Signs Your Laser Level Isn’t Working (and What to Do Before Sending It In)

The Most Common Signs Your Laser Level Isn’t Working Correctly

Below are the symptoms engineers most frequently encounter when a laser has drifted out of calibration or is beginning to fail.

The Laser Won’t Self-Level at All

A laser that continually flashes or refuses to begin spinning is telling you:
• “I’m out of level.”
• “I’m damaged.”
• “Something is obstructing my compensator.”
This is often caused by:
• Being dropped (even from tripod height)
• Vehicle vibration during transport
• Being stored in a cold, damp van overnight
• Loose internal mounting
If it won’t self-level after a few seconds on a stable tripod, the instrument needs inspection.

Receiver Readings “Jump” or Flicker

If the receiver’s reading is unstable or suddenly jumps up or down:
• The laser’s rotating diode may be worn or damaged
• The compensator could be sticking
• There may be vibration interference
• Batteries may be low
Laser flicker can also occur when the laser is placed too close to:
• Heavy plant
• Vibrations from rollers, breakers, compactors
• Structural steel or rebar cages
A healthy laser should produce a clean, consistent beam signal detectable at long range.

You Constantly Have to Adjust the Tripod

If every time you walk back to check the tripod the bubble has moved:
• The tripod head may be worn
• The laser’s weight may be shifting the legs
• The ground may be soft
• The laser’s internal alignment may be off
Tripod instability creates the illusion of laser failure — always rule this out first.

Inconsistent Readings Across the Site

If the laser produces different readings in different areas of the site — even when conditions are similar — this is often a sign of:
• Calibration drift
• Internal compensator issues
• Instrument having been knocked or dropped
• Tripod instability

You may notice this when:
• Kerbs don’t match levels on opposite sides of a road
• Slab prep doesn’t sit evenly
• Drainage trenches appear to “wander” in depth
• Pegs set earlier in the day no longer match later readings
This inconsistency is a major red flag and should never be ignored.

The Beam Appears Dim or Hard to Detect

A dim laser beam could indicate:
• Failing diode
• Dirty or scratched glass
• Weak battery
• Internal contamination
A beam should be visible on the receiver at full working range. A dramatically reduced range usually means an internal issue.

The Laser Takes Longer Than Usual to Self-Level

Most modern lasers self-level within 5–20 seconds.
If you notice it now takes 30–60 seconds or more, the compensator may be:
• Dirty
• Impacted
• Sticking
• Wearing out
This is one of the earliest signs of internal failure.

Why Laser Levels Go Out of Calibration

Laser levels are robust tools, but they are finely tuned optical instruments with delicate internal compensators. The most common causes of failure include:

Impact or Rough Handling

Even a small impact can shift the laser’s internal alignment.
Typical site scenarios include:

• Knocking the tripod
• Transporting in a van without padding
• Dropping the instrument
• Carrying it by the head instead of the base
• Letting it roll around in a vehicle

Unlike GNSS or total stations, lasers are often treated like rugged tools — but they require the same care.

Daily Vibration Exposure

Continuous vibration from:

• Rollers
• Excavators
• Compacting equipment
• Lorries passing nearby
• Road saws

…can slowly degrade the compensator or affect accuracy.

Quick Checks to Perform Before Sending It for Service

You can save time and money by performing these checks yourself.
If the laser passes these checks but still behaves inconsistently, it should be serviced immediately.

When You Should Send It for Service

Send the laser for professional calibration/service when:
• The two-peg test fails
• The compensator sticks
• The beam is dim
• The laser won’t self-level
• The instrument was dropped
• Accuracy is inconsistent across the site
• You rely on the instrument for precision work
A professional service will include:
• Clean and alignment of optics
• Compensator testing and adjustment
• Diode output testing
• Seal and housing inspection
• Full calibration certificate

Tips to Extend the Life of Your Laser Level

• Keep it in its case when not in use
• Avoid leaving it in a cold van overnight
• Don’t carry it on the tripod
• Store the tripod with legs together and clamps secure
• Let it acclimatise to temperature before use
• Keep batteries charged and remove them for long-term storage
A well-looked-after laser can last 10+ years and remain highly reliable.