A Carpentry Tool Few Know

Leah of See Jane Drill demonstrates how to make and use a water level.
Water Level:
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Due to factors beyond the control of See Jane Drill, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. See Jane Drill assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. See Jane Drill recommends safe practices when working with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of See Jane Drill, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not See Jane Drill.
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[@amirfarhan5134]

Hi Leah. I've used this many a times on the jobsite. Cheap, convenient and no batteries needed. Really stumps the young ones on the site.

[@seejanedrill]

I used ny first one 30 yrs ago. I remember being very confused as the head carpenter at the time tried to explain it. Many years later I still use it.

[@janetburrows137]

I bet it does. 😂😂😂. It’s good for them too see this stuff. 😅❤

[@jasonmorgan661]

@@seejanedrill I just think I got a scammer message from someone claiming to be you.

[@blancamireles9782]

Me too

[@amirfarhan5134]

@@jasonmorgan661 Me also. Let's help Leah by reporting it.

[@janderson8401]

About 50 years ago my dad built a cement block retaining wall. His brothers in law who were carpenters and used to using a transit to check foundations for level, didn’t think he could have set the footing forms properly with just a water level. They brought their transit over to check the forms and they were perfectly level.

[@seejanedrill]

No surprise there, I swear by one.

[@ToniHomedesiSaun]

Great tutorial, Leah, but you didn’t mention the trick for using it solo: - Attach one end to a wall, pole, or whatever will be your reference. Leave the tube a bit long to avoid inadvertently spilling water. - Set your desired reference by moving the other end, the free one. - Make a mark at the water level on the free end of the tube itself, a permanent marker works well for this. You can now walk around with the free end of the tube, just being careful not to raise it too high, so it does not spill at the reference side. Wherever you need your reference, raise or lower your tube until the water matches the mark you made in it. Your mark is now level with your reference. + If your reference is a pole, you double the max distance as you can place it in the middle of your room, land, or whatever you are working on.

[@clemmcguinness1087]

Very good

[@andyprairiedog4829]

An experienced mobile home mover told me about this tube level I saw him use on an old rural trailer he moved for someone. He leveled the trailer for the family for free after they got a $320 quote from a company to level the trailer for them. Asked him where he learned that trick...he said he learned a lot from "KZbin Tech" and pointed me to your videos. Excellent video.

[@stephencooper4987]

My father taught my brothers and myself how to use a water level back in the 1950's and 60's. He would use it when laying out foundations for homes he built. He would use a plain water hose and put about a foot of clear hose sticking out of each end. Loved this video as it brought back a lot of memories. But then again I like all of your videos.

[@seejanedrill]

Thank you

[@clintprice2123]

For some people it’s too simple to be accurate but it really is just this easy and reliable. As always Leah is an absolute GEM! Who else even comes close?

[@shannonjensen3855]

One thing I wish you would’ve included in this video would be just a demonstration of how the level itself worked. You were showing each end, but I’m still not sure I understand how you lay them down or how you actually put the level down and how you can tell when both sides are level… Especially if one is around the corner. I’m still grateful for your posting this video! I just might have to go look around from here to figure out how it actually works :-) I hope your work with the restoration project is going (or went) wonderfully for you!

[@dennisferron8847]

I leveled the foundation for a 10x20' shed I built using a homemade water level. Instead of comparing points to each other on a double ended tube, I used a single-ended tube connected to a fixed reservoir. (It was an inverted Gatorade bottle with an air vent and a tube. I taped it to a stake.) The other end of the tube I taped to a yardstick. That way I could walk around the site and take readings off the yardstick at every hole for the concrete blocks. It didn't matter what the level of the reservoir was or what the specific number on the yardstick was; all I needed to know was how the numbers compared +/- to each other. Then I could add/subtract blocks and gravel fill until they all read the same.

[@Bapuji42]

That's brilliant. And $600 cheaper than a Milwaukee laser level.

[@donaldklopper]

Loved the tip. So so so simple, yet, I've needed it, and never thought to use water like that. And the blind corner is genius. Thanks!

[@timdeboer8804]

I've used this "Level" on many occasions. It's simple, cheap and best of all it's accurate!

