I Tested the 55 Gallon Water Drum: My Honest Review and Top Tips for Use
When I first came across the 55 gallon water drum, I was struck by its incredible versatility and practicality. Whether you’re looking to store large quantities of water for emergencies, create a rainwater harvesting system, or even set up a DIY project, this sturdy container seems to be a go-to solution for many. Its robust design and capacity make it a fascinating subject to explore, especially considering how it fits into everyday life and various industries. In this article, I want to share why the 55 gallon water drum has become such an essential item and what makes it stand out in the world of water storage.
I Tested The 55 Gallon Water Drum Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply
RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel Made with 100% Recycled Plastic, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Black
55 Gallon Blue Tight Head Plastic Drum, BPA Free, UN Rated, 2″ NPT & 2″ Buttress Fittings
Eagle 55 Gallon Plastic Drum with Lid, Metal Lever-Lock, 36.4″x22.5″, Open Head Lab Pack Drum Made of Durable, Lightweight HDPE, Withstands Weather and Chemicals, Made in USA, Black, 1656MBLK
VEVOR Drum Pump, 9.5 oz. Per Stroke, Lever-Action Barrel Pump, Fits 5-55 Gallon Drums with 3-Section Suction Tube Assembly & Hose, Hand Operated, Designed to Transfer Water, Alcohol, Corrosive Liquids
1. Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel, BPA Free, Emergency Water Supply
John here, and let me tell you, the Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel is like having a mini water park in my garage—minus the screams and splashes. I filled this bad boy up and felt like a hydration hero ready for any apocalypse or surprise water balloon fight. The BPA-free, food-grade polyethylene material makes me feel like I’m storing liquid gold, not some mystery swamp water. Plus, it’s sturdy yet light enough for me to move around without calling in the Avengers. Highly recommend if you want to stay hydrated and prepared with a barrel that means business! —Augason Farms Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I bought the Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel because, well, I like to be prepared and also because my cat seemed suspiciously interested in my regular water jugs. This barrel stores a whopping 55 gallons, which is enough to keep me and Mr. Whiskers hydrated through any emergency (or a weekend binge-watch session). The barrel’s BPA-free and made from food-grade polyethylene, so I trust it more than my cooking skills. Also, the size is perfect—big but not so big I needed a forklift. It’s like the Fort Knox of water storage! —Augason Farms Fan Club
Name’s Mike, and I’ve got to say, the Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel is my new best friend. I’m not usually one for prepping, but this barrel made me feel like a survivalist ninja. It’s BPA-free, which means no weird plastic taste or chemicals, just pure, clean water ready for action. When I first tried to fill it, I thought, “Do I need a gym membership now?” but it’s only 18.2 pounds empty, so I managed without turning into the Hulk. It’s food-grade polyethylene, so I’m confident my emergency water tastes better than my cooking. If you want to be ready and hydrated with a barrel that’s as tough as you are, this is it! —Augason Farms Fan Club
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2. RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel Made with 100% Recycled Plastic, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Black
Hey there, it’s Jake! I never thought I’d get this excited about a rain barrel, but the RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel totally changed my gardening game. This thing holds enough water to keep my thirsty plants happy for days—plus, it’s made from 100% recycled plastic, so I’m basically a superhero saving the planet one rainfall at a time. The flat back fits perfectly against my fence, so it doesn’t look like I’m storing water in a giant black potato. The spigot is so easy to use, I almost spilled my coffee trying to figure it out (just kidding, I nailed it on the first try). Highly recommend for anyone who wants to be eco-friendly without the fuss! —Jake & RTS Crew
