Plastic gas cans for water

[Gem99ultra]

I suspect you're well aware that the red cans, even properly marked as potable water is not gasoline. But what about someone else around there grabbing the red can thinking it's gasoline, and dumping that into your vehicle or mower? I'm just not prepared to take a chance of a mishap like that, so I like others, pay the extra buck for the right color can.

I'm aware that the cans are all made from exactly the same material, and there's nothing that qualifies sellers to charge more for one color over the next, but they do and they get away with it.

But to answer your question, you can download the MSDS on each and every color that will clarify your concern as to whether or not they're the same material and safe for human consumption products. Without my checking, I'll venture to guess that NONE of the fuel or water cans are 'stated' to be intended for that purpose.

 

[EddieWalker]

This reminds me of watching those shows where people are looking to buy a house, but can't get over the wall color. Red, yellow, blue or white, it's all the same plastic, just a different color. If it's brand new, then having water in a red container will be just like drinking water out of a blue container.

Long term storage is a different matter. Over time, the plastic will leach into the water and contaminate it. This takes years, so it's find for weekend use, but never for long term storage in case of a disaster. Same thing with the small water bottles. Glass is really the only proven long term material that remains safe to drink from after years of storage.

 

[s219]

Side note, I noticed that TSC sells replacement spouts marked "for water only", but they fit fine on the gas cans from the same manufacturer and let you bypass the EPA nonsense. I bet they sell a lot of those "water only" spouts.

 

[rswyan]

Side note, I noticed that TSC sells replacement spouts marked "for water only", but they fit fine on the gas cans from the same manufacturer and let you bypass the EPA nonsense. I bet they sell a lot of those "water only" spouts.

Thanks for that heads up

 

[BoylermanCT]

Looked up the spouts online at Tractor Supply and they sell 5 gal military style water cans that have the air vent that all gas cans used to have that made them actually pour correctly! May need to pick up a few. Been using a lot of "water" in my mower this season.

 

[EddieWalker]

Side note, I noticed that TSC sells replacement spouts marked "for water only", but they fit fine on the gas cans from the same manufacturer and let you bypass the EPA nonsense. I bet they sell a lot of those "water only" spouts.

Good to know. I saw some replacement spouts on Amazon that look better then the anti spill ones, but never thought about water spouts.

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

I suspect you're well aware that the red cans, even properly marked as potable water is not gasoline. But what about someone else around there grabbing the red can thinking it's gasoline, and dumping that into your vehicle or mower? I'm just not prepared to take a chance of a mishap like that, so I like others, pay the extra buck for the right color can.

Bingo. It's about the potential for confusion. But wow! A whole extra buck (or two) for a white or blue can! Whoa! Way too expensive!

Side note, I noticed that TSC sells replacement spouts marked "for water only", but they fit fine on the gas cans from the same manufacturer and let you bypass the EPA nonsense. I bet they sell a lot of those "water only" spouts.

A most excellent side note! :thumbsup:

 

[FTG-05]

Yep. HDPE. Same stuff that's used for drinking water. Perfectly safe, but why would anyone do that? There are water containers readily available.

Just because both gas cans and water cans are made of HDPE (high density polyethylene) doesn't mean the gas cans are food grade.

The definition of "food grade" means, at a minimum: All virgin plastic (no recycled plastic from the dump), food grade rated machinery (no biggie, it's probably all FD) and food grade mold release agents (could be a biggie).

Since food grade costs more, I would not depend on gas cans (or any other non-food container) being food grade unless A) it's advertised as such (gas cans won't be, duh!) or B) the container originally contained food (barrels containing soda syrup for example) and has not had any non-food material put in the container (oil or gas into a water container).

The best water containers are the Military Water Cans (MWC).

Best price that I could find: You are being redirected...

If the above link doesn't work, go to buylici.com, then search on water can.

Good luck.

 

[teejk]

Bingo. It's about the potential for confusion. But wow! A whole extra buck (or two) for a white or blue can! Whoa! Way too expensive!





A most excellent side note! :thumbsup:

Given the current safety rules for gasoline I highly doubt the red cans were cheaper.

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

Given the current safety rules for gasoline I highly doubt the red cans were cheaper.

Heh. I was giving him the benefit of the doubt. He had to have some reason for it.