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
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Scissor Full Metal Coated 10”
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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.

[@rlayton7107]

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

[@squidman556]

Have been in the steel stud suspended ceiling industry for over 30 years a water level never lies unless someone steps on your hose

[@ml9633]

Wow thank you. Going to bed in 2023 with more knowledge and I'm 65. Cheers :)

[@mandiegarrett1706]

Hi, I am back with more questions...lol. Please be patience with me as I am trying my hardest to make this thing work. So, after much research and thought, my husband said he can help me with using it out in the field. My question is instead of using the bucket at one end, now that I have another person helping me then can I make another measuring pvc stick...in other words, I would be making 2 pvc measuring sticks with clear tub attached on both stick for measurement. I have seen a lot of people doing that way and looks easier with 2 people using it. For example: First person holding one end of measuring stick stand at the start of the location where want the contour, put down the flag, then have second person with the stick walks out 50ft (that's how long I want the hose), first person called out the water line measurement, second person move around till find the exact measurement that's same as the first person measurement, second person put down the marking flag, then we move on to the next 50ft. Will this work?...just seems to make more sense to me. Thank you.

[@bullboss7698]

Fill with windshield washer fluid, its colored & will not freeze.

[@condor5635]

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

[@historygradstu]

I use a hose, a empty milk jug or two liter bottle and a funnel to fill the hose....making sure no air is locked in it and boom done

[@stevehammond7485]

You didn't warn folks about water running out the top of the tube if you drop it below the water level in the bucket. This could happen if you don't plug the top of the line while moving to the next location of simply dropping the line...oops! Wouldn't that cause the next line/mark to be lower than the previous?

[@ryteulopki8069]

Use hose splitter and plug multiple hoses. Space them in all required spots, set up bucket. You can level whole house, barn, even forest in 20min!

[@royblackburn1163]

Very interesting using a bucket, water is by far the best datum to measure from, its a world wide datum, every part of every country is above or below sea level. My favourite lake is 22 miles long and each pier is exactly the same height above the water level and they didnt need a pipe lol.

[@shakeandbake9562]

Great instruction!

[@valvelifter1]

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.

[@GibClark]

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

[@JoseRGarcia-JRG]

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

[@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!!

[@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.

[@c0ulter]

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.

[@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.

[@mikeboehmer324]

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!

[@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.