Water level basics – How to make and use one

Water level Basics – How to make and use one

I’ve used a water level for many years on all types of projects. I consider it to be a necessary tool and would immediately replace it if it were to be damaged or stolen.

Water levels are easy to make and very useful to have in your collection of tools. They can be used to survey small jobsites for landscaping, foundations, deck piers, fences, shelving, leveling old floors, to list a few.

Water levels have some advantages over other leveling technology.

Pros:
• No batteries needed
• Line of sight is not necessary (works around corners as opposed to a laser)
• Works in tight spaces
• Easy to use and understand
• One man operation over large areas


Water levels have a few disadvantages, but not many.

Cons:
• Water will freeze without antifreeze
• Limited to length of hose
• Water can spill causing the level to change
• Others may think you’re weird

I hope that you find this video inspirational, informative and instructive.
Thanks for watching!

(Affiliate links)

MATERIALS:
1/4" ID 50 Ft 15 Meter PVC Clear Vinyl Tubing
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2-Gallon White Plastic Pail
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2-Gallon Plastic Pail Lid
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Valve Stem with 60 Degree Bend
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Solid Rubber Stoppers

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DRILLS AND BITS:
Stepped drill bits

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PENS/PENCILS AND MARKING:
Sharpie Marker
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RULERS AND SQUARES:
Tap measure
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SHEARS, SCISSORS & CUTTERS:
PVC pipe cutter

Scissor Full Metal Coated 10”
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FOLLOW:

WARNING:
This video is only for entertainment purposes. If you rely on the information portrayed in this video, you assume the responsibility for the results. Always think ahead. Every project you try is at YOUR OWN RISK.

[rlayton]

I've used the same water level since 1972...Always accurate, and unlike lasers, no calibration needed! Excellent tutorial.

[shakeandbake]

Great instruction! 
I was going to drop $600 on a Laser Level but after watching your video I bought this set-up and now I have $570 I can spend on more tools!!!
Thanks for sharing.

[literoadie]

I can’t get over how neat a water level is! Water levels and plumb bobs are 2 of my all time favourite things!!

[valvelifter]

Another excellent tutorial. I had already decided to incorporate a liquid tube levelling system into my equatorial camera mount. this gave me a couple of extra ideas to improve it. Thanks. I also like the style of your videos. no annoying background music that makes it hard to hear the dialogue. You get straight to the point, no pre-amble or waffle. Other you tube makers should take note.

[JoseRGarcia-JRG]

HUGE this is the most convenient way to get these readings which always 'make or brake' a project.

Thanks for this, I had a clue but your demonstrations are very clear.

Joe

[motzemog]

Great video and real life uses. I used a water level to build my 3, 000 gallon koi pond. Worked flawlessly to get multiple levels established.

[GibClark]

I've used a bucket level for years but never thought to add a story pole!!! Awesome 👍👍👍👍Thanks for sharing!

[condor]

Great video! I love the concept of a water level. My first one I actually made like you did with a Home Depot 5 gallon bucket. But then I realized instead of ruining the bucket by cutting holes in it all you need to do is initiate the siphon in the tube sticking the tube in the water right from the top. It will do the exact same thing that yours does seeking the level of water in the bucket. In order to secure it to the bucket I just use a spring clamp with a zip tie. Now your bucket can be used again for its normal uses and there are zero places for leaks to occur. Thanks again

[culter]

Thank you sir! Always wondered how a water level worked. I use to work for a mobile home company doing basic maintenance. There was a crew of guys that would install and set them and they'd use a water level to level the trailers up.

[easyaussietarget]

We used these all the time many years ago building sheds and such.
Young fellas now look at you like your crazy when you talk about water levels....guess I am getting old,
Nice content mate, very well done indeed!

[mikeboehmer]

Oh man this just made my day, I'm replacing my deck and this will solve so many problems that I've been dreaming up over complicated solutions for. Thanks for sharing!

[GreenAcreHomestead]

Dang... I've known about these for years but only now do I realize how much work having one would have saved me! This... I must make. Thanks!!

[SeanFoushee]

Excellent video! I've been fretting measuring level of the slab in our large living/dinning room to complete my flooring project and this looks like just the thing I need. Great examples and explanation, also thanks for the supplies list.

[oojagapivy]

That is a cool idea for when working on your own, especially the story stick. I use a water level a fair bit, but it's just a tube with water and food dye, and 2 bungs to plug each end for pack up.

[ianmcculloch]

Water levelling was utilised by the ancient Egyptians in building their massive monuments, by digging slitvtrenches and filling them with water. Great video, well done.

[dkhnova]

I was in the Peace Corps in the 1980s. Peace Corps volunteers and local helpers used clear plastic tubes just like in your video to build one- or two-room schools and teacher houses, Worked great. Many people commented one how level everything was, compared to other local amateur construction. (Never had a problem with the water freezing.)

[ecnalted]

Great video. You're a natural teacher. Easy to follow and understand.
I live on a steep hill side. Need to build a greenhouse and chicken house. This a great tool. Never saw a lot of the options show before. THANK YOU.

[CrownofJewells]

This is the best tutorial I have found so far. There is no need to search further. Thank you.

[pollyrobinson]

This is perfect, just what I needed to see and learn. Thank you!

[dadokonsix]

Clear, Thorough, several examples, possible pitfalls. Absolutely Outstanding video. Many Thanks!