What is the easiest way to measure fall or slope in waste line?

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hevnbnd

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Just curious how most measure fall. I know 1/4 per foot just not real sure an easy way to measure that. Thanks
 

Seaofnames

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The bubble on the level will be about 1/4 of the way past the line. You can get the graded levels which have 3 lines on the one side so if you want to be all engineer like you know exactly what it is.

You can also measure the top of the pipe if its a long run...run a level string and then measure it 10 feet down the length.
 

pbr3232

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Get a pitch level at Sears. The fractions are marked on it. 20 bucks or so.
 

SewerRatz

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If you can get your hands on a builders level, tripod, and a measuring stick, you be all set.

Just shoot your grade off the top of the pipe where you started, then go 4 feet and you should be 1" lower, every 48 feet you should be a foot lower. The package I just pictured below I found as cheap as 190 bucks brand new online. I got a good old one off of **** 10 years ago for 30 bucks. Only thing I had to do is get the measuring stick which was another $50.

buildersLevel.jpg
Builderslevelpackage.jpg
 

hj

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grade

There are many ways. Some levels have a line on the bubble for 1/4" grade. Ridgid, and other companies, made a level with a stud on one end which you could adjust for any pitch you wanted. The surveyor's level is another way, but it takes two people, and unless it is self leveling, like mine is, it takes time to set it up. You could also use a laser leveling device which "tweedles" when the target is at the proper point.
 

Thatguy

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The pipe is in a straight line.
Put a drill bit under one end of the level until the bubble lines up.
The [drill bit diameter]/[the level length] = rise/run.
A level accuracy of 0.0005" per inch seems to be common. To get this in degrees, minutes and seconds take the arctangent.


ARCTANGENT? You/ve got to be kidding. Who needs that precision for a sewer line? For a 4' level you would need a 1" drill bit, which are somewhat hard to come by in the normal course of events.
 
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