Imagine the water suddenly stops running. No showers, no flushing toilets, no clean drinking water. That’s a scary thought, right? In today’s world, relying solely on the main water supply can be risky. Weather events, pipe bursts, or local emergencies can cut off your water without warning. This is why more homeowners are looking into keeping a backup supply—and that means investing in a good water storage tank for their home.
Choosing the perfect water storage tank, however, feels like a maze. Should you pick plastic or steel? Where will you even put it? These decisions involve size, safety, and cost, making the whole process confusing and stressful. You want reliability, but you don’t want a headache choosing the right model.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down everything you need to know about home water storage tanks. You will learn about the best materials, how to size the tank for your family, and simple steps for installation and maintenance. Keep reading to secure your home’s water future with confidence.
Top Water Storage Tanks For Home Recommendations
- Large 55-Gallon Capacity: Store a reliable emergency water supply for your home, cabin, or survival kit with this high-volume tank for long-term hydration and utility use
- Stackable Space-Saving Design: Unique built-in grooves and flat surfaces lets you stack multiple tanks securely to maximize storage in garages, sheds, closets or basements
- Durable BPA-Free Plastic: Constructed from food-grade, UV-proof HDPE to help maintain fresh and clean water and shield contents from heat, weather, and outdoor exposure
- Convenient Dispensing System: Integrated spigots and utility valves offer easy access and hose compatibility for hydration, cooking, washing, showering or outdoor cleaning needs
- Built for Preparedness: Made for emergency prep, hunting or fishing properties, disaster readiness, or off-grid living; High-visibility blue tank body color for easy identification
- LARGE-CAPACITY WATER STORAGE (55 GALLONS): Store enough emergency drinking water for a family of four for up to two weeks. Perfect for preparedness, camping, off-grid living, or disaster response.
- SPACE-SAVING STACKABLE DESIGN: Engineered to stack securely and safely, giving you big-tank capacity without taking up extra floor space—ideal for garages, basements, or sheds.
- ROBUST DESIGN: Manufactured from high-quality rotationally molded polyethylene that’s safe for long-term potable water storage and built to withstand decades of use.
- EASY FILLING, DRAINING & CLEANING: Includes a 5-inch twist lid for quick filling and internal cleaning, plus a built-in brass spigot for simple dispensing and water rotation.
- BUILT TO LAST: Backed by over 70 years of tank-manufacturing experience, our emergency water tanks are tested for strength, leak integrity, and safety—so you can rely on them when it matters most.
- Art Ludwig (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 125 Pages - 03/01/2009 (Publication Date) - Oasis Design (Publisher)
- Easy transport: move water wherever lawn and garden tasks require it with a 40‑gallon translucent poly tank designed for truck, tractor or trailer hauling
- Reliable storage: keep water ready for irrigation, cleaning or emergency use with a chemical‑resistant tank featuring UV protection and durable nitrile seals
- Fast draining: save time during lawn care and garden maintenance using the built‑in 2‑inch drain and molded 3/4‑inch garden‑hose port for quick, controlled emptying
- Versatile capability: support multiple outdoor needs with a tank that can convert to a spot sprayer (additional components required), ideal for watering, cleaning and general lawn care tasks
- Proudly Made in the USA: Expertly designed and manufactured in the USA with global materials, backed by Chapin’s 1-year limited warranty and supported by a dedicated US-based customer service and technical help centre
- PORTABLE, STACKABLE WATER CONTAINERS: These 5-gallon water containers are designed with flat bottoms and tops that nestle together to help stack more water in less space. The handles make them ideal for moving around, and the built-in twist breathing Spigots to make it easy to pour out the contents of your containers without them getting air locked. This kit includes 2 individual 5-gallon water containers with lids and spigot.
- MADE FROM BPA-FREE HDPE PLASTIC: Our high-quality water containers are made from 100% food-grade plastic, which also makes them useful for storing other liquids or food necessities. They are BPA-free and made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), so you’ll have a safe, durable, refillable water container that can weather any storm.
- IDEAL FOR TRAVEL & EMERGENCY STORAGE: If you’re looking for a reliable water container for emergency storage, camping, boating, or beach trips, or even for a watering station for an outdoor event, this kit is exactly what you need. The handle on each 5-gallon container makes it a breeze to transport, and it can easily stack in the back of your car or truck for road-tripping adventures.
