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Float valve
A mechanical valve held shut by a buoyant float. As water drops, the float falls and opens the valve; water rises, the float lifts and shuts it. Common on lever machines and simple boilers.
Category: Water System
A mechanical float that opens or closes a water inlet based on the water level in a tank or boiler. Used on simpler espresso machines for boiler fill control, as an alternative to electronic autofill probes.
Why it matters — Float valves are simple, reliable, and don't depend on electrical signals. They're used in many traditional lever machines and some commercial setups where mechanical simplicity is preferred.
Good to know
- Float valves can stick if scale builds up on the float or the valve seat — symptom is the boiler overflowing or failing to fill.
- Easy to clean: remove the float assembly, descale the parts, reinstall.