Very nice thank you, especially for addressing the weight, as a retired contractor I see too many folks showing folks how to kill themselves by putting a bunch of weight on something that will not hold it for long. Plumbing tip for the PVC nightmare, Teflon tape is always the wrong choice, especially with any type of PVC/poly/plastic. It makes it entirely to easy to overtighten and split fittings, and can shrink over time causing leaks. Pipe dope is your friend, green pipe dope is superior for gas and water, and will not solidify causing you to break something when you attempt to remove a fitting five years later. Bonus plumbing tip for PVC, "Never fit a brass fitting (male) inside a female fitting" It will break your PVC fitting at some point. Plumb out your PVC to a male end then fit a brass female (hose bib, union, etc.) over it.
I just scored half a dozen water barrels for 118 bucks, I love the idea of running them in circuit like this, I have enough junk lumber to build some two-tier cradles like this so I don’t need a pump
Great video. A gallon of water weighs 8.3 pounds. At home I weighed the gallon at 7.8lbs so to be on the safe side I say 8lbs so that would make a 55 gallon drum full of water weighs 440 lbs + 18.2lbs for the barrel for a total of 458.2lbs. Make sure your floor can take this weight.
Hello, wow am I glad your video popped into view for me today. I was widowed a year and a half ago. I have 4 55gal water barrels in my garage empty, I have no idea where to start but your shelf is genius to me! If you have done anything to do with directions or a diagram please share your thoughts!! Thank you!!
Nice set up ! If I can throw my two cents in, having some isolation valves between the barrels would help. That way if you get a leak, or need to drain and remove a barrel you can simply shut the valve and disconnect the tubing without water loss. Also, keeping each container isolated from each other eliminates cross contamination, (in the event of a contamination issue with one of the barrels).
That's a good idea, originally the plan was to use a solid pvc pipe between them but they flexed to much and it was causing binding issues so I had to use the nylon clear hose to prevent it from causing issues. Adding a valve is a good idea but I'd have to figure out space.. maybe do it on an angle or something.. Thanks for the comment
@@dezertol Adding valves will make the cross connection points stick out more and be more bulky. It could be a problem. Especially if the location is a high foot traffic area, double-so if you have kids that run through that area.
I created something very similar to you. Mine is three barrels high, the structure is very strong and solid and capable of holding the weight. I have been having a lot of trouble with leaking bung caps and threads. I have tried several times to take them out and wrap them with sealant tape. It’s quite frustrating because I have done it so many times and no matter what I try they leak when the barrels are on their side. Surely there are barrels with better bung connections? Regardless, thank you for posting this video and explaining your process.
Very nice and neat. The only thing I would do different is for the 2x4 stringers holding the barrel or elsewhere is to have them on top of the braces instead of just nailed in.And the stringer directly under/middle directly of the barrel should be resting on a sistered 2x4 or 2x6 whatever you are using. I just wouldn’t count on the soft pine 2x4s which aren’t even that size due to being planed. I didn’t hear what you were using - nails, screw, or bolts with a washer and nut. I would go with a bolt and washer on frontside and washer and nut on backside. As he mentioned these barrels filled - weigh over 450 lbs. each gallon weighs 8.34 lbs x 55 = 458.7 lbs x4 = 1832 lbs. I would consider a 2x6 frame screwed with 3” screws to the studs and then the barrel storage structure screwed the wall after you build it. This is especially important with kids in the house or earthquakes or if you have large dogs and cats racing through and around - better to be safe. Think to if you are filling with your city tap water is doing so when water rates are lower. Maybe having a water truck that delivers water to see if they can fill them for you cheaper. The other option is just buying lots of the water bottles that go on coolers for home and office. This water is usually good tasting with no chemicals (us disinfected and run through multi stage filters before being sealed in the big jugs). This might not work unless there is someone to put on a cooler or to be able to pick up to empty into say a s bucket. They might last longer without rotational worry. Also as he mentions leaks just remember to use teflon plumbers tape and to use pvc products to hook everything together.
This video intro means so much to me listening during this 2020 covid-19 outbrake and realization of my personal dependency on the global supply chain to meet my needs.
Kudos for the Video! Apologies for butting in, I would love your thoughts. Have you ever tried - Proutklarton Surviving Technics Plan (probably on Google)? It is a great exclusive guide for learning how to survive any crisis minus the headache. Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my mate got cool success with it.
