Cleaning a drum for water.

[CathyInBlue]

Slap a skull and cross'd bones on it and stencil GRAY WATER ONLY - DO NOT DRINK OR BATHE IN. After that, I'd wash my hands of that issue.. just not in the barrel water.

[1911 Headbanger]

You can use one of the thick plastic bag type drum liners to put water into it. The Civil Defense used to stock fall-out shelters with 55 gallon drums that had cosmoline coating on the inside to prevent rust and seal out air leaks. The water was in two thick plastic bag type liners. They would store for years. My Dad was a Civil Defense Coordinator for the Police Dept. back during the Cold War years. I used to go in the shelter areas and marvel at the neat gear and cases and cases of C-Rations and storable food and water.

[abock33]

Originally Posted by 1911 Headbanger

You can use one of the thick plastic bag type drum liners to put water into it. The Civil Defense used to stock fall-out shelters with 55 gallon drums that had cosmoline coating on the inside to prevent rust and seal out air leaks. The water was in two thick plastic bag type liners. They would store for years. My Dad was a Civil Defense Coordinator for the Police Dept. back during the Cold War years. I used to go in the shelter areas and marvel at the neat gear and cases and cases of C-Rations and storable food and water.

That might work. But where would I find a 225gal bag to fit inside. The container is oddly shaped to begin with. Its 3 x 3 x 3 ft (estimate) and has a 6in diameter lid on top. I wouldn't know how to keep the bags from falling in once full. Also there is a valve on the bottom.

[1911 Headbanger]

Originally Posted by abock33

That might work. But where would I find a 225gal bag to fit inside. The container is oddly shaped to begin with. Its 3 x 3 x 3 ft (estimate) and has a 6in diameter lid on top. I wouldn't know how to keep the bags from falling in once full. Also there is a valve on the bottom.

abock, I'm not sure. There are some industrial supply stores that carry drum liners, but they are designed for 55 gallon drums. You can get the food grade ones. The ones I saw in the shelter had a bag inside the drum, then they put another bag inside that bag to form 2 layers. they filled it with water but saved room at the top and they twisted the top of the bag and used a cable tie or something like that to close it. They then did the same with the outer bag.
There are also some heavy duty bags at contractor supply stores that are used for removal of asbestos when old buildings are torn down. They are food grade and won't leak and are big enough to fill a 55 gallon drum. But a 3x3x3 container I guess the bag wouldn't fit exactly, but could still be used.

[BigSlick]

What kind of antifreeze was stored in the drum? There are two types commonly used. Propylene glycol and ethylene glycol. Some types of ethylene glycol also contain rust inhibitors, the same can be said for the propylene too. Propylene glycol is an FDA approved and is used as an RV water flush/antifreeze for winterizing but does not contain anything that would be harmful if ingested. Check the MSDS sheets on the tote or get a copy of it from the safety director. Check the MSDS for disposal or reuse applications if any apply. Ethylene glycol is some nasty stuff and will harm the kidneys and liver in humans and animals. Damage to the organs is irreversible and a painful death. You don’t want to go there. You may want to consider using it for fuel or heating oil storage like I use mine for once properly cleaned out of course.
One thing to consider for water storage is one of those above ground pools that Wally World sells. They are pretty cheap, usually less than 100.00 dollars on sale and will hold about 1500 gallons of water. You can buy a cover for them to keep out the leaves and bugs that are typically attracted to them. The filter and pump that usually comes with the pool will keep the water clean and oxygenated. Small amounts of chlorine can be added to remove any bacteria/algae that may accumulate. This water would be suitable for bathing, flushing the toilet, etc. You could also direct rainwater into it if close to the house or other buildings.

[abock33]

Good ideas. I will defiantly check the msds. I never thought about the pool idea.

[utimmer43]

Originally Posted by abock33

We go through a container every 2 weeks and the company has to pay to get rid of them.

Really? Those things are like gold to Bio-Diesel home brewers. If I lived close enough, I'd gladly take them off your hands. Has your company tried to sell them? If not, maybe you ought to put an ad on Craigs List.

+1 about the Propylene Glycol vs. Ethylene Glycol