- PREPARE, STORE & SAVE: As a family-founded company with years of experience, we know the importance of preparedness. Our water storage containers and accessories ensure that you’re never without the essentials when you need them the most. We provide high-quality American-made products at the fairest prices possible to help you make the best decisions for yourself and your loved one
- Having a smart plan for emergency water is even more important than food storage. Keeping a safe stock of water storage barrels ensures that you and your family are safe, especially during the first 72 hours of an emergency.
- Pre-pressurized 4 gallon water storage tank (holds up to 3.2 gallon of water)
- Discharge efficiently in a vertical or horizontal position with tank stand
- Food grade bladder and certified to ensure quality, safety and durability
- Inlet/outlet connection: 1/4 inch male pipe thread. Special designed for ro application
- Space-Saving Up To 100-Gallon Emergency Water Storage: Transform your existing bathtub into a clean, safe water storage system that holds up to 100 gallons of fresh drinking water—minimizing the need for expensive bottled water purchases or bulky barrels that consume valuable storage space in your home, garage, or apartment while providing enough emergency water supply for your entire family during hurricanes, storms, or water main breaks.
- Sealed Food-Grade Liner Keeps Water Fresh Up to 16 Weeks: Heavy-duty, BPA-free plastic liner meeting USFDA food-grade guidelines protects your emergency drinking water storage from dirt, soap film, and debris that would contaminate an open bathtub, ensuring your family has access to clean, safe water for cooking, washing, and flushing throughout extended emergencies when municipal water supplies are compromised or unavailable.
- Trusted by 500,000+ Families and Featured on Major Media: As the original patented emergency water storage solution (U.S. Patent No. 8,627,980 and Patent No. 10,293,982), waterBOB has been recognized by CNN, Fox News, and Bob Vila as a reliable preparedness standard—join hundreds of thousands of prepared families who rely on the proven water container that established the category for bathtub emergency water storage systems.
- Simple setup in as little as 20 minutes with No Complicated Installation: Quickly prepare for disasters by laying the water storage container liner in any standard bathtub, attaching the included fill sock to your faucet, and filling to capacity in approximately 20 minutes—no tools, technical skills, or permanent modifications required, making emergency preparedness accessible for every nearly household when severe weather or water emergencies threaten your area.
- Included Siphon Pump for Convenient Access to Drinking Water Storage: Easily dispense your stored emergency water supply into jugs, pitchers, or water containers without heavy lifting, spills, or contamination risk—the included hand pump allows you to conveniently access clean drinking water for daily cooking, washing, and hydration needs throughout extended power outages or when municipal water systems are shut down during hurricane season or natural disasters.
- LONG TERM EMERGENCY WATER STORAGE - Made from heavy-duty, BPA-free food-grade plastic, each 5-gallon tank measures 15" x 10" x 12" and weighs about 40 lbs when full. Includes 6 water tanks for a total capacity of 30 gallons.
- STACKABLE WATER STORAGE CONTAINERS - Designed with stackable ribs on top, these food grade water containers lock into place when stacked. Perfect for maximizing storage space in garages, pantries, or storm shelters.
- LIGHT-BLOCKING EXTERIOR - Ideal for long term water storage, the dark blue color of the tanks helps block out light, keeping your water fresh for longer. Great for camping and emergency preparedness.
- SMOOTH POURING WITH SPIGOT & VENT CAP - Each container features a large 2 ¼ inch opening and comes with 8 full sets of 3/4 inch threaded sealed caps, and 2 spigots with prepared caps for easy pouring.
- CONVENIENT CARRYING HANDLE - Each tank is reusable and includes a built-in handle so it’s easy to fill, move, and manage—even when full. Also includes a strap wrench for securely tightening lids and preventing leaks.
Your Essential Guide to Buying Water Storage Tanks for Home
Having a reliable water storage tank at home offers peace of mind. Whether you face emergencies, need backup for irrigation, or want to conserve water, the right tank makes a big difference. This guide helps you choose the best option for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check these important features first. These determine how well the tank works for you.
