DIY Water Level Sensor - Part 1

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In this video I show how to make a water level sensor that can be used to detect the water level in a horse trough or other container that holds water. I originally made one of these sensors because I was constantly checking the water troughs and finding them lower than what I thought they were. I have had one of these on my farm for about 2 years and it continues to work great, and has not leaked water into the sensor.

It works by detecting when the water closes a circuit between the 2 screws. It will detect Full, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4 and empty and send the results over a wireless connection, which can be emailed or sent via text message.

Materials Used:

• 8 - 1/2 inch PVC pipe fittings
• 1 - 1/2 inch PVC "T" fitting
• 1 - 1/2 inch PVC elbow
• 3 - 1/2 inch PVC "+" fittings
• 2 feet of 1/2 PVC pipe
• 8 - #8 Stainless steel screws and nuts
• 16 - Washers for #8 screws
• 22ga wire - various lengths
• Pipe Thread Compound
• PVC Cement