What does it indicate when liquid is escaping from the top of the sounding tube?

When liquid is escaping from the top of the sounding tube, it indicates flooding or overfilling. A sounding tube is typically used to measure the level of liquid within a tank. When liquid is visible at the top, it suggests that the tank is full beyond its capacity, leading to excess liquid spilling out. This situation can compromise both the integrity of the storage system and safety, as overfilling may lead to hazardous conditions or environmental hazards, especially if the liquid being stored is toxic or flammable. Maintaining a proper filling level is crucial to ensure safe operation and prevent spills.

While an empty tank would not produce any liquid at the sounding tube, normal operation would not involve any overflow, and maintenance is not indicated solely by liquid escaping from this component; these scenarios indicate different issues than simply having liquid overflow from the tube.