The WatrLevel is so easy to use, can it be trusted?

Absolutely!  We first developed the concept almost 40 years ago and have been using it for over 25 years in a wide variety of projects.   Only recently have we decided to manufacture it and sell it to the public.  We have found that many people seem astounded when they first see the WatrLevel in action and have a tendency not to believe what they see.  The WatrLevel works, it works very, very well.  You just have to believe what you see!  After all, if you don't like it we'll refund your purchase with no hassles.

How does the WatrLevel work?

The WatrLevel is based on the principal that water it’s own level (click here to more info).  The water in the reservoir will travel through the tubing and seeks the same level as the water in the reservoir.  As long as the water can move freely between the reservoir and the tubing, the level in the tubing and the level in the reservoir will always be exactly the same.  The WatrLevel uses a measuring staff with a moveable scale.  It's this moveable scale that sets the WatrLevel apart from other water levels.  When you match the zero point on the scale to the water in the tubing (we call this set-zero) you essentially transfer the level in the reservoir to the measuring staff.  Wherever you take the measuring staff, you can compare that point to the point you originally set-zero at.

Is the WatrLevel accurate?

Extremely accurate.  So accurate that we have sold some WatrLevels to laser users so they can calibrate their lasers.  Error margins are very very low (for detailed info see our Specs page).  Since the WatrLevel is not degree-dependent the likelihood that a large error can occur are low.

How does the WatrLevel compare to Transits and Laser Levels?

Transits and Laser levels are the standards in the building industry, while water levels have always been known to be accurate but cumbersome to use.  The WatrLevel changes all that will the addition of our measuring staff.   Quality laser levels and transits are also very expensive.  Inexpensive laser levels are becoming quite popular but have some major shortcomings (click here for more info).   Also, these tools require line-of-sight, therefore they do not work around objects and corners.  The Watrlevel can be used around objects and corners. Other advantages of the WatrLevel are the fact it only requires one person to operate, very quick set up, no batteries, and of course, the great price.

The WatrLevel has channels on both sides, what are they for?

The right side has a fractional scale and the left side a decimal scale.  Both sides use 5/16" outer diameter (OD) tubing that can be purchased from any hardware store.   We designed the WatrLevel with these channels so the tubing could be easily replaced ( the tubing will deteriorate eventually).   If you need to replace the tubing just use a little soapy water or Windex and it will slide right in.

What if I want a longer tubing?

As we stated in the previous section, the tubing is easily replaceable, just visit you're local hardware store and purchase any length of 5/16"OD tubing you desire. You can also cut the tubing and insert barbs (3/16" ID) at each end of the cut and drop in a extender section of tubing.  We sell both the barbs and the tubing here as well.

What if the tubing gets a kink in it or is damaged?

Any kink, obstruction, or damage in the tubing can prevent the WatrLevel from working properly.  To remove a kink try using a blow-dryer and heat the tubing up gently, this usually removes most kinks . Damaged tubing should be replaced or the bad section cut-out.

How does the WatrLevel compare to other water levels?

There are essentially three types of water levels available: without a reservoir, with a reservoir, and electronic.  The type without a reservoir is either two clear pieces of tubing attached to the ends of a hose or just plain tubing.  They are typically cumbersome to use. The type with a reservoir is easier to use because of the reservoir.  Both types will only provide a level reference line, not measurements and both are cheap to make/buy.  The third type, the electronic version, will beep when you lift the tubing and the water reaches the level in the electronic reservoir, again only providing a mark, no measurement. 

How important is placement of the reservoir?

Unlike other water levels, the WatrLevel requires only that the reservoir be placed within range of the anticipated high and low spots you intend to measure and the tubing will reach all the areas you intend to measure. It doesn't even have to be level. This is because the level in the reservoir is transferred to the rod when you set-zero. It should be noted however, that once you set-zero the reservoir cannot be moved or your reference point will move too.

How much water should I put in the reservoir?