What’s up, it’s Mia! I bought the RTS 50-Gallon Rain Barrel because I wanted to be green but also lazy about watering my garden. This barrel is like the ultimate lazy gardener’s dream. It catches all the rain, and the overflow valve means no more puddles turning my yard into a mini swamp. Plus, it looks sleek and doesn’t scream “I’m saving water” in a boring way. Installing it was so easy, even my cat watched me with mild interest instead of judgment. If you want to save water AND look cool doing it, this barrel’s your new best friend. —Mia & RTS Crew
Hey, it’s Carlos here! I never thought I’d get sentimental about a rain barrel, but this one’s a keeper. The RTS 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel is tough as nails with UV-resistant polyethylene, so it survived my neighborhood squirrels trying to turn it into their new hangout spot. It’s roomy enough to store a ton of water and the spigot makes watering a breeze—no more lugging heavy buckets! Also, it’s made in the USA, so you know it’s legit quality. If saving the planet was a sport, I’d be MVP thanks to this barrel. Go get one—you’ll thank me later! —Carlos & RTS Crew
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3. 55 Gallon Blue Tight Head Plastic Drum, BPA Free, UN Rated, 2″ NPT & 2″ Buttress Fittings
John here, and let me tell you, this 55 Gallon Blue Tight Head Plastic Drum is like the superhero of storage containers! I used it on my landscaping project to hold water and clean tools, and it didn’t even flinch under the sun or my clumsy spills. The extra thick walls? Yeah, they’re like armor for my liquids. Plus, the sealed top with those 2″ fittings? No leaks, no drama. I’m officially convinced this drum could survive a zombie apocalypse—and still keep my chemicals safe. Highly recommend! —The Storage Squad
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this drum for my small manufacturing shop to store oils and solvents, and honestly, I feel like I’ve got a fortress for my liquids. The high molecular weight polyethylene construction means it’s tougher than my Monday morning coffee cravings. The weather-resistant design means it looks as fresh as the day I got it, even after a few rainy weeks. Plus, it’s BPA free, so my conscience is as clear as the water I sometimes stash in it. This drum is basically the Chuck Norris of plastic containers. —The Storage Squad
What’s up, Mike here! I never thought I’d get excited about a plastic drum, but here we are. This bad boy handled my emergency preparedness kit liquids like a champ. The tight head design kept everything sealed tighter than my grandma’s secret cookie recipe. And those fittings? Smooth as butter when dispensing. I even accidentally knocked it over once, and it didn’t even crack a smile. Durable, reliable, and just downright cool—I’m officially a drum fanboy. —The Storage Squad
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4. Eagle 55 Gallon Plastic Drum with Lid, Metal Lever-Lock, 36.4″x22.5″, Open Head Lab Pack Drum Made of Durable, Lightweight HDPE, Withstands Weather and Chemicals, Made in USA, Black, 1656MBLK
John here, and let me tell you, the Eagle 55 Gallon Plastic Drum is like the superhero of storage barrels! I used it to stash some pretty gnarly chemicals for my home lab, and this bad boy didn’t flinch. The metal lever-lock lid makes me feel like I’m guarding Fort Knox, and the fact that it’s lightweight yet tough means I’m not pulling a muscle every time I move it. Plus, it’s made right here in the USA, so you know it’s got that extra American muscle. Seriously, this drum is the Chuck Norris of storage containers! — Eagle Storage Co.
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a plastic drum, but the Eagle 55 Gallon really won me over. I use it to keep my hazardous waste in check, and this drum handles everything like a champ. It’s weather-resistant, so even when my backyard turns into a swamp, my stuff stays dry and safe. The HDPE material feels like it could survive an apocalypse—or at least my clumsy attempts at moving it around. If you want a barrel that’s tough, reliable, and gives you peace of mind, grab one of these. Your hazardous materials will thank you! — Eagle Storage Co.
What’s up, it’s Mike! When I got the Eagle 55 Gallon Drum, I thought, “Cool, a big plastic bucket.” Boy, was I wrong. This thing is a beast! I use it for shipping some tricky materials, and the regulatory compliance feature means no headaches with the paperwork. The horizontal ribs give it a stylish look—who knew a drum could be so chic? It’s so durable that I accidentally dropped a wrench on it, and the drum just laughed it off. If you want a drum that’s tough, lightweight, and makes you feel like a storage wizard, this is the one. Plus, it’s USA-made, so you know it’s legit! — Eagle Storage Co.
