level reading is getting lower and lower over time.

  • Check that the connections are air tight.
  • If applicable, check that the clamps are securely in place. If you need new clamps, contact us (here) and we can provide them.
  • Check the small diameter tubing for any damage.
  • Check the threaded connection on the barb fitting at the top of the Pressure Chamber.
  • Reset the air pocket by pulling the pressure chamber out of the tank and dropping it back in after it drains.

Step by Step on How to Remove/Replace your Tubing

If you’ve removed the small tubing, and will be putting it back on, we highly recommend that you place silicone or gasket sealant or high tack by Permatex to all of the barbs before pushing the tubing onto them. This ensures that any nicks or cuts to the barbs are perfectly sealed.

There is one thing to note, if you were down to really low readings and your level is actually high, your small diameter tubing may have water in it. With proper function the small tubing should not have water in it and when it does fill up, your readings will become very inaccurate. The best way to fix this is to replace the small tubing, which we can provide you, or to remove it and use compressed air through it to completely dry it. If you can’t dry it completely, it can still provide poor readings.

Click here for a step-by-step on how to remove your tubing, dry it, and reinstall it.

Pressure chamber connection diagram.


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