If you’ve ever lugged a jug of water on a camping trip, you know how awkward and heavy it can be to maneuver even a single gallon. On a larger scale, the logistics of transporting and storing liquids become even more complex. That’s where IBC totes come in handy.
IBC totes are bulk liquid storage tanks that make it easy to transport and store anywhere from 275 to 330 gallons, depending on the model. An IBC tote itself is typically made of plastic, but it comes attached to a steel frame pallet that makes it easy to move by forklift or pallet jack. IBC totes can be used to transport and store large quantities of different types of liquid foods, pharmaceuticals, solvents, gasoline and other flammables, as well as corrosive liquids. However, the most popular use for IBC totes, especially among San Diego Drums & Totes customers, is water.When to use IBC Totes
When to use IBC Totes for storing liquids
IBC totes have so many useful applications – especially in a dry climate like San Diego where rainfall is sparse. Here are a few reasons you might use an IBC tote as a cost-effective, eco-friendly way to store and transport water and other liquids.
Disaster preparedness
An IBC tote can come in handy for storing water during extra-dry months or in case of an emergency. If a wildfire surrounds your home, a large water reserve can be used to drench the exterior and perimeter of your house until help arrives. Having a water reserve is also important in case of an earthquake, as water lines and filtration can be disrupted, leaving you without access to clean H2O.
Rain harvesting
When it comes to rain, we’ve learned not to expect much in San Diego. However, the rain that does fall during the drizzly months can be harvested and used for many applications with the right filtration and storage containers. A single IBC tote has the same capacity as five 55-gallon rain barrels but takes up 25 percent less space, making it a great water storage solution for small spaces.
Gardening
IBC totes can also be used to make wicking beds for growing vegetables and herbs. With a bit of manipulation, it’s possible to turn an IBC tote into a self-contained raised garden bed with built-in reservoirs that supply water from the ground up. Because it can hold so much water, an IBC tote can effectively act as a self-irrigation system and prevent the need for hauling heavy water containers.
There are many benefits to using IBC totes for the transport and storage of water and other liquids. Here are just a few:
- IBC totes can hold and transport more liquid in the same cubic footprint compared to cylindrical barrels.
- IBC totes can be re-used multiple times, making them environmentally friendly.
- Because they are attached to steel frame pallets, IBC totes can be easily moved with a forklift or pallet jack.
- IBC totes can be drained completely, ensuring you use every last drop of water or other liquid without waste.
- Simple dispensers allow for the proper amount of liquid to be removed at any given time while storing the rest.
- IBC totes can safely store large amounts of dangerous materials, reducing the risk of spills and accidents.
- IBC totes have a lifespan of about 20 years, making them a long-lasting solution for transporting and storing liquids in bulk.
Have you considered IBC totes for storing or transporting liquids in bulk?
At San Diego Drums & Totes, we carry a wide range of used, reconditioned, and new IBC totes as well as replacement parts, tools, pumps, and accessories. Whether you’re hoping to store water in case of an earthquake or start an irrigation system for your garden, our experienced professionals can help you choose the right products for your needs. Give us a call or stop by one of our locations in Lemon Grove or San Marcos to check out your options in person.