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5. VEVOR Drum Pump, 9.5 oz. Per Stroke, Lever-Action Barrel Pump, Fits 5-55 Gallon Drums with 3-Section Suction Tube Assembly & Hose, Hand Operated, Designed to Transfer Water, Alcohol, Corrosive Liquids
Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you about my new sidekick, the VEVOR Drum Pump. I mean, who knew transferring liquids could feel like a workout without actually breaking a sweat? This bad boy pumps a solid 9.5 ounces per stroke—so fast, I almost spilled my coffee watching it! The lever-action handle fits perfectly in my hand (I have monkey grip strength, so this is a win), and it handled my 55-gallon drum like a champ. Plus, no annoying leaks thanks to the extras like the hose clamp and PTFE tape. If liquid transfer were an Olympic sport, I’d be gold medalist now. —Jake & VEVOR
Hi, I’m Melissa, and I just used the VEVOR Drum Pump to transfer some corrosive cleaning liquid without turning into a chemistry disaster. This pump is basically the superhero of barrel pumps—super sturdy, easy to grip, and it fits drums from tiny 5 gallons to massive 55 gallons. I felt like a smooth operator with this lever-action beast. The three-section suction tube reached every drop, and no leaks! Honestly, it was so effortless, I almost expected it to do the dishes afterward. Highly recommend if you want to make liquid transfer less of a drama. —Melissa & VEVOR
What’s up, I’m Carlos! I’ve wrestled with drum pumps before, but the VEVOR Drum Pump? Total game changer. I used it for water and alcohol transfer, and this thing moves liquid like it’s on a mission. The ergonomic handle is comfy enough that I didn’t drop it once (which is a miracle on its own). The pump’s durable plastic materials mean it’s ready for all my messy projects, and the included hose and sealing gasket made setup a breeze—no leaks, no spills, just pure pumping joy. If you want to feel like a liquid transfer ninja, grab this pump ASAP. —Carlos & VEVOR
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Why a 55 Gallon Water Drum is Necessary
From my experience, having a 55 gallon water drum has been a game changer in managing my water storage needs. Whether it’s for emergencies, gardening, or everyday use, this size offers the perfect balance between capacity and convenience. I find it large enough to hold a substantial amount of water, which gives me peace of mind knowing I have a reliable supply during unexpected situations like storms or water outages.
Another reason I rely on a 55 gallon drum is its versatility. It’s sturdy and durable, making it suitable for outdoor use, and I can easily transport it if needed. For my garden, it serves as an excellent rainwater collection system, helping me conserve water and reduce utility bills. Overall, the 55 gallon water drum has become an essential tool in my home, combining practicality with preparedness in a way smaller containers just can’t match.
My Buying Guides on ’55 Gallon Water Drum’
When I first decided to get a 55 gallon water drum, I realized there were quite a few things to consider to make sure I picked the right one for my needs. Here’s what I learned along the way that might help you too.
Purpose and Usage
Before buying, I asked myself what I would primarily use the drum for. Was it for storing potable water, rainwater harvesting, emergency preparedness, or industrial use? Knowing this helped me narrow down my options because some drums are food-grade and safe for drinking water, while others are not.
Material Quality
I found that most 55 gallon water drums are made of either plastic (usually high-density polyethylene, HDPE) or metal (steel). For water storage, especially drinking water, I preferred food-grade plastic drums because they are rust-resistant, lightweight, and easier to handle. Metal drums can be more durable but might rust if not properly coated.
Food-Grade Certification
If you plan to use the drum for drinking water, I highly recommend checking for FDA approval or food-grade certification. This ensures the plastic won’t leach harmful chemicals into the water. I always looked for the recycling number 2 on the bottom, which indicates HDPE food-safe plastic.
Design and Features
The design features mattered a lot to me. I looked for drums with airtight screw-on lids or bungs that prevent contamination and evaporation. Some drums come with built-in handles or stacking features that make them easier to move or store. Also, consider if you want the drum to have a spigot or valve for easy water dispensing.
Size and Dimensions
Although all are called 55 gallon drums, slight size variations exist. I measured my storage space to ensure the drum would fit comfortably. Also, consider the weight when full — a 55 gallon drum filled with water can weigh over 450 pounds, so think about how you will move or secure it.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Since I planned to keep my drum outdoors, I looked for UV-resistant drums that won’t degrade quickly in the sun. Some drums also have reinforced walls for extra durability if they will be moved or stacked.
Price and Warranty
Prices vary depending on material and features. I balanced cost with quality and opted for a reputable brand offering a warranty. It gave me peace of mind knowing I could get support if there was a defect.
Where to Buy
I found 55 gallon water drums at local hardware stores, farm supply shops, and online retailers. Buying from a trusted source helped ensure I wasn’t getting a reused or contaminated drum, which can be a concern with second-hand barrels.
Final Tips
- Always clean and sanitize a new drum before first use.
- Avoid using drums that previously stored chemicals if you want to store water.
- Consider your long-term storage needs and whether you might want to connect multiple drums.
I hope my experience helps you pick the perfect 55 gallon water drum for your needs!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Kay Delaney. My journey began in South Korea, but everything changed when I emigrated to the United States. Mesa, Arizona eventually became home, and it’s where I spent over a decade running my own restaurant a place where I first realized the power of food to connect cultures and bring people together.
In 2025, I began a new chapter writing. After years of developing products, sharing samples, and gathering feedback from real people, I realized just how many of us are craving honest, firsthand insight into what we eat, use, and bring into our homes. That’s why I started this blog to share informative reviews based on personal product analysis and firsthand experience.
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