Water Levels

About Water Levels

Water levels, also known as hydrostatic levels or water tube levels, are simple yet remarkably accurate levelling tools that use the fundamental principle that water in a connected system always finds the same height. Consisting of a transparent tube filled with water, these ingenious devices allow tradespeople to establish perfectly level reference points across long distances, around corners, and between separate rooms or floors where laser levels and spirit levels simply cannot reach. With no batteries, electronics, or calibration required, water levels from brands like Faithfull offer reliable accuracy on any site, regardless of weather conditions or working environment.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks professional-quality water levels featuring clear graduated tubing with measurement markings, allowing users to both establish level and measure height differences accurately. These cost-effective tools remain essential equipment for foundation work, setting out building levels, installing suspended ceilings, establishing drainage falls, and any application requiring precise levelling over distances that would be impractical for conventional spirit levels. Many experienced tradespeople keep a water level as a reliable backup that will never let them down, whilst DIY enthusiasts value the professional accuracy achievable without investing in expensive electronic equipment.

Applications

Water levels are essential tools for various construction and landscaping professionals, including:

• Bricklayers and Blocklayers: Setting out building levels, establishing course heights, and ensuring foundations are perfectly level across long wall runs
• Groundworkers: Foundation work, drainage installation, and establishing site levels before construction begins
• Landscapers: Patio laying, retaining wall construction, decking installation, and establishing drainage falls in garden projects
• Builders and General Contractors: Setting out, establishing floor levels, and coordinating work between different trades
• Plasterers and Ceiling Fixers: Establishing datum lines for suspended ceilings and ensuring consistent ceiling heights throughout large buildings
• Fencers: Establishing consistent post heights and ensuring level rails across uneven terrain
• Plumbers and Drainage Specialists: Calculating required falls for drainage pipes and establishing correct gradients for waste systems
• DIY Enthusiasts: Garden projects, shed bases, greenhouse installations, or any levelling work requiring professional accuracy on a budget

Choosing The Right Water Levels

Length and Reach: Water levels typically range from 10 to 30 metres. For domestic work and small sites, 10-15 metres is usually sufficient, whilst larger construction projects may require 20-30 metre lengths. Ensure the tube reaches comfortably between your furthest points without stretching tight.

Tube Quality and Clarity: Look for clear, high-quality PVC or polyurethane tubing that won't discolour or become brittle. The tube should be transparent enough to see the water level clearly, with graduated markings that won't wear off. Thicker-walled tubing resists kinking and proves more durable on active building sites.

Measurement Graduations: Better quality water levels feature clear millimetre graduations, allowing you to measure height differences as well as simply establishing level. This proves particularly useful for calculating drainage falls or setting multiple level points at different heights.

Storage and Portability: Consider storage solutions – better sets come with storage reels or cases that prevent tangling and protect the tube between uses. MyToolShed.co.uk offers water levels with compact storage options for keeping your tool in good condition and ready for immediate use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate are water levels compared to laser levels?

Water levels are extremely accurate, typically to within ±1-2mm over 30 metres, matching or exceeding many electronic levels. Their accuracy is based on fundamental physics rather than mechanical components. Whilst laser levels offer convenience for line-of-sight work, water levels excel when levelling around corners, between floors, or across obstacles where lasers cannot reach.

How do I remove air bubbles from my water level?

Fill the tube slowly from one end, holding it in a U-shape to allow air to escape as water fills from the bottom. For stubborn bubbles, hold the tube vertically and tap along its length to encourage bubbles to rise. Remove the top seal briefly to release trapped air. Running water through the tube whilst holding it at various angles usually clears all bubbles completely.

Can water levels be used to calculate drainage falls?

Absolutely – this is one of their most valuable applications. First establish true level at both ends of your drainage run, then measure down from these level marks by the required fall amount (typically 1:40 to 1:80 for drainage depending on pipe diameter and building regulations). Water levels with graduated tubing make this calculation straightforward and far more reliable than calculating falls with spirit levels over long distances.