How to Use a Water Level to Set Grades

Clear plastic tubing connected to a water container makes a water level, an inexpensive and accurate leveling device.

The accuracy of a water level is based upon Pascal's Law: Water seeks its own level. A water level is both accurate and versatile, as it can be used to set grades where grade points are separated by distance or interference from objects. A reservoir water level uses a water container with plastic tubing inserted near the bottom of the reservoir. The tubing is used alone or with a graduated cylinder attached at the end. A graduated cylinder allows for very precise measurement. Level is established by placing the cylinder end of the water level at the points to be measured, without moving the water reservoir.

Things You'll Need

• Wooden stakes
• Marking device

Instructions

1. Set grade stakes at reference points. For instance, if you are establishing grade away from the foundation of your home, set a stake at the foundation, then set a stake 10 feet in front of the first stake.

2. Set the water reservoir at a point between the two stakes.

3. Pull the tubing end of the water level to the stake at the foundation point and hold the tubing against the stake. Mark the stake at the top of the water line.

4. Pull the tubing end of the water level to the other stake and follow Step 3.

5. Mark the stake at the foundation point to indicate the desired soil level. Using a ruler, measure the distance between the desired soil level mark and the water line mark.

6. Mark the second stake to match the foundation stake.

7. Establish the grade level by measuring from the soil level mark on the second stake to the desired grade level and mark. For instance, if you desire a 1-inch drop for every foot of distance from the foundation, measure 10 inches down from the soil level mark on the second stake. Mark it.

Tips & Warnings

• Put red food coloring in the water to make it easier to see the water line.

• Add a few drops of liquid detergent to the water to break the meniscus and create a flatter water line.

References

• Fast Facts: Making and Using a Water Level
• "Popular Science" magazine; Staying on the Level in the Great Outdoors; Merle Henkenius; January 1995
• Build Eazy: Water Level

Resources

• Fast Facts: Making and Using a Water Level
• Yard Care: Grading a Lawn
• Wet-Basement: Correcting the Grade