OK, Gary, are you talking about pressure in the holding tank? If so, then a float valve is probably not what I have as it's not a sealed tank, but one with a removeable cap on the top that I often remove to check the level of water. The float is attacked to the pipe (I finally looked). So what I have is a float operated electric switch? I'm such a rookie at this.
The reason I'm asking is (and you have to understand we haven't had rain for many months, it's really dry here) three months ago I wasn't paying attention to how a helper was using the irrigation and the holding tank went dry! Cost a lot to fill quickly. I don't want to make that mistake again (helper is gone). So I've been climbing the ladder and checking the water level (several times daily, after each irrigation). I learned that if I tapped the float, sometimes that would trigger the motor to start input of water. I became dependent on tapping. I also turned the motor on and off, and that would usually start incoming water. At one point I couldn't reach the float, but when I could, I tied it with a plastic string to the incoming pipe above it so I could always reach it. Now I understand that I was tying it in an off position, from your explanation, so I've cut off the string, but it's been a day and no water is coming in. The well must be getting dry.
New question: have I damaged (or could I have damaged) the motor by turning it on and off so often and tapping the float? I don't overwater anything, just trying to keep the trees, etc., barely alive until we get a good rain. Thank you for your help.