How to make a simple Water level

Published on 16 January 2024 at 16:18

A water level is a useful and basic tool to measure the height of an object in comparison to the height of the water in a container.


First things first, find your container or 5 gallon bucket. I chose the bucket because I had it left over from painting a house but you can modify and choose something smaller and more portable. We did not plan to use the water level often so for our needs it was a good option. Next you need clear tubing, the one I used came from Home Depot, see the list of what you need for a link to the item.

What you need:

  • 5 gallon bucket or container
  • Clear tubing
  • magnet (optional)
  • Food coloring (optional)
  • Cap (optional)
  • Water

To begin drill a hole in the side close to the bottom of the bucket or chosen container which should be just a little smaller than the outside diameter of the tubing. The opening needs to be snug on the tubing but not to small that it wont fit. You can try testing on another bucket or practice material to get the hole size right. Cut the end of the tube at a diagonal to help push it through the hole, then with pliers pull the tubing from the other side. Pull the tube in just a ways so it is secure.

Ideas:

  • Try to find a cap that will fit in or over the end of your tube that way when moving around with the water level it is not spilling water out.
  • Add a magnet or a clamp, place this on the end you measure with which may help to hold the end upright if you have a surface nearby to attach it to. This will help in using the level and allow your hands to be free from holding it in place and keep your tube correct side up to help prevent bubbles or water loss especially if you can't find a cap.
  • Add food coloring to the water to help you see your water line better when measuring. 

Super simple and ready to use, fill with water and add food coloring if using color. When using the water level you will most likely need to prop your bucket up on a table or paver to achieve the desired height. We use our water level for re-leveling our double wide manufactured home. When we use ours, we sit the bucket on a few pavers stacked and we measure 4 points under our house measuring from the bottom of the I-beam and we select one that is the control and mark our tube with black sharpie with a line for reference. Everything else is based on that height. So from the bucket you may need to release water to achieve the desired control height or adjust the height of your bucket. Then from there you hold the tube up to your measuring point and the desired effect is to have the water level in the tube the same height as what you are measuring. If the water level is higher than your item, it is too low and if the water level in the tube is lower than the item, it is too high.

If the water level mark is higher than your item it is too low and if the water level in the tube is lower than the item it is too high.

In this case, the I-beam is too low compared to the water level.


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