Use a Water Level
Water levels are used to measure an exact, level height across a surface, such as a wall or a board. People have been using various forms of water levels for centuries, as water levels are some of the easiest and most accurate leveling devices available. Its simple construction and easy setup make it a popular choice among do-it-yourselfers and professionals alike. Whether you purchase or make your own, you can learn how to use a water level by following a few straightforward steps.
Steps
- Purchase or make your own water level. There are several quality levels available to purchase at a very minimal cost. If you opt to make your own, you can use a water jug, milk carton, or a clear plastic tube.
- Fill the jug with water, and place it on a high surface. This will allow you to get the water into the tube.
- Attach one end of the tube to the jug, and place your mouth on the other end. Begin sucking on the tube to get the water flowing. Siphon, or suck, on the tube hard enough to get the water moving but not enough to get a mouthful of liquid. Once you get the water moving a little, it should flow freely.
- Alternatively, get a bucket (or use the bathtub or kiddie pool), and put the whole tube into the bucket slowly from one end, so it fills with water.
- Pull out the tube from the water bucket once it is nearly full. Make sure you perform this action before the tube is completely full to prevent the water from spilling as you are moving around.
- Hold both ends of the tube vertically so that no water can escape. Tap your finger along the tubing to loosen and expel any trapped air bubbles. Hold the ends of the tube even with one another, and verify that the water lines up equally. If it does, you are ready to go. If it does not, you need to continue tapping the tube, as it's likely that air bubbles are still trapped.
- Have a helper stand at the location you want to level. The person must hold the tube against the surface you are leveling at a predetermined height. For example, if you are trying to draw a straight line on a wall, choose a height you want the line at, and have the person hold the tubing at the desired height.
- Use chalk to mark the spot on the wall where the water line inside the tube falls. Have your helper move further along the surface you are leveling, hold the tube up to the predetermined height, and mark the spot where the water line is.
- Repeat the leveling process until you have reached the end of the surface you are leveling.
Tips
- Make sure that you are not standing on the tube when using the water level. This will displace the water and cause an inaccurate result.
- For greater visibility, try using a water level with windshield wiper fluid or antifreeze solution instead of water. The additional color will be very helpful, and it has the added benefit of not freezing up if you are leveling in a cold environment.
- If you're having trouble getting the water to flow into the tube, move the jug to a higher surface. Gravity is a big aid in the process. The higher the jug is, the easier the water should be moving. If you still experience problems, the tube may be sloshing around inside the jug. Try using a spring clip to secure it to the jug's lip before siphoning.
- You do not need one long tube. If you have two pieces of clear tubing with hose fittings on one end (male on one piece, female on the other), you can use a garden hose between. This gives a long distance between level points, without needing a special long tube just for this.
- If you have hose fittings on your tube, then you can fill if from the outdoor faucet.
Warnings
- If one end of the level is in the sun, and one in the shade, so that the liquid in the sun end is significantly warmer than in the shade, you may get a small inaccuracy due the the hotter water having a lower density than the cooler water. The hot end will be higher.
- If you are using windshield washer fluid or antifreeze, do not swallow when siphoning. These are toxic chemicals and will require immediate care if ingested.
- If you use carbon tetrafluoride in your water level, please be sure to include a colorant.
Things You'll Need
- Water level
- Water
- Windshield wiper or antifreeze solution (optional)
- Spring clips (optional)
- Water jug, milk carton, or clear plastic tube (optional)
- Chalk
