non pro building sight level????

[BHD]

the way I have used the water level is to set it up fasten one end to a post, and take the other end and compare the water level, and take a marker and mark the level on the clear tube, and make sure you have enough extra to keep water from spilling, on both ends,

after marking the points, I take the loose end and carry it with out spilling and raise or lower the hose to the water to the mark, that is level from the point you marked on the post and the other end, as long as you do not spill any water it will work the length of the hose,

 

[newbury]

Water Level WL25 Electronic Water Level by Zircon

Accurate to within 1/16" at 100' for ~$30-50. One man operation and works around corners, in bright sun and out of line of site.

Every carpenter should have one.

View attachment 421230

Looks like they add a clamp.

Note at Amazon the #2 "What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?" is 100' of tubing for $25.

<snip>Don't actually use the water level "actively". That is, lowering the hose adds volume, and both ends have the water level go down. Just string the water level to posts, and then measure from the observed water line. Chasing the tail is a fools mission. ;-)

Chasing the tail is often good exercise!

 

[skyhook]

A minor variation on the garden hose tubing I've used for the last 50 or so years is aquarium air line tubing, a gallon jug of water and food dye .
You can get 500 feet of tubing at Amazon for $40 and 10 "Y"'s for $5.

To me the advantage of airline tubing over garden hose is that the air line tubing is real easy to roll up and carry, tape to a stick, and with the food dye easy to see the level. I've only personally used it for 60 or so foot runs but it works on gravity.

The main disadvantage is that it does not work below freezing. You have to add alcohol to the water.

You could also use windshield washer fluid.