[@alejandrogaut]

Dear Leah: That technique of the tube to do accurate level marking is priceless. Thank you for show such a good tool to young generations. Best regards from Córdoba, Argentina.

[@GoodlyEarth]

Leah, this is such a great tutorial. I made one of these myself for a last-minute construction site project I was working on. I wish I had colored the water as you did. I would have made it much easier. As always, excellent tutorial!!!

[@seejanedrill]

Thanks my friend

[@jonrutherig6300]

You make learning these things just so easy...I've been doing Construction for 40 yrs...I'm a GC in California...you've shown me things I've never known...keep up the helpful tips..you are awesome

[@lisaferrara8120]

I was describing the water level to a student the other day and how drop ceilings are installed. Years ago, my father told me about water levels and how useful they are.

[@brunoskorniak9722]

When i used to install drop ceilings we used a laser level that clamped on to the perimeter wall angle we attached. Then as we formed the grid we had a magnetic credit card sized plastic piece that we attached to the grid to adjust the level of the grid as the laser struck across it. Then we exactly where to bend the hanging wire to attach it to the grid. Really cool. Plus we used a story pole to mark off the heights of each room when doing multiple rooms as in an office complex. That way in each room the ceiling was exactly the same height. We could have also used the water level as in the blind corner from room to room also. Cool stuff!

[@R.U.anExpert]

Hi Leah. I love your vids because you know your stuff inside & out, your great communication skills are unequaled. Your delivery of information is so smooth and exudes patience, understanding & calm to your audience. I could go on but I wanted to keep this short. You're Wonderful at this. My applause goes to you !

[@Chris-fj3ci]

leah, i LOVE your videos. you explain things simply, without "talking down" to the viewer. i am regularly suggesting that people watch your channel.

[@stevengordon2145]

Great video for anyone out there And one extremely important fact with water levels, they never needs to be calibrated and it never needs batteries..👍👍

[@stevenmoomey2115]

I had one with Stands for the tubing. Would set the Raised Floor Level with Four Tiles in the middle of the Computer Room. Go to an adjoining room, set tiles in the middle of that room. The Guys with the Laser Level would come in Scratching their heads on how I got the starter tiles Perfectly level from Room to Room.

[@SkyKing101010]

Hi Leah. I love your channel because I've learned so much from it. I was working with my (handyman) brother recently and on the way to the site he asked me if I knew what a water level was. He seemed to be so surprised when I did not. He tried to explain it to me but he was driving. Now I understand it completely. I can even see that it could be used to two trees down at the same height. Thanks for everything Leah.

[@BillKarwin]

Super great tip and great explanation! I made a water level for a retaining wall project in my back yard. Here's another tip: I didn't even use a long transparent hose. I only needed two scraps about 12 inches long for the two ends. I put them in garden hose attachments, and then I connected those to the ends of a long garden hose. The garden hose is opaque, but I didn't need to see the water inside the hose. I only needed to see the water level at the ends. I did my project, then when I was done, I was able to remove the transparent ends from the garden hose, and put that hose back in its normal place in my garden. I stored the short pieces of transparent hose so I could use them again someday.

[@trackie1957]

Whenever I see a Leah video pop up, I watch it. I first learned about water levels in grade school when they explained how the Egyptians used a continuous trench filled with water as a level reference. Goes back a long way! Other things about this wonderful tool: It can be routed over and under obstacles; just make sure the ends are sealed until it’s set up so you don’t spill water. You can attach pieces of clear tubing, a few feet long, to hose fittings so you can change any garden hose into a water level. The longer the tube and the smaller its diameter, the slower the water flow, so make sure you let it settle before you make your marks! If you lift one end too quickly you might spill some water out of the reference end. It’s a good idea to check that the water level hasn’t gone down when you are done.

[@ShanesHobbyShop]

Oh Wow. Thanks Leah for bringing back an old memory that I've forgotten about. My Grandpa showed this to me when I was a child. This is how he leveled up a fence that he was installing in the back yard. When it was finished I remember looking down the fence line and seeing how flat/level it was. I thought it was so cool back then and still do today.

