Construction Hydro Level: How To Use The Water (liquid) Level? Principle Of Operation And Selection

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09

Construction hydraulic level - a device for marking on a horizontal surface. Although the device is elementary in structure, it is the most accurate building instrument for measurements. The error in calculations is possible solely due to the human factor. Due to its versatility, the device is in great demand during construction work.

Characteristics

The water level consists of two flasks with a scale and a transparent, flexible tube, its dimensions may vary. Any liquid is suitable for filling. This simple design provides absolutely accurate horizontal readings. This device is quite old, but it has not lost its relevance even today. The scope of its application is very wide:

• laying out bricks and blocks;
• formation of foundation corners;
• pouring the screed;
• installation of windows;
• leveling ceilings or assembly of suspended ceilings.

This water-based device helps to make markings at the same height, even in different rooms. To further simplify the work with this level, it is worth using hoses with a large diameter . In them, the liquid passes more easily. The length of the tube can vary from 3 to 40 meters, the hole diameter starts from 7 mm, and the total weight of the tool is up to 1 kg.

This device can be used by both masters and novice builders, because working with it does not require special skills.

How does it work?

The device of this type of level is based on Pascal's law of the level of liquid in communicating vessels. Use the device only for marking on horizontal surfaces. Due to the specific design, when using the hydro level, two people are required, although, in principle, it is possible to work alone, but this is more difficult . The first container must be kept at the desired level, make a mark with a pencil or marker and fix the indicator with the device, holding it motionless, you can attach it with tape. The second flask must be moved to the second point, while making sure that there is no bend in the tube, and adjust the desired level.

When both levels are aligned, the areas to be measured are in the same horizontal position. As auxiliary materials for working with a liquid level, you also need: scotch tape, a marker, a tape measure, a container and a dye for water. To get more accurate measurements, it is worth rinsing the instrument with warm soapy water from possible dirt before work and then rinsing well with water. You can fill the liquid level in two ways, when using the first you need:

• straighten the hose well;
• pour liquid into a bucket and put it on any elevation;
• lower one end of the tube to the bottom of the container with water;
• pull up the liquid through the opposite hole.

The second method is that one part, together with the flask, is lowered to the ground, and liquid is poured into the other hole using a funnel. In the same way, you can pour water from the tap into the instrument, although with this option quite a lot of air bubbles enter the tube, which reduces the accuracy of the indicators. It is worth knowing that there are much less air bubbles in boiled and settled water, so experts recommend using it to refuel the tool . To get rid of air bubbles, you can tap on the tube with your fingers, so they begin to move upward. Also, the hose at the place where the bubbles appear is pinched with your fingers, and passing them along the tube, they drive the air up.

Basic principles of the hydro level operation:

• suitable for working together;
• used only for horizontal measurements;
• do not use at temperatures below 0 ° C when filled with water;
• the accuracy of the readings depends on the filling of the tube.

It makes no sense to use water in the instrument at low temperatures, it freezes. Therefore, in cold weather it is necessary to fill in antifreeze or brake fluid, you can also add alcohol or salt to the water. Besides, spirit level is ideal as a bricklayer's working tool, because it allows:

• perform work on the street;
• take measurements from different angles;
• measure in inaccessible places;
• carry out work on the alignment of points located at some distance from each other.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any tool, a liquid level has its own pros and cons. The main advantages of this device:

• affordable price;
• ease of use;
• the ability to work with him even for a non-professional;
• flexibility and sufficient length of the tube, which makes it possible to measure in hard-to-reach places;
• ease and compactness in storage;
• accuracy of indicators.

The few disadvantages of this tool include the following:

• inconvenience of use in small rooms due to the length of the hose;
• use only on horizontal surfaces;
• the need to work together;
• cannot be used at temperatures below 0 ° C with the use of water, as well as near heating appliances;
• filling liquid with each new measurement.

To make the liquid more visible, you can color it, this will serve as visual relief in the process of work.

How to store it correctly?

Upon completion of work with the level, the water must be drained so that plaque does not form on the walls. Store the tool out of the reach of sunlight. It is advisable to wind the hose on a reel and keep it so, it will not be subject to kinks and cracks . An old tube that has bends will tolerate an error in performance, so in these circumstances it will be appropriate to purchase a new one or make one yourself from a hose and two large syringes.

Popular models

In the construction market, the hydraulic water level is presented in a fairly wide range.

Model "Bison " is quite common among this variety. This device consists of a polymer hose, the length of which can vary from 5 to 25 m, and two transparent flasks.

Stayer often used when laying bricks, assembling blocks and structures. The hose is made of PVC material, which makes it resistant to alkaline or humid environments, gasoline and mineral oils. The device is designed in such a way that it can be stored without draining the water.

• Topex also made of durable PVC. Use the model for a variety of finishing and other construction work. The tube size may vary.
• Sibrtech has strong plastic flasks and a flexible hose. Differs in versatility and ease of use.

" Leopard " possesses elongated flasks that have embossed graphing. Differs in the presence of a suspension, which allows you to use the tool alone.

Choosing a model of a water level, first of all, it is necessary to immediately check it for the accuracy of measurements, because this is its main task. It is also worth inspecting the hose for kinks or cracks.