Nice video content! Excuse me for butting in, I would appreciate your thoughts. Have you ever tried - Proutklarton Surviving Technics Plan (do a search on google)? It is a good one of a kind product for learning how to survive any crisis without the normal expense. Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my buddy at last got great success with it.
We are going through the exact same thing in Texas right now. Only I was lucky and didn't have a water problem. My problem was with GAS for my GENERATOR! People without generators had no power for a week due to the gas stations ran out off gas! Signs that said "NO GAS" were on all the pumps. The states roads froze over for a week where no gas trucks were allowed to transport gas to the stores. I was lucky and only had to go 1 day without gasoline for the generator so I was blessed.
Like the setup. Thoughts on going 3 high with this setup? As far as I can tell, it would support the weight but wanted to get your opinion. Thanks for helping me out on my project!
I know it is way to late, but one thing I would recommend for anyone who should see this video is to get an RV water hose that is made for drinking water and is therefore very clean. Just a thought.
Thank you for sharing your project, I'm getting ready to do this in a 20 gallon barrel system and the visual you shared is what I needed. I'm doing smaller tanks because I'm older and if need be they will be easier for me to move around and clean when the time comes that I have to do this.
The wife and I watched your video last night. I design things around my home for use. I will have to say that the storage rack you have is very well designed and balanced. I plan to build one that will hold 6 barrels. Do you have any plans for your design? It will sure help me. If not, than, how high off the floor is the bottom of the lowest barrel. Right now we are using the 5 gal bottles and they are scattered all over the place. I would like to consolidate my storage system a bit.
Thanks for sharing! Look very nice! We have about 20 5-gallons bottles. If I build something like this, would the frame be strong enough to hold to it all?
I'm sure you could build a frame that would hold it, this one however is designed for 55 gallon drums. Each gallon of water is just over 8 lbs and a single 2x4 on edge will hold 500 lbs so you'd have to modify the design to accommodate the smaller bottles. But if weight is your concern then it's going to depend on your design.
filled from the top, there is a tiny hole (maybe 1/8th) in size near the top of each one and I just thread a machine screw into to plug it. I then remove it to fill so the air doesn't have to burp back up the line.
Sweet setup and video. Two Qs: 1. When can your father come to So Cal to help me with mine? 2. Assuming all is water and air tight, how do you get the water in the top? Is there a pressure release?
the pipes at the top have standard garden hose fittings on them, and while you can cap it off if you want I simply put zip lock baggies with rubber bands over it, so that stuff doesn't fall in and so that if there is any pressure changes it doesn't cause an unstable condition.
@@dezertol Just thinking that once it is all plumbed, water tight and ready for filling don't you need someway to vent the air when filling? Sorry if my question was not clear or I am just missing something. Are you filling from the bottom with the top valve open?
@@bapwoody ahhh yes I understand what you mean.. in each of the 4 barrels I drilled and tapped a small 3/16th hole as high up as I could on each one and with a bit of teflon on a stainless steel machine screw plugs it.. so I fill it and wait for water to start coming out of the hole then plug it up.
Correct, I put everything in place and filled them from the top.. I also drain and fill once a year (tho I should probably do it every 6 months).. I have a tiny hole in the top of each one that I thread a small machine screw into to let the air out so that it fills with out trying to burp air back up the line.
Thanks for sharing this, been thinking of something very similar, heck with spending $200+ on some metal stand. Good design, basically King Studs throughout, same as used in door frames and window frames. Might use screws and add a plate underneath to distribute weight, we are talking about a Ton. Wouldn't set this on anything but a poured concrete floor underneath, without a plate to spread the weight around. Those 2x4 legs even 4x8's as they are doubled up, might eventually go right through plywood over floor joist. In my design I'm using 4x6 posts framed in with 2x6 screwed, heavier but is in my garage on concrete floor, secure to wall studs, (not that I think the wall studs will do anything but slow it down if it decides to go somewhere)... How's this held up, anything you've changed or might in future?
In one shot you have CPVC connecting the top and bottom barrels. In another shot you have clear tubing. Why the switch? Also the hose you are using is not rated for potable water. Get a white RV water hose. Nice job on the framing.
