IBC Tote Fittings – Wide-Thread and Hard to Find
What are IBC Totes used for?
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC totes), are polyethylene (plastic) containers with an integrated galvanized steel pallet base and cage. They are most commonly used in factories for food production, on farms for fertilizer storage, or on construction sites for water and other storage. Many homeowners will also use IBC totes to harvest rainwater for their gardens.
Why are IBV Totes so popular?
IBC totes are a popular liquid storage tank choice for a few key reasons. They’re cost effective, often available on second-hand websites like Kijiji, with prices ranging from $20-$200. The integrated metal pallet and cage make them sturdy enough for stacking or mobile use in the back of trucks. Lastly, they can be used to store a range of products, from water to oil, or brine. We do recommend caution when purchasing used containers, as it can be unsafe for potable water, or may lead to chemical mixing and contamination.
What fitting options can I use?
Overall, IBC totes are extremely versatile, widely available, and affordable, making them one of the most popular liquid storage solutions. However, there is one challenge that most IBC tote owners face, finding the correct fittings for your outlet. Most IBC totes have a moulded outlet with a 2” opening, featuring a wide-thread connection. The problem is that IBC totes are just about the only liquid storage tank that uses the wide-thread instead of the standard-thread. As a result, there are a very limited number of fitting options manufactured, and they are hard to find.
The only 2” fitting we have been able to reliably source is for a garden hose. This is an ideal choice for home gardeners or most mobile uses, however, it can lead to frustration for some IBC tote owners. With a standard-thread, you can find hundreds of options and complete flexibility to create the outlet you need for your job.
If you’ve got a specific outlet requirement for your project beyond a garden hose, it may be worth considering purchasing a small horizontal or vertical liquid storage tank instead. With standard-thread bulkheads in a range of sizes, you can create the perfect fitting for your needs.
Alternatively, you could cut off the moulded 2” wide-thread and drill a new hole in its place, then select the bulkhead of your choosing with a standard-thread, and have full customization for your tank. If you’d like to explore that option, we’ve got you covered with this bulkhead installation blog.
For all of your liquid storage tank needs, you can explore our options, pricing, and blueprints online, give us a call or an email for customized advice, or visit in store, where we have thousands of tanks and fittings always in stock.