[@seejanedrill]

Thanks for sharing this

[@docwil2541]

I learned this 45 years ago back in high school from the carpenter I worked for. Nice to see with all the high tech toys it hasn't been forgotten.

[@thebandplayedon..6145]

Wow, that's a new one for me, idk how I've gotten this old and this is the first I've heard of this wide area measuring function. Beyond the little bobbles in I-beam levels or awkward line level.... damn, this is really cool, Jane! Cheers, I look forward to using this in fence building, and for making berms around the yard. Yeah, this is awesome, thanks for the tip!

[@1ricollins]

This is one of your best videos. This application had never even occurred to me, and yet, the moment that I saw the clear plastic tubing with the colored water, the whole thing was immediately apparent. I also like the use of the little big-shot hose nozzle (best hose nozzle I've ever used). Keep up the good work. Excelsior!

[@mikebland4935]

Great and easy tool to make and use. You've taken us all to a new level. Thank you.

[@seejanedrill]

Love the pun

[@Ultrafrozen]

I've had 18" long clear tube attachments for a hose for about 35 years, use them around the yard. I recently trained my son on how to use them.

[@blt4life112]

I can't stop thinking of all the times I could've used this. It's definitely gonna come in handy.

[@marctompkins3001]

Leah, I’ve used a glass of water for years in leveling my travel trailer into a camp ground space. I never thought about a plastic tube, another great idea.

[@Charlielizard]

Leah, you are absolutely the best. You're going to impact so many with this simple but accurate tool. As a teen, I got a job with a carpenter to build a boat house with a massive deck. My biggest question was how are we going to get the deck level to build the boat house. He laughed and said watch and work. We used the lake surface in the cove to get the cross beams level after driving the 3 inch pipe into the lake bed. It's now 36 years later and that whole setup is still spot on level. Have a fantastic weekend and thank you for another great video.

[@seejanedrill]

Thanks for sharing your story. Much appreciated!!!

[@newportshapwick]

Got to be the best level you can get - can't beat gravity to keep things level! Been using them for years for long runs. Cheap and can be carried anywhere 😄

[@eukaryon]

Yep. Used that very carefully to level a large model train layout to every corner of the room. You could put a marble at any point of the structure and it would not roll.

[@JiLoa13]

It's definitely underrated, nice video as always. What I do is take a normal garden hose and then add like 300mm clear tube on the end and make sure it's on tightly. Garden hoses are everywhere, so just make sure to take 2 short lengths of clear tube with me.

[@alterego6075]

The water level reminds me of the old 3-4-5 squaring technique. Great things to know and learn. And, you just never know on a job site lol.

[@seejanedrill]

Ahhh the Pythagorean formula. Yep, some of those old, old school methods work so well.

[@bethhentges]

Somtimes the best technology is the one that’s easiest to use or fix and doesn’t depend on power.

[@Benmelech]

The Egyptian‘s used that method building the foundation for the pyramids. They channeled in water from the Nile to the foundation hole. When the water level was to the height they wanted they plugged the channel and staked the corners and elsewhere on the wall that the water left it’s mark.

[@seanhorton3811]

As a kid, I worked summers for a geotech company. We frequently would do investigations for the insurance company on homes that had settled for whatever reason. We had a 5 gallon reservoir on a tripod with the measuring end of the long hose attached to a direct reading survey rod. We used clear hose to make sure there were no trapped air bubbles in the hose. It was a one person operation. We would set the reference height on the rod then check all the corners in all the rooms in the house taking readings directly off the rod. It worked great and was fast. Only one set up required. A laser would take forever as it had to be set up and moved to get into each room. Every move could introduce error.

[@HandbrakeBiscuit]

My Dad made a water level back in the 80s, except he went one step further. He had got hold of a pair of identical burettes with graduated marks on from a science lab, then made identical stands for them as well as simple adapters to fit a garden hose to the bottom of each burette. The water level in the burettes was of course the same level, so if appropriate/needed he could raise or lower a burette & stand such that both burettes had the water at the same marked place on the burette. That put the bottom of the stands at the same level too, useful for assessing how level the plane the burettes were standing on is, which in his case was his most frequent use-case. If he wanted he could easily cause a gentle, but known, slope by purposefully grading the surface such that the burettes stood with water at _different_ marked places, the marks being spaced evenly a known vertical distance apart.

