Level-1/4” per foot

[bluedog225]

I’ve run a couple of test with various levels, but I’m not confident in my results.

I seem to recall somebody mentioned that you could use a level to run pipe with a quarter inch per foot drop by putting the bubble against the line?

Is that a special level with particular lines or can you do that with any old level?

I’ve got a 2 foot that seems to give me a 1/2 inch drop give or take. But some other levels are way off.

Is this a thing or am I smoking ketchup?

Anyway, I thought one of y’all might know. I’m working overhead on top of the ladder alone and it would be great if I could make this job a little easier. Thanks.

 

[PCustoms]

Obviously if you drop one end of the level and the bubble is right on the line you've got some slope, with varying accuracy.

They do sell levels specifically marked for pitch.

 

[The Cobbler]

you can fasten a pc of 1/4" ply ( for each foot of your level) to one end of the level and when you keep the bubble in the center, you have 1/4" fall per foot.
to test accuracy of a level, put it on a flat or plumb surface, check the bubble... swap it end for end & do the same thing. an accurate level will have the bubble in the same place

 

[bluedog225]

you can fasten a pc of 1/4" ply ( for each foot of your level) to one end of the level and when you keep the bubble in the center, you have 1/4" fall per foot.
to test accuracy of a level, put it on a flat or plumb surface, check the bubble... swap it end for end & do the same thing. an accurate level will have the bubble in the same place

I think that was what I was remembering. Thanks.

 

[Rusted Nut]

Some levels have two lines, one is level, the other is 2% or 1/4" per foot.

 

[PCustoms]

Some levels have two lines, one is level, the other is 2% or 1/4" per foot.

Two? Pfft

 

[bluedog225]

Now that would be handy.

 

[PCustoms]

Now that would be handy.

Best $15 I spent when I re-did the plumbing

 

[RTM]

I seem to recall somebody mentioned that you could use a level to run pipe with a quarter inch per foot drop by putting the bubble against the line?

Is that a special level with particular lines or can you do that with any old level?

...

Is this a thing or am I smoking ketchup?

I don't think it is true for EVERY (much less any) level, really depends on the quality of the vial. My machinist's ones are much much tighter than that, and some cheapies are much looser. I never trust any of them, I use the block, or a pitch, and verify its right.

 

[dscheidt]

I don't think it is true for EVERY (much less any) level, really depends on the quality of the vial. My machinist's ones are much much tighter than that, and some cheapies are much looser. I never trust any of them, I use the block, or a pitch, and verify its right.

I have a few string level vials (level vials with hooks to hang on a string line) that have a couple slopes marked. They're accurate enough to lay drain tile with, which is the intended purpose.

 

[Steve_P]

Two? Pfft

You can obviously set up a 1/4 drop over a foot and put a piece of tape your level to duplicate this at 1/4, but unless you can't spare $20, just go to Home Depot and buy this.

 

[KnurledNut]

And don't assume a new level is correct. Check all the vials, the beam for trueness, and the slope markings for accuracy. All that can be done in-store before purchasing.

 

[Mandres]

You can also just raise one end of your current level by 1/4" and draw marks with a sharpie.

 

[Old tool guy]

That plumbers level would also be a good choice for the OP since he is working on a ladder, the built-in magnet will hold the level in place.

 

[cannuck]

That plumbers level would also be a good choice for the OP since he is working on a ladder, the built-in magnet will hold the level in place.

Where can I buy a good ABS magnet?

 

[PCustoms]

Where can I buy a good ABS magnet?

Not sure, mine only sticks to copper

 

[Old tool guy]

Where can I buy a good ABS magnet?

If you have to ask …

 

[larry4406]

When I plumbed my last shop I measured height and run, snapped a chalk line on the studs, then drilled accordingly.

Using a 12-14” level for long runs the error adds up. Try it yourself - use a 12” level on a wall to check for plumb then use a 6 or 8’ level to recheck.

 

[tarbellb]

string lines are your friend

HD sells construction/layout string in the..... levels and measuring section

 

[PCustoms]

Do they sell pitchable lasers yet?

 

[bwringer]

Would this be a good place to use an electronic level?

I like the chalk line idea; depending on the pipe type and diameter, you might be fighting the sag of the pipe.

Fortunately, you're not building a space shuttle...

 

[manwithtools]

Yes, They are available.

 

[manwithtools]

Do they sell pitchable lasers yet?

Yes, they are available.