I switched to the clear tube because the hard PVC didn't line up exactly and was causing stress on the fittings as for the hose, I know it's just a garden hose, but at the time i was in a hurry, besides I grew up drinking from the hose from the barn.. so I'm not too worried about it thanks for your comment
This really is the best DIY design video I've seen, your design is very good. I would only add that you use a food grade hose to fill barrels. And maybe have gone three barrels high instead of two high, and still in keeping the bottom barrel high enough for your portable jugs. FWIW a big thank you, A
Ya I agree on the food grade hose.. I just didn't have the time to hunt one down and figured, meh.. I drank out of a garden hose for most of my childhood so it can't be that bad.. right??.. as for height.. I could probably have gone 3 high... but this is stored indoor and it would be a tight fit.. also at 450lbs per barrel full, that would be 2,742 lbs.. and I'm just not sure I about putting that much weight in one place... but yes it would have been nice to go 3 high.. Thanks for the comment
Hi there, Say I have view different water storage sytems from professional to amature and by far I am most impressed by yours. May I have the overall dimensions for H x W x L ? I do not want to go into business building these things, this is simply for my self and release you from any liability what so ever. sincerely; Darren
Very nice thank you, especially for addressing the weight, as a retired contractor I see too many folks showing folks how to kill themselves by putting a bunch of weight on something that will not hold it for long. Plumbing tip for the PVC nightmare, Teflon tape is always the wrong choice, especially with any type of PVC/poly/plastic. It makes it entirely to easy to overtighten and split fittings, and can shrink over time causing leaks. Pipe dope is your friend, green pipe dope is superior for gas and water, and will not solidify causing you to break something when you attempt to remove a fitting five years later. Bonus plumbing tip for PVC, "Never fit a brass fitting (male) inside a female fitting" It will break your PVC fitting at some point. Plumb out your PVC to a male end then fit a brass female (hose bib, union, etc.) over it.
@johnhubbard6262 wow thanks for the tips about pvc!!!!!!!❤
Do you have plans for the build ? If I wanted directions or plans do you have a suggestion?
I just scored half a dozen water barrels for 118 bucks, I love the idea of running them in circuit like this, I have enough junk lumber to build some two-tier cradles like this so I don’t need a pump
Great video. A gallon of water weighs 8.3 pounds. At home I weighed the gallon at 7.8lbs so to be on the safe side I say 8lbs so that would make a 55 gallon drum full of water weighs 440 lbs + 18.2lbs for the barrel for a total of 458.2lbs. Make sure your floor can take this weight.
Great advice
Can you put together the schematics for this project? I really like the set-up and want to do the same thing or similar. Thanks for the video
Hello, wow am I glad your video popped into view for me today. I was widowed a year and a half ago. I have 4 55gal water barrels in my garage empty, I have no idea where to start but your shelf is genius to me! If you have done anything to do with directions or a diagram please share your thoughts!! Thank you!!
Nice set up ! If I can throw my two cents in, having some isolation valves between the barrels would help. That way if you get a leak, or need to drain and remove a barrel you can simply shut the valve and disconnect the tubing without water loss. Also, keeping each container isolated from each other eliminates cross contamination, (in the event of a contamination issue with one of the barrels).
That's a good idea, originally the plan was to use a solid pvc pipe between them but they flexed to much and it was causing binding issues so I had to use the nylon clear hose to prevent it from causing issues. Adding a valve is a good idea but I'd have to figure out space.. maybe do it on an angle or something.. Thanks for the comment
@@dezertol Adding valves will make the cross connection points stick out more and be more bulky. It could be a problem. Especially if the location is a high foot traffic area, double-so if you have kids that run through that area.
Great system
Garden hose ? I was informed use a RV drinking water grade hose to fill ?
I created something very similar to you. Mine is three barrels high, the structure is very strong and solid and capable of holding the weight. I have been having a lot of trouble with leaking bung caps and threads. I have tried several times to take them out and wrap them with sealant tape. It’s quite frustrating because I have done it so many times and no matter what I try they leak when the barrels are on their side. Surely there are barrels with better bung connections? Regardless, thank you for posting this video and explaining your process.
try some thicker grey plumbers tape.
Hi! Thank you so much for this. How does it store in the garage when it's hot? Thanks in advance.
Is there a list of the parts you used for the plumbing and that whole setup.
Do you have plans for your setup? I'm in the valley too and looking for a better way to store water. - Thanks!
