WATER

HOSE LEVEL
• Water levels are a great way to find a level spot on
items like posts or stakes, so you can build structures
that are even and correct.
• The simple construction and easy setup make a water
level a popular tool to have on-hand for a variety of
projects.
• Making a water level is easy with a few household
items like tubing and water.
• You can then use the water level as needed so you have
a level, even structure or item every time.
Setting Up the
Water Level
 STEP 1
• Use 50 to 100 feet (15 to 30 m) of
tubing with a 5⁄16 in (0.79 cm)
diameter. 
• A water level is easy to make at
home with plastic tubing and a
few other supplies.
• If you plan to level items that are
a far distance from each other,
you may opt for a longer tube.
• Keep in mind the longer the tube,
the more water you will need to
use.
 STEP 2
• Attach 1 end of the tubing to the
flat side of a stake or dowel.
• Put the stake in the ground or
clamp the stake to the end of a
worktable.
• Use nails or tape to attach the
tube to the stake, making sure
the open end of the tube is facing
upward.
• Make sure there are no kinks or
knots in the tube so the water
can flow easily through the tube.
 STEP 3
• Hold the other end of the
tubing and fill it with water. 
• Keep the end at the same
height as the attached end of
the tube, filling the tube until
the water sits 2 to 3 inches (5.1
to 7.6 cm) below the attached
end of the tube.
• Check that there are no air
bubbles in the water once you
have filled the tube, as this can
throw off the level.
 STEP 4
• Put 1-2 drops of food
coloring in the water to make
it easier to see. This will
make it easier to spot the
level of the water in the tube.
• Another option is to use
windshield wiper fluid in the
tube instead of water, so the
liquid is colored and easy to
see
 STEP 5
• Use your thumbs or a
cap on the ends to
prevent the water
from spilling. You can
then move the water
level to another spot
so you can use it
 Using the
Water Level
 STEP 1
• Bring the water level to the items you
want to measure.
• The water level is often used to
determine the level spot on 2 items
that are at a distance from each
other, such as posts or stakes in the
ground. Make sure the items are in
the ground or set up on a clamp
attached to a worktable, so they are
stable and firm.
• You can also use the water level for
construction projects where you need
to find 2 level areas on different
items that are close to one another.
 STEP 2
• Hold 1 end of the level against 1
of the posts. Make sure the open-
end faces upward. Place 2 nails on
either side of the end of the tube
to keep it in place. The nails
should be just wide enough to
catch the tube but not pinch it.
• You can also use a clamp on the
top of the end of the tube if you
do not want to put holes in the
post or if the item is not made of
wood and cannot be nailed into.
 STEP 3
• Place the other end of the level
against the other post.
• Keep your thumb over the open
end of the tube so no water
splashes out.
• Then, stand back and see where
the water sits in either end of the
tube. Notice if the water appears
higher or lower in 1 end.
• This means the spots are not level
and you need to adjust where the
level sits on the posts so the water
levels match.
 STEP 4
• Slide the free end of the tube up
or down until the level on both
ends match. Continue to check
the levels as you slide the free
end of the tube. The water
should settle so that it hits the
same level on both ends of the
tube.
• If you are levelling items that are
more than an arm's distance
away from each other, you may
need someone to hold the free
end of the tube and move it for
you so you can ensure the water
levels are correct on both ends
 STEP 5
• Slide the free end of the tube up
or down until the level on both
ends match. Continue to check
the levels as you slide the free
end of the tube. The water
should settle so that it hits the
same level on both ends of the
tube.
• If you are levelling items that are
more than an arm's distance
away from each other, you may
need someone to hold the free
end of the tube and move it for
you so you can ensure the water
levels are correct on both ends
Maintaining
the
Water Level
 STEP 1
• Make sure there are no kinks or
knots in the tubing.
• Kinks and knots can throw off
the level and result in an
incorrect reading.
• Slide your hand over the entire
length of the tube before you
use it so you can be sure there
are no kinks or knots.
• A tube that is old or worn may
be more prone to knots and
kinks so you may want to
replace it over time.
 STEP 2
• Empty the water level after
each use to prevent air
bubbles.
• Leaving water in the tube for a
long period of time can allow
air bubbles to form, which can
then throw off the water levels
in the tube.
• You should also empty and
refill the water level before
you use it to ensure the
measurements are correct
 STEP 3
• Keep the water level in a shaded,
cool spot to prevent liquid
expansion.
• Exposure to heat and direct
sunlight can cause the tube to get
too hot, causing the liquid to
expand once it touches the tube.
• This can then throw off your water
levels and result in an incorrect
reading.
• Store the tube for the water level in
a cool spot indoors in your garage
or home so it does not overheat