As long as the water in the reservoir is above the point where the tubing enters, the WatrLevel will function.  However, we do recommend that the 1 gallon reservoir (the reservoir that comes with the a48 model) be filled to the 25%-75% range.  The 1/2 gallon reservoir (a12 & a24 model) should be filled at least 50%. Neither reservoir should be filled to the maximum, this would reduce the surface area needed to make the WatrLevel accurate. The primary reason for filling the smaller reservoir more is weight - if there isn't enough weight in the reservoir it is more likely that it will be inadvertently moved.

Does the measuring staff need to be exactly vertical?

No, but it does need to be nearly vertical, for detailed information click here.

Is the WatrLevel "Juice" essential

No, but it is very useful. The watrLevel Juice contains food coloring to improve visibility, liquid wetting agent, to reduce the surface tension, and a chemical agent to reduce chemical buildup on the inside of the tubing.  Each bottle will last quite some time since the water does not need to be thrown out after each use. You can order it here.

Is the WatrLevel built well?

Extremely well built, unlike many other products that are designed to eventually fail so you have to buy another one.  The WatrLevel will last longer than you will (sorry, but it will).  It is made with quality parts, many of which you can purchase at your local hardware store.  In the unlikely event something does break any part purchased through us easily. To see all of the features of the WatrLevel click here.

Is the WatrLevel available in custom lengths?

Yes, we can make them anywhere from as little as 6" long to the length of the a48 (48").  Longer lengths are not available at this time.

Is the scale available in other increments?

Not at this time.  We can provide you with a blank tape and you can adhere any scale you want if you wish.

Can I leave the water in the reservoir when I store the WatrLevel?

Yes, the WatrLevel is designed so that the reservoir can be sealed and the tubing clamped shut.  This allows for very quick set-up and use. The tubing will eventually deteriorate no matter what you do but it can easily be replaced.  

Can the WatrLevel be shipped to me overnight?

Yes it can but it can be very expensive. The a48 model is shipped in a box that is 50" long x 11" wide x 5" deep, therefore the cost to ship overnight is about as much as the WatrLevel itself.  The a12 & a24 aren't as bad, they are shipped in a box that is 28" long x 8" wide x 4" deep.

What does the telescoping leg do?

The telescoping leg is provided as a means for bringing the WatrLevel up to eye-level. The telescoping leg can also be inserted into the top of the WatrLevel so the watrLevel can be used for high spots (like ceilings, rain gutters, etc).

Are there any other attachments available for the WatrLevel?

Not at this time, but it would be rather easy to make some yourself.  Attachments that can be of use are: a hook to reach drain lines above or hanging light fixtures, a stand to set the WatrLevel in when in areas where there is nothing to lean it against, a tri-pod to set or hang the reservoir from, a device to attach to end of the telescoping leg that can mark objects, etc.

Are there any distributors or retailers in my area?

We are a very small, new company and we do not have distributors or retailers yet.  We will be looking to get the WatrLevel placed in retail stores and we are looking into distributorships as well.

Why isn't there a locking mechanism for the tape, so it can't move?

We are about to introduce a new handle, one which will cinch-down and lock the tape in place. We've had some people ask for this. we really haven't had a problem with this but we're always trying to improve it.  All our engineering is based on the principal that simple is better, therefore we have avoided more sophisticated designs (like fancy rollers with tensioners for the tape) that would add cost and increase the chances of failure.

The WatrLevel a48 comes in a carry-box, any significance to that?

Water levels are notoriously difficult to pack away.  There's the reservoir and all that tubing to contend with.  The box for the WatrLevel has been designed so that the unit can be put away quickly and neatly.  Just drop it in the box, close the lid, and carry it away by the handle.“ It's not even necessary to remove the water!  With the WatrLevel you can set up, take measurements, and then pack away in seconds.  Also, the box is designed to be under the UPS oversize limit, which means it can be shipped anywhere in the country for very little. the a24 comes in a plain cardboard box that does not have the carry-handle, however we will soon be offering a canvas bag carry-case.


The WatrLevel comes with 50' feet of tubing, how do I get a longer length?

The WatrLevel is designed such that the tubing is replaceable. Just go to your local hardware store and buy whatever length you wish (5/16" OD). Pull out the old tubing, take the new tubing and dip it in a solution of dish soap and water and re-thread, it's easy!