water totes

[smgutsch]

Those are "tote bins", "tote tanks", or "totes". They are officially called an "Intermediate Bulk Container" by the DOT. They come in various sizes and designs. The one you have pictured is designed to be used only once. They are a molded polyethylene tank in a steel frame. The polyethylene is degraded by ultra violet light (sunshine) or oxidizing chemicals. After prolonged exposure to the sun the plastic will become brittle and crack. Typically you will see the effect of the sun after 3-5 years. 8 years is probably the maximum. Generally the steel frame rusts away before the tank splits.

Companies will get liquids delivered in them, then dispose of them. People selling them probably got them from where they work. Just be careful to know what liquid was in them before and that they have been thoroughly cleaned before use.

The bottom valve may have 2" straight threads instead of tapered pipe threads. So getting a fitting to seal is very difficult. Also remember that 250 gallons of water weighs over 2000 lbs.

Hope this helps

 

[sandman2234]

Some do have harse chemicals in them, as I haul them on my job. The one I have had soap in it, and it has held up well for the past 5 years.
David from jax

 

[two-socks]

I've had the 250 and 330 gallon ones for four years and they hold up great. (Except when you step on top of them while powerwashing the insides). I keep mine on trailers and catch water off the barns with them. I would definitely go with the 330 gallon ones as they are much more durable.

you guys have seen these things



my question. If you do have one, how long have you had it and how has the plastic tub held up if it sat outside most/all of its life?

 

[Peej]

we have one we use at hunting camp. Got it free from a friend, p/w the inside and outside. Took it to camp empty and set it up on a couple of pallets.
Trucked water down in the blue drums and transferred it with a 12 volt pump from H/F. We put a snap on coupling from TSC and T'd off to 2 hose bibs to wash hands. We got a sureflo pump off ebay and use it tofeed and on demand camp water heater for showers. Pour a little bleach in it every so often and so far no algae or problems. Great for showers and dish washing.
We carry fresh water for cooking and coffee in the 6 gal totes from wally world. Been in the sun for 10 yrs and no problems.

 

[tommu56]

we have one we use at hunting camp. Got it free from a friend, p/w the inside and outside. Took it to camp empty and set it up on a couple of pallets.
Trucked water down in the blue drums and transferred it with a 12 volt pump from H/F. We put a snap on coupling from TSC and T'd off to 2 hose bibs to wash hands. We got a sureflo pump off ebay and use it tofeed and on demand camp water heater for showers. Pour a little bleach in it every so often and so far no algae or problems. Great for showers and dish washing.
We carry fresh water for cooking and coffee in the 6 gal totes from wally world. Been in the sun for 10 yrs and no problems.

Peej
That sounds like my camp except I have a second one on a trailer to fetch water at a spring and third for rain water to flush the toilet.

tom

 

[fishfighter]

I have two of the 300 gallon tanks.When I got them they had soap.For the thread,I was able to use a 2" pvc fitting and necked it down to were I installed a hose valve.I use it to water pecan trees and have them mounted on a trailer.