Very nice and neat. The only thing I would do different is for the 2x4 stringers holding the barrel or elsewhere is to have them on top of the braces instead of just nailed in.And the stringer directly under/middle directly of the barrel should be resting on a sistered 2x4 or 2x6 whatever you are using. I just wouldn’t count on the soft pine 2x4s which aren’t even that size due to being planed. I didn’t hear what you were using - nails, screw, or bolts with a washer and nut. I would go with a bolt and washer on frontside and washer and nut on backside. As he mentioned these barrels filled - weigh over 450 lbs. each gallon weighs 8.34 lbs x 55 = 458.7 lbs x4 = 1832 lbs. I would consider a 2x6 frame screwed with 3” screws to the studs and then the barrel storage structure screwed the wall after you build it. This is especially important with kids in the house or earthquakes or if you have large dogs and cats racing through and around - better to be safe. Think to if you are filling with your city tap water is doing so when water rates are lower. Maybe having a water truck that delivers water to see if they can fill them for you cheaper. The other option is just buying lots of the water bottles that go on coolers for home and office. This water is usually good tasting with no chemicals (us disinfected and run through multi stage filters before being sealed in the big jugs). This might not work unless there is someone to put on a cooler or to be able to pick up to empty into say a s bucket. They might last longer without rotational worry. Also as he mentions leaks just remember to use teflon plumbers tape and to use pvc products to hook everything together.
This video intro means so much to me listening during this 2020 covid-19 outbrake and realization of my personal dependency on the global supply chain to meet my needs.
Kudos for the Video! Apologies for butting in, I would love your thoughts. Have you ever tried - Proutklarton Surviving Technics Plan (probably on Google)? It is a great exclusive guide for learning how to survive any crisis minus the headache. Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my mate got cool success with it.
Nice video content! Excuse me for butting in, I would appreciate your thoughts. Have you ever tried - Proutklarton Surviving Technics Plan (do a search on google)? It is a good one of a kind product for learning how to survive any crisis without the normal expense. Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my buddy at last got great success with it.
We are going through the exact same thing in Texas right now. Only I was lucky and didn't have a water problem. My problem was with GAS for my GENERATOR! People without generators had no power for a week due to the gas stations ran out off gas! Signs that said "NO GAS" were on all the pumps. The states roads froze over for a week where no gas trucks were allowed to transport gas to the stores. I was lucky and only had to go 1 day without gasoline for the generator so I was blessed.
That makes sense with the tubing! Yes I think we all grew up drinking out of a garden hose and somehow survived. Thank you for the reply.
Like the setup. Thoughts on going 3 high with this setup? As far as I can tell, it would support the weight but wanted to get your opinion. Thanks for helping me out on my project!
I know it is way to late, but one thing I would recommend for anyone who should see this video is to get an RV water hose that is made for drinking water and is therefore very clean. Just a thought.
Looks to be real strong - I wish i had all the measurements of all the wood pieces
Me as well
Thank you for sharing your project, I'm getting ready to do this in a 20 gallon barrel system and the visual you shared is what I needed. I'm doing smaller tanks because I'm older and if need be they will be easier for me to move around and clean when the time comes that I have to do this.
Robin W 0
Nice design, you should make a how-to video on this design.
The wife and I watched your video last night. I design things around my home for use. I will have to say that the storage rack you have is very well designed and balanced. I plan to build one that will hold 6 barrels. Do you have any plans for your design? It will sure help me. If not, than, how high off the floor is the bottom of the lowest barrel. Right now we are using the 5 gal bottles and they are scattered all over the place. I would like to consolidate my storage system a bit.
Is it possible to fill this up with filtered water?
Thanks for sharing! Look very nice! We have about 20 5-gallons bottles. If I build something like this, would the frame be strong enough to hold to it all?
I'm sure you could build a frame that would hold it, this one however is designed for 55 gallon drums. Each gallon of water is just over 8 lbs and a single 2x4 on edge will hold 500 lbs so you'd have to modify the design to accommodate the smaller bottles. But if weight is your concern then it's going to depend on your design.
Thanks very much!
Is household water pressure sufficient to fill those barrels from the bottom faucet (I assume that's how you filled them)?
filled from the top, there is a tiny hole (maybe 1/8th) in size near the top of each one and I just thread a machine screw into to plug it. I then remove it to fill so the air doesn't have to burp back up the line.
If these barrels had chemical in them. 1 what’s the best way to clean them before usage. 2 will chemical come out from the plastic?
Sweet setup and video. Two Qs: 1. When can your father come to So Cal to help me with mine? 2. Assuming all is water and air tight, how do you get the water in the top? Is there a pressure release?
the pipes at the top have standard garden hose fittings on them, and while you can cap it off if you want I simply put zip lock baggies with rubber bands over it, so that stuff doesn't fall in and so that if there is any pressure changes it doesn't cause an unstable condition.
