Buy Used Metal Drums in Provo

How to Buy Used Metal Drums in Provo, UT: Save Money and Get Quality

What you'll get from this guide: Learn where to find good used metal drums in Provo, how to check if they're safe to use, and how to avoid costly mistakes. You'll save money and get exactly what you need for your project.

What Are Used Metal Drums?

Used metal drums are large steel containers that once held liquids or solids. Most hold 55 gallons (about 208 liters). Think of them as big, sturdy buckets made of steel.

Two main types:

• Open-head drums - Have removable lids you can take off completely
• Tight-head drums - Have small holes (bungholes) for filling and emptying

Common uses:

• Water storage for gardens
• Making rain barrels
• Storing animal feed
• DIY projects like planters or fire pits
• Industrial storage

What to Check Before You Buy

Food Grade vs. Non-Food Grade

This is the most important thing to understand.

Food grade drums:

• Safe for drinking water
• Never held dangerous chemicals
• Cost more but worth it for water storage

Non-food grade drums:

• May have held oils, chemicals, or industrial products
• Cheaper but need careful cleaning
• Don't use for drinking water

Drum Condition Checklist

Look for these problems:

• Dents - Small ones are okay, big ones weaken the drum
• Rust - Surface rust is fixable, deep rust means trouble
• Holes - Even tiny holes make drums useless for liquids
• Bad smell - Hard to clean out completely

Size and Weight

• 55-gallon drums are most common
• Empty weight: 35-50 pounds
• Full of water: Over 400 pounds
• Make sure you can move them where you need them

How to Inspect a Used Drum

Visual Check

Outside: Look for dents, rust, or damage

Inside: Check for residue, rust, or bad smells

Lid/closure: Make sure it opens and closes properly

Bottom: Check for rust or damage where it sits

Water Test

Fill the drum with water and let it sit for an hour. Check for leaks. This simple test can save you from buying a useless drum.

Smell Test

If it smells bad, it will be hard to clean. Unless you're getting a great deal, skip drums with strong odors.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Basic Cleaning

Rinse with water first

Scrub with dish soap and a brush

Rinse again thoroughly

Air dry completely

For Food/Water Use

Clean as above

Sanitize with diluted bleach (1 tablespoon per gallon of water)

Rinse multiple times until no chlorine smell remains

Air dry completely

Preventing Rust

• Paint exterior surfaces prone to weather
• Store on pallets, not directly on ground
• Keep lids on when not in use

Moving and Storing Drums

Transportation Tips

• Empty drums: Can lift with two people
• Full drums: Need equipment or truck
• Multiple drums: Rent a truck or trailer

Storage Best Practices

• Keep drums off the ground
• Use spill containment if storing liquids
• Ensure good ventilation
• Label contents clearly

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not checking food grade status - Don't assume all drums are safe for water

Ignoring small holes - They'll become big problems

Buying without seeing - Always inspect before buying

Forgetting transportation - Plan how you'll move them

Not cleaning properly - Poor cleaning leads to contamination

Final Tips

• Start small - Buy one drum first to test your supplier
• Ask questions - Good suppliers will explain drum history
• Plan ahead - Popular drums sell quickly
• Consider delivery - Some suppliers offer this service
• Keep receipts - In case you need to return defective drums

Bottom line: Used metal drums are a great deal if you know what to look for. Take your time, inspect carefully, and don't be afraid to ask questions. The money you save buying used can go toward other parts of your project.