When carrying out construction work, there is a need to determine the horizontality of the various components of structures and buildings. For this, the construction water level is used. Outwardly, it is a piece of transparent vinyl tube, filled with water. Next, we 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 in any hardware store at a very affordable price. However, there are times when there is no time to buy. At the same time, improvised tools allow you to make a water level with your own hands. To do this, you need a transparent piece of a 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 the objects. The water surface at opposite ends is set at the same level. It will match the horizon. To check this, the filled ends of the tube connected together are turned upright. At first, the water will move up and down. Then it stops at the edges on one straight line. For this operation, the length and diameter do not matter. If during the test it was not possible to achieve the final result, it is necessary to find an obstacle that prevents the free movement of water inside the hose. Crowding of the tube or clogging of one of the ends, which creates an air plug, may interfere with this.
Level or water level?
How to use the device, we will analyze further, now let's talk about its advantages. Firstly, it should be noted the affordable cost and the ability to make it from improvised means. In addition, the water level is tolerant to mechanical damage: with all kinds of drops and shocks, it does not lose its qualities. It can be used in a variety of conditions and rooms. In places with a lack of direct visibility, the device is easily used in 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 in focusing the level can be avoided using a flexible water level. Therefore, it is convenient in small rooms. Even one person can work with such a device. And the last, but one of the most important aspects, is the measurement accuracy in which the level loses.
A 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 are covered with a thin oily layer on the inside. Small bubbles may appear on it, which negatively affect the measuring quality of the device. It is enough to rinse 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 more difficult to write off due to the pronounced meniscus. It is caused by surface tension of water. In larger tubes, such a defect is eliminated due to less convexity.
Manufacture
To fill the tube, you need to place one end in a vessel with clean water, keeping the other below the level of capacity. The liquid is absorbed until it starts to flow out of the free part on its own. After that, the device is taken at both ends. They are held together. This ensures that the water level is the same and near the ends. The fixture is now ready for use. If the water level differs, it is most likely caused by the accumulation of air bubbles inside. To remove them, an additional amount of liquid can be passed through the tube. You can also lift the ends up and shake it several times. To make the water level, as well as the resulting bubbles easier to see, a small amount of food coloring is added.
Application
How to use a water level? It’s more convenient to work together. If it is planned, for example, to install a suspended 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 at different angles of the room and held near the wall. You can perform this task at any height, because at the first stage only reference marks are made. It will be difficult for one to cope with it. After the water has settled in the tube, marks on the walls are made opposite its level. If the surface is glued or painted, it is best to make points on stickers pre-attached to the right places.
With a small tube diameter, as well as a sharply defined meniscus, it is worth agreeing with a partner about serifs: along its upper or lower border. To transfer a point to another angle, one end is installed on the already marked area, and the other - at the intended marking location. During the transfer of the tube, the holes are closed with your finger - this does not allow water to splash. At the end of the work performed at the design ceiling height, points are marked above one of the benchmarks. Between them, the vertical distance is measured. Then the same value in other angles is postponed from the marks. You can draw a line corresponding to the height of the stretch ceiling in chalk between the marks obtained for convenience.
All benchmarks can be immediately made at the required height. However, as practice shows, work on the floor is more convenient and stable. After the marking is completed, by means of a stepladder, it is transferred to 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 looped in a convenient place. The flexible water level, which does not require special efforts in operation, will become an indispensable assistant with which you can work independently.