How to Make a Homemade Water Level
One of the handy principles of water is that it will always seek its own level. The water surface at any point in a connected system of pipes, hoses, tubes or buckets will find the same level or altitude. Use this fact to create a simple homemade device that determines a consistent level point in locations as far apart as the length of the hose or tube used in the system. Water levels have been used for centuries by builders. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Cut the tubing. The length of tubing must reach between the points you want to level. If you're planning ahead for multiple projects, acquire tubing that is longer than what you currently need. A clear 5/16-inch to 3/8-inch tubing works best.
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Fill the tube with fluid. Water works but it may be difficult to see in the clear tube. "Deck Magazine" suggests using windshield washer fluid. Easier to see because of its blue color, the washer fluid also will not freeze if left at a cold construction site. Place both ends of the tube at roughly the same level with the remainder hanging or coiled below. Fit a funnel into one end of the tube and pour in liquid until it comes up to about 1 foot below each end of the tube.
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Clamp one end of the tube. This will keep the fluid from leaking out of either end of the tube during storage and transportation. Remove the clamp when using the water level.
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Tips & Warnings
You can also siphon the fluid into the tube. Place one end of the tube in a container of fluid set on an elevated bench or shelf. Suck on the other end of the tube until some of the fluid is pulled out of the container and into the section of the tube that is sloped downward. Keep the other end elevated and the siphon action should draw the liquid into the tube.
A water level works only if the two points you are leveling are the highest points in the tube.
Confirm that there are no kinks in the tube that may impact the flow of water.
Water expands as it warms, so check both ends of the level on warm days to make sure the expanded water has increased the same apparent level at both ends.