[@d_Brian67]

Haven't seen/used one of those in over 20 years. I was amazed then and am still amazed now!

[@genecarden780]

Leah another well done video that most won’t appreciate until they start using one.

[@rickfrench6340]

Great video! I have been using a water level since the 70's. I have never bought a water level. Always bought some tubing.

[@Bapuji42]

Your channel's upgrade is awesome. It was already great and now it's got even more style. Love ya Leah!

[@TonyFreeman-LocoTonyF]

Hi Leah. I'm just a home diy but I've never heard of this. This blows my mind! 😎😎😎

[@hayfork100]

Great tip, Leah. Thanks for the education!

[@tech35641]

It's always great learning something new. Thanks Leah.

[@orangecrush5512]

This is such a spectacular channel. Thank you, Jane!

[@javiergalvan242]

Great tip Leah, remain blessed and keep the video's coming ☝️ 🙏

[@jdbordercolliesandcorgis9405]

I stumbled onto your channel about a yr ago. I never tell anyone this. But, I love your videos. I love the way you explain things. Thank you.

[@kristyelee812]

Leah, I've just started watching/subscribing to your videos recently. I love the way you explain things and frankly your voice vs so many of the guys on here. Thanks for all the great info.

[@jimjackson4256]

That is one of those things that make me say why the heck didn’t i think of that.Nice show about all sorts of tips and tricks and gadgets.Keep up the good work.

[@larryloftis9064]

I made my own and used it in Florida to level mobile homes and it worked better than a level. Also much faster and I did it by myself many times. I used a gallon milk jug drilled a hole in the lid filled it halfway and put a shut-off valve on the other end or put magnets on both ends to attach to the frame of the home.

[@ianpearse4480]

Very cool tech. Thanks for sharing Leah.

[@michaelrogers4285]

Thank you Leah, awesome video as always !

[@jamarone5902]

Been looking for new videos glade you're still teaching us. Thank you

[@BloominOnion1]

There's an old break-in joke we used at my previous job. When a newbie was using a level, you'd stop 'em and say, "when's the last time you changed that leveling fluid?" Got some great reactions.

[@StarWarsBattleflop]

Never saw this used before here in Germany😳 That‘s genius!! Thanks for the explaination!💯

[@jolox.]

Thanks Leah! I love your videos!

[@nealwright5630]

I've been wanting to find the level of the garage slab on the outside around the corner from the garage door to see if I can put an exterior door on that side of the garage. This is exactly what I need!! I knew about these it just didn't come to mind until I saw this video. Thank!

[@dcvariousvids8082]

I’ve known from a young age about the principal but hadn’t thought about using it as a working level. Thank you.

[@tripives1858]

I used one of those years ago (before lazar levels existed) when we lifted a home to add a basement and stem wall underneath. Yes, we would run the entire length of the building, around corners, and, if we went under the building (once lifted) we could even measure on the other side of the building too. Works exceptionally well, you just need to be cognoscente, when you set it down, that you don't lose all of your water... but, in a water shortage, you have your emergency supply 🙂

[@evelynmontez3565]

Wonderful!! Leah

[@wendiyee6442]

~ This is crazy-good information, Leah! I was amazed by it …😲 I love learning this kind of new knowledge.

[@xnavyro]

Love your videos, keep up the great work!

[@b_uppy]

The bunyip water level is a favored level in permaculture for its effectiveness and low cost (often added to measuring poles). Often used for making rainwater harvesting earthworks... Another advantage you forgot is that you don't need batteries for a bunyip WL...

[@schadowolf]

Never heard of this, outstanding technique!

[@logansalt8924]

This is only the second time I have heard about this tool thanks for showing me it again

[@wittywoo9559]

Hi im new here living in Ireland .. just subbed ..You're a great teacher .. great channel .. thanks

[@jeanettelawson6336]

I do all my fixing at home, being a vet it has to be done right the first time no going back thats just waste time and money. Thank you for educating me

[@woodlandburl6648]

Thanks for the reminder of a very simple tool. I already have thoughts of how this idea will be used come spring. Great video.

