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The power is out, the taps are dry, and the water already stored is the water on hand. Water storage barrel vs water bladder is the choice that decides how much stays on hand, where it fits, and how it comes out again. This guide compares the two on capacity, material, fit and use, with figures from the listings below.
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The quick answer
A rigid barrel holds its shape, stacks against a wall, and pours or pumps from a fixed spigot or bung. A bladder folds flat when empty, fits odd spaces such as a truck bed or a closet floor, and drains from a low outlet. Barrels suit a fixed spot in a garage or basement with room to spare; bladders suit a tight spot or a move where a rigid drum will not fit.
The listings in this guide cover the barrel side in detail: two 50-gallon rain barrels from RTS Home Accents, a 55-gallon water storage barrel from Augason Farms, and a hand pump that empties a 55-gallon drum. No bladder listing appears among the products below, so the bladder side rests on the shape and use of the type, with no figures attached.
Barrel vs bladder at a glance
| Water storage barrel | Water bladder | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Rigid drum that holds its shape | Flexible bag that folds flat when empty |
| Capacity in this guide | 50-gallon and 55-gallon listings | Not stated |
| Fit | Flat back models sit against a wall | Fits odd spaces and low clearances |
| Getting water out | Spigot, or a hand pump at 5.5 GPM | Low outlet and gravity feed |
| Material | Polyethylene, BPA-free food-grade on the Augason Farms drum | Not stated |
| Best for | A fixed spot with room to spare | A tight spot or a move |
The gear in this guide
The listings below shape this guide: 50-gallon rain barrels, a 55-gallon water storage barrel, and a hand pump that empties a 55-gallon drum. The table lists the figures each listing states.
| Product | Capacity | Material | Size | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel, black | 50-gallon | 100% recycled plastic, UV-resistant polyethylene | 24.0 x 19.0 x 34.0 inches | 1 year |
| RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon Rain Barrel, walnut | 50-gallon | UV-resistant polyethylene | 34.0 x 21.0 x 19.0 inches | 1 year parts |
| Augason Farms Water Storage Barrel, blue | 55-gallon | BPA-free, food-grade polyethylene | 23.438 x 23.438 x 35.5 inches | Not stated |
| TERA PUMP Emergency Drum Water Pump | 5.5 GPM | Polyethylene and polypropylene | 3.6 x 3.1 x 46.0 inches | 1-Year Warranty |
Water storage barrels
The RTS Home Accents rain barrels hold 50 gallons each, with a flat back that sits against a wall or fence and an overflow valve for managing excess water. The black model lists 100% recycled plastic, a plastic spigot, and a 1 year warranty, at 18.0 pounds and 24.0 x 19.0 x 34.0 inches. The walnut model lists a brass spigot and a 1 year parts warranty, at the same 18.0 pounds and 34.0 x 21.0 x 19.0 inches. Each lists UV-resistant polyethylene and a stand sold separately.
The Augason Farms barrel holds 55 gallons and lists BPA-free, food-grade polyethylene, with two built-in plug fittings for fill and drain. It lists 18.0 pounds and 23.438 x 23.438 x 35.5 inches, and it fits a basement, garage or storage shelf. The listing gives no concrete warranty term, so no warranty term is stated here.
Rain barrels and storage barrels serve different water. The RTS barrels collect rainwater for gardens, lawns and plants, while the Augason Farms barrel stores clean water for drinking, cooking and hygiene during outages. See the rain barrel vs rain tank comparison for the garden side of storage.
Getting water out of a drum
A full 55-gallon drum is heavy to tip, so a pump matters. The TERA PUMP hand pump transfers up to 5.5 gallons per minute with a manual piston action, through a 47.2-inch discharge hose and a 33.4 inch suction tube of 1 inch diameter. It fits 55-gallon drum barrels with a 2-inch NPS bung adapter, needs no electricity, and lists a 1-Year Warranty on manufacturer defects. The listing states the maker has manufactured pumps for 20 years.
How to choose: water storage barrel vs water bladder
Match capacity to the need
Capacity is the first figure to check. The listings here hold 50 gallons or 55 gallons, and the overflow valve on the RTS barrels lets barrels link for more storage. A bladder holds what its size states, and it folds flat when empty, so it suits a home with no spare floor space. Pick the capacity that covers the need, and add a barrel rather than guessing at a larger size.
Match the fit to the space
A flat back barrel sits against a wall or fence, which suits a tight spot beside a house. The RTS barrels list a flat back shape for tight spaces, at 24.0 x 19.0 x 34.0 inches for the black model and 34.0 x 21.0 x 19.0 inches for the walnut model. A bladder fits where no rigid shape fits, such as a low shelf or a vehicle bed, and it stores flat when empty.
Match the material to the water
Drinking water needs food-grade material. The Augason Farms barrel lists BPA-free, food-grade polyethylene, and the TERA PUMP lists BPA-free material safe for drinking water. The RTS rain barrels list 100% recycled plastic for garden water. See the gravity vs pump water filter guide for treating stored water before drinking.
Plan how the water comes out
A spigot suits a garden hose and a slow fill, while a pump suits a drum that must empty fast. The RTS barrels list a spigot, plastic on the black model and brass on the walnut model. The TERA PUMP moves up to 5.5 gallons per minute by hand, with no electricity. See water tank maintenance for keeping stored water fresh.
FAQ: power away from the grid
Can a rain barrel store drinking water?
Rain barrels in this guide collect rainwater for gardens, lawns and plants. Drinking water belongs in a food-grade container, such as the Augason Farms barrel, which lists BPA-free, food-grade polyethylene and a 55-gallon capacity. Treat stored water before drinking, and see the best water filter guide for options.
How much water does a 50-gallon barrel hold?
50 gallons, as the listing states. The RTS Home Accents rain barrels each list a 50-gallon capacity, and the overflow valve lets barrels link for more storage when the need grows.
Do water bladders need a pump?
Not always. A bladder drains from a low outlet by gravity, which suits a slow fill. A pump helps when the outlet sits low or the hose must run uphill. For a rigid drum, the TERA PUMP hand pump moves up to 5.5 gallons per minute with no electricity.
Where should a water storage barrel sit?
On a flat, level spot that can hold the weight, near where the water will be used. The RTS barrels list a flat back shape for a wall or fence, and the Augason Farms barrel fits a basement, garage or storage shelf. Keep the barrel out of direct sun where possible, and keep the spigot clear for access.
How do you clean a water storage barrel?
Rinse it out, scrub the inside, and let it dry before refilling. The RTS barrels list low maintenance and easy install, and the Augason Farms barrel lists two plug fittings for fill and drain. See how to clean an RV water tank for a step-by-step routine that suits a barrel too.
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