@@dezertol Just thinking that once it is all plumbed, water tight and ready for filling don't you need someway to vent the air when filling? Sorry if my question was not clear or I am just missing something. Are you filling from the bottom with the top valve open?
@@bapwoody ahhh yes I understand what you mean.. in each of the 4 barrels I drilled and tapped a small 3/16th hole as high up as I could on each one and with a bit of teflon on a stainless steel machine screw plugs it.. so I fill it and wait for water to start coming out of the hole then plug it up.
So how did you get the tanks into the shelves?? Did you fill the tanks after you put them in the shelves or what.
Correct, I put everything in place and filled them from the top.. I also drain and fill once a year (tho I should probably do it every 6 months).. I have a tiny hole in the top of each one that I thread a small machine screw into to let the air out so that it fills with out trying to burp air back up the line.
Could someone please tell me what the size of the ( cap ) for a blue drum. Thanks
Pls make a video how you conected those lines on the drum
the connections are just pvc pipe with a nylon clear tube connecting them... not much else to say there honestly.
@@dezertol is there a tread to secure it and teflon to avoid leaks?
Yes here is the exact ones I used -> www.amazon.com/dp/B014JNFOWW/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_TYDqDb5W9FEC6
very nice setup!
Very nice construction and install and the cradles were a superb addition! Thanks
Thanks for sharing this, been thinking of something very similar, heck with spending $200+ on some metal stand.
Good design, basically King Studs throughout, same as used in door frames and window frames.
Might use screws and add a plate underneath to distribute weight, we are talking about a Ton.
Wouldn't set this on anything but a poured concrete floor underneath, without a plate to spread the weight around.
Those 2x4 legs even 4x8's as they are doubled up, might eventually go right through plywood over floor joist.
In my design I'm using 4x6 posts framed in with 2x6 screwed, heavier but is in my garage on concrete floor, secure to wall studs, (not that I think the wall studs will do anything but slow it down if it decides to go somewhere)...
How's this held up, anything you've changed or might in future?
Can i order burrel bankcups
In one shot you have CPVC connecting the top and bottom barrels. In another shot you have clear tubing. Why the switch? Also the hose you are using is not rated for potable water. Get a white RV water hose. Nice job on the framing.
I switched to the clear tube because the hard PVC didn't line up exactly and was causing stress on the fittings as for the hose, I know it's just a garden hose, but at the time i was in a hurry, besides I grew up drinking from the hose from the barn.. so I'm not too worried about it thanks for your comment
Best way ever...i just moved to an area without running water and this is very helpful
Looks good -the kind of built I would make for my water storage
Very nice. Have purchased several tanks from tank and barrel.
Sure looks like a lot of weight on that structure.
This really is the best DIY design video I've seen, your design is very good. I would only add that you use a food grade hose to fill barrels. And maybe have gone three barrels high instead of two high, and still in keeping the bottom barrel high enough for your portable jugs. FWIW a big thank you, A
obvious three high pending space available. and BTW, I meant this is the best design I've seen.
Ya I agree on the food grade hose.. I just didn't have the time to hunt one down and figured, meh.. I drank out of a garden hose for most of my childhood so it can't be that bad.. right??.. as for height.. I could probably have gone 3 high... but this is stored indoor and it would be a tight fit.. also at 450lbs per barrel full, that would be 2,742 lbs.. and I'm just not sure I about putting that much weight in one place... but yes it would have been nice to go 3 high.. Thanks for the comment
+dezertol ya I'll go with drinking slightly leeched water to no water at all.
Beautiful, I like the setup
Great setup. Thanks for the detailed look.
Brother the world is ending as of 2021 who knows how the future will be in the next 2-5 years. Stocked up 500 gallons of clean water
Excellent system. Thank you!
Hi there, Say I have view different water storage sytems from professional to amature and by far I am most impressed by yours. May I have the overall dimensions for H x W x L ? I do not want to go into business building these things, this is simply for my self and release you from any liability what so ever.
sincerely; Darren
any help on this??? Please
@@darrenmcbeth1647 Buy a barrel and lumber and start building. It will come together.
awesome i am gonna make some soon.
2021 supply chain issues enters the chat.
Very good job
This is good!!! Better than on the floor.
That’s cool
Good job man
You need to talk louder. Great info
#VOLTINU