- Capacity: How much water do you need to store? Think about your family size and how long you need to be self-sufficient during an outage. Small tanks hold 50 gallons; large ones hold thousands.
- Footprint and Shape: Does the tank fit in your chosen space? Round tanks take up more ground space. Vertical, slim tanks fit better in tight spots.
- Inlet and Outlet Ports: Make sure the tank has the right size openings for connecting pipes. These connections must be strong and leak-proof.
- Opaqueness: A good tank must block sunlight. Sunlight causes algae to grow inside the water. Look for dark or opaque tanks.
Important Materials Matter
The material of the tank affects its cost, lifespan, and safety.
Polyethylene (Plastic) Tanks
These are the most common choice. They are lightweight, relatively inexpensive, and do not rust. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is usually the best plastic. It resists cracking and holds up well against weather.
Metal Tanks (Galvanized Steel or Stainless Steel)
Metal tanks are very strong and can store large volumes. Stainless steel is the safest for drinking water because it does not rust or leach chemicals. However, these tanks cost much more and require professional installation.
Fiberglass Tanks
Fiberglass is durable and resists corrosion well. They are often used for underground storage. They are heavier than plastic tanks.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all tanks are created equal. Small details change the tank’s quality significantly.
Improving Quality:
- NSF Certification: If you plan to store drinking water, ensure the tank has NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) approval. This means the plastic will not add harmful chemicals to your water.
- UV Stabilization: Good plastic tanks include UV inhibitors. These additives prevent the sun from making the plastic brittle over time.
- Thick Walls: Thicker walls mean the tank can hold more pressure and resist damage from impacts.
Reducing Quality:
- Light Colors: Tanks that are white or very light-colored let light pass through, encouraging algae growth.
- Cheap Plastic: Low-quality, thin plastic tanks break easily, especially in freezing temperatures.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will actually use the tank. This guides your final decision.
Emergency Backup (Drinking Water):
For emergencies, most users choose opaque, food-grade plastic tanks between 150 and 500 gallons. These are easy to clean and maintain. They store water safely for long periods.
Rainwater Harvesting (Irrigation/Non-Potable Use):
Gardeners often use larger tanks (1,000 gallons or more) to catch roof runoff. For this, you need a tank with strong screening over the inlet to keep out leaves and debris. The water does not need to be certified for drinking.
Installation Ease:
Plastic tanks are usually easy to place on a level concrete pad. Metal tanks often need professional rigging and anchoring due to their weight when full.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Water Storage Tanks
Q: How often should I clean my water storage tank?
A: You should clean your tank at least once every one to two years, especially if the water is for drinking. Drain it completely and scrub the inside with a mild bleach solution.
Q: Can I put a plastic water tank outside in direct sun?
A: Yes, if the tank is UV-stabilized. However, opaque (dark-colored) tanks are always better because they block light and stop algae growth.
Q: What is the difference between food-grade and non-food-grade plastic?
A: Food-grade plastic is guaranteed not to leak harmful chemicals into the water. Only use food-grade tanks for water you might drink or cook with.
Q: Do I need a permit to install a large water tank?
A: This depends on your local city or county rules. Large tanks, especially those over 1,500 gallons, often require building permits and engineering approval.
Q: How much does a 500-gallon tank weigh when full of water?
A: Water weighs about 8.34 pounds per gallon. A 500-gallon tank full of water weighs over 4,170 pounds, plus the weight of the tank itself. You need a very strong base.
Q: Will my water freeze in the tank during winter?
A: Yes, if the tank is not buried or insulated. For cold climates, you must insulate the tank or use a heating element to prevent freezing and bursting.
Q: Should I bury my water tank?
A: Only tanks specifically designed for underground use should be buried. They must be strong enough to handle the weight of the soil above them without collapsing.
Q: What is the safest color for a drinking water tank?
A: Dark green, black, or opaque blue are the best colors because they prevent sunlight from entering the tank.
Q: Can I connect my home’s well pump directly to the storage tank?
A: Yes, you can connect your well pump to fill the tank. You will need a pressure switch system to control when the pump turns on and off as the water level changes.
Q: Are metal tanks better than plastic tanks?
A: Metal tanks are stronger and last longer, but they cost more and can rust if not stainless steel. Plastic tanks are cheaper, lighter, and resist rust completely.