Many old-timers are familiar with
the water level, though it has grown
out of favor of late. It has gained an
undeserved reputation for being slow
and prone to inaccuracies. However, a
water level has some distinct advantages
that have served me well in my
24 years in the trade. Namely, a water
level can be used around a corner and
is highly affordable. I use it when
building decks, shoring up sagging sills
and floors, leveling ceilings, building
handrails and steps, leveling drains,
and sloping grades. A water level is
accurate and easy to operate, but getting
consistent results requires understanding
how it works.
Simple Systems
There are two types of water levels.
One I call a "simple