When carrying out construction work, it becomes necessary to determine the horizontality of various components of structures and buildings. For this, a building water level is used. Outwardly, it is a piece of transparent vinyl tube, filled with water. Next, we will analyze the structure of the device. The article will also explain how to use the water level.
Components and design
You can buy a water level at any hardware store at a very affordable price. However, there are times when there is no time to buy. At the same time, improvised means allow you to make a water level with your own hands. To do this, you will need a transparent piece of hollow hose with an appropriate length, as well as a marker, felt-tip pen, or other devices for applying control marks both on the tube itself and on objects. The water surface at opposite ends is set at the same level. It will correspond to the horizon line. To check this, the filled ends of the tube, connected together, are transferred to a vertical position. At first, the water will move up and down. Then stop at the edges on onestraight. For this operation, the length and diameter do not matter. If during the test it was not possible to achieve the final result, then it is necessary to find an obstacle that prevents the free movement of water inside the hose. This can be prevented by crowding of the tube or clogging of one of the ends, which creates an airlock.
Level or water level?
How to use the device, we will analyze further, now let's talk about its advantages. First, it should be noted the affordable cost and the ability to make it from improvised means. In addition, the water level is tolerant of mechanical damage: it does not lose its qualities with all kinds of falls and bumps. They can be used in a wide variety of environments and environments. In places with no direct visibility, the device can be easily used on different sides of the corners of buildings, as well as near large obstacles. But, for example, the level will have to be installed several times. Difficulties with level focusing can be avoided by using a flexible water level. Therefore, it is convenient in small rooms. Even one person can work with such a device. And last, but one of the most important aspects is the accuracy of measurement, in which the level loses.
Budget option
The water level, as mentioned above, can be made from one flexible and transparent vinyl tube. But there are also more complex models, which are a hose with a water tank. Some of them from the insidecovered with a thin oily layer. Small bubbles may appear on it, negatively affecting the measuring qualities of the device. It is enough to wash the inside with warm water with the addition of detergent. This will remove the plaque.
What size can I use?
The small diameter of the tube, despite its small and convenient dimensions, tends to accumulate bubbles when filling. The readings will be harder to write off because of the pronounced meniscus. It is caused by the surface tension of water. In larger tubes, such a defect is eliminated due to a smaller bulge.
Production
To fill the tube, you must place one end in a container of clean water, keeping the other below the level of the container. The liquid is sucked in until it starts to flow out on its own from the free part. After that, the device is taken at both ends. They are held together. This allows you to make sure that the water level is the same and is near the ends. Now the device is ready for use. If the water level varies, it is most likely caused by the accumulation of air bubbles inside. To remove them, you can pass additional liquid through the tube. You can also lift the ends up and shake it several times. A small amount of food coloring is added to make the water level and emerging bubbles easier to see.
Application
How to use waterlevel? The work is more convenient to do together. If it is planned, for example, to install a false ceiling, then along the entire perimeter it is necessary to draw a horizontal line at the level of its placement. To do this, the ends of the water level are bred in different corners of the room and held next to the wall. You can perform such a task at any height, because at the first stage only reference marks are made. It will be difficult to deal with her alone. After the water in the tube has settled, marks are made on the walls opposite its level. If the surface is pasted over or painted, then it is best to make dots on stickers that are pre-attached to the right places.
With a small diameter of the tube, as well as a pronounced meniscus, it is worth agreeing with a partner about serifs: along its upper or lower border. To transfer a point to another corner, one end is installed on the already marked area, and the other - in the intended marking place. During the transfer of the tube, the holes are closed with a finger - this does not allow water to splash. At the end of the work performed, points are marked above one of the benchmarks at the design ceiling height. The vertical distance is measured between them. Then the same value is plotted from the marks in other corners. You can draw a line corresponding to the height of the stretch ceiling with chalk between the marks obtained for convenience.
All fiducial marks can be made immediately at the required height. However, as practice shows, working on the floor is more comfortable and stable. After marking is completed, it is transferred by means of a ladderto the required level. But if it is not possible to work with someone in a pair, then a wire loop is attached to each end of the level. It is fixed with adhesive tape. In this case, the opposite side is hung on a nail. When not in use, the tool can be attached to the loops in a convenient location. The effortless flexible water level is an indispensable tool to work with on your own.