[@NormanRamsey]

Always love your attitude! You CAN do this!

[@olhesty2196]

Love it. You always have the best stuff

[@robertreader6539]

Great job leah. 👏

[@theotherwhitney3302]

awesome! and the blind corner trick---who knew. thanks, Leah, for this perfect low-tech solution 😃

[@janschoice3855]

Hi Leah, you are always so friendly, that every newcomer feels welcome! Thank you so much! ❤️🙏🏻

[@joshualucero6054]

I used one years ago that set off an audible tone when you hit level at our ledger that the device was attached to also the end had a stopper It was perfect around corners of the house while building a big deck

[@johnthomas5026]

I am so glad to find you again. And you look well, I hope you are. 🤗 Subscribed and liked always. You’re such a wonderful human being.

[@donaharrisburg5469]

As always, you are over & above very informative!😊

[@ReaperDawg102]

You’re inspiration love your channel!

[@krzysztofmathews738]

Wow! This is somehow the first I had heard of this! Thank you for introducing me to a tool I knew nothing about!

[@amirfarhan5134]

Give it a try. You'll appreciate this old tech. Never failed me!

[@clemmcguinness1087]

Explained Beautifully

[@wesbaumguardner8829]

You are a beautiful person. Thank you for sharing your wonderful knowledge.

[@Asta-wl8jz]

I must say this is one of your best videos, so incredibly helpful.

[@seejanedrill]

Thank you

[@jakel.1724]

Hey Jane been a wile since I seen your videos. And you came up on my feed. You do such a great job. Thank you for what you doing.

[@seejanedrill]

Thank, btw I uploaf weekly.

[@davidwilliams1332]

🥰😍 I love your videos, they are always super informational....you're the best!!! Love ya ❤❤❤❤❤🥰

[@johnnysouth4982]

I build swimming pools and use one all the time just remember to read the flat water and not the curve of the water in the tube ( the meniscus ) love your vids

[@archivist17]

Smart working! Thanks Leah.

[@UtahDarkHorse]

I've never heard of that before. you're always amazing me with new knowledge 😜 Thank you and thanks for sharing.

[@wolfman75]

Thanks Leah!!!!

[@BillyStanley]

My version is a central bucket with lid (must have air hole), with several 50 ft hoses from it. The large surface area of the bucket dampens & absorbs the adjustments on the ends -- that is, raising a hose doesn't affect the level (as much).

[@seejanedrill]

I like the reservoir method as well.

[@dylaninnes8541]

I love this lady

[@Wardirt]

Glad you're back! Missed ya.

[@josephb7296]

Thanks for teaching me something new today! I'm having a little trouble understanding the concept. I think I'll have to make one and see if I can make some more sense out of it. I'm sure I'll find a practical use for it.

[@reallyfurious]

Oh dang that's clever. Thanks, I may need this on an upcoming project.

[@jasone.knisley6218]

I made one over twenty years ago and used on the construction of my garage. My dad had a friend stop by with a transite to check, I was off by 1/16th of an inch over forty feet. Dad could not figure out how I was so accurate by just "Geussing"

[@Mister006]

Love it! Thank you! This will come in handy as I grade my backyard as I've been trying to figure out how to get the correct grade away from my home!

[@abekelly9935]

Leah... you are still the BEST !!

[@harley1969chuco]

Wow if I would have known this years ago ...thanks for sharing

[@soofihasan]

Amazing… thank you so much for sharing, God bless you mam

[@trurex007lee7]

Great and logical idea.

[@robd7703]

I have used this method many times. Inexpensive and accurate.

[@inssan6550]

About 20 years ago I used a couple of old floor boards about 6 foot long, clipped some clear pipe to them and marked out scales on the board. The scales are handy if you are working around corners, Etc. I put hose lock connectors on the bottom, so you can use as much normal hose pipe as you need to connect them and don't have to dedicate loads of pipe to making them. I still have them tucked away in case I or someone needs them.

[@bandit7519]

When I first started out doing carpentry 20 years ago I worked with a old timer who used a water level but mostly when we did cabinets