87 Gallon Tank Guide: Every Option Compared
87 Gallons: What You Need to Know
87 gallons is the entry point for serious liquid storage applications. At full capacity with water, a 87-gallon tank weighs approximately 726 pounds. With a chemical at 1.5 specific gravity, that jumps to 1,088 pounds — manageable with basic equipment.
Understanding your options at 87 gallons prevents expensive mistakes. A tank that is technically the right capacity but the wrong shape, material rating, or configuration for your application will cost you time and money. This guide covers every 87-gallon tank we carry, what each one is designed for, and how to pick the right one.
Available 87 Gallon Tanks
Contact us at (866) 418-1777 for current availability of 87-gallon tanks. We source from every major manufacturer including Norwesco, Snyder, Ace Roto-Mold, Dura-Cast, Enduraplas, and more.
Foundation Requirements for 87 Gallon Tanks
A 87-gallon tank at full capacity with water weighs 726 pounds. At 1.5 SG (the rating for most chemical-rated tanks), that load increases to 1,088 pounds. This weight needs a firm, level surface free of rocks and debris.
The most critical requirement is levelness. An uneven foundation creates unequal stress on the tank walls. Polyethylene is flexible — it will conform to an uneven surface rather than bridging over it — and that flex creates thin spots that fail over time. Check your pad with a 4-foot level before placing the tank. Correct any variation greater than 1/4 inch.
Ensure the surface extends slightly beyond the tank footprint. This prevents edge erosion from undermining the tank support. Add a border of compacted gravel or concrete curbing to contain the pad material.
Plumbing and Connections
Every 87-gallon tank comes with a factory-installed outlet fitting. The outlet size varies by tank model — check the individual product listing for the exact NPT size. Use PTFE tape (Teflon tape) on all threaded connections. Apply 3-5 wraps in the clockwise direction (when looking at the thread end). Do not use pipe dope or sealant compounds on polyethylene fittings — they can chemically attack the plastic.
For the fill connection, you have two options: plumb through the lid or install a bulkhead fitting in the tank wall. Lid connections are simpler but limit your lid access for inspection. Wall-mounted bulkhead fittings keep the lid clear but require drilling the tank. Norwesco and other manufacturers offer factory-drilled custom fitting locations — call us to discuss your specific plumbing layout before ordering.
Always use flexible connectors for the first connection from any tank fitting. PVC flex hose or reinforced polyethylene tubing works well for tanks this size. Rigid connections will crack or pull loose as the polyethylene tank expands and contracts with temperature changes.
Common Applications for 87 Gallon Tanks
- Small farm chemical storage — herbicides, pesticides, liquid fertilizers for under 5 acres
- Residential water storage — emergency supply, rainwater collection, irrigation buffer
- Pressure washer supply — cleaning chemical and water supply for commercial cleaning
- Coolant and fluid storage — workshop and garage fluid management
- Livestock watering — supplemental water supply for small herds
Maintenance Guidelines
Polyethylene tanks require minimal maintenance, but a quarterly inspection routine prevents expensive surprises. Walk the perimeter and check for bulging, discoloration, or weeping at fittings. Verify the foundation is still level and check that vent screens are clear. For water storage applications, drain and flush annually with a mild bleach solution to prevent bacterial growth.
The UV stabilizers compounded into the tank resin protect against sun degradation, but no additive lasts forever under intense UV exposure. If your tank receives more than 8 hours of direct sun daily, inspect the sun-facing side annually for chalking. A simple shade structure or reflective wrap extends service life in high-UV environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 87 gallon tank weigh when full?
With water (SG 1.0): approximately 726 pounds. With a chemical at 1.5 specific gravity: approximately 1,088 pounds. Always plan your foundation for the maximum rated weight, not just water weight — even if you plan to store water initially, you may switch to a heavier liquid later.
Can I store drinking water in these tanks?
Yes — tanks marked as FDA approved are safe for potable water contact. The polyethylene resin meets FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 requirements for food-grade contact. For best water quality, use a tank with a dark exterior (black or dark green) to block sunlight and prevent algae, and flush the tank before first use.
Do I need a permit to install a 87 gallon tank?
Permit requirements vary by jurisdiction. Most residential areas allow above-ground water storage tanks without permits below a certain size threshold (often 5,000 gallons). Chemical storage may require additional permits, secondary containment, and fire marshal approval depending on the chemical and your location. Always check with your local building department before installing any tank used for chemical storage.
What is the difference between chemical-rated and water-only tanks?
Chemical-rated tanks (SG 1.5-1.9) have thicker walls engineered to handle heavier, more corrosive liquids. Water-only tanks (SG 1.0-1.1) have thinner walls optimized for the weight of water. Chemical-rated tanks cost more because they use more material. You can always store water in a chemical-rated tank, but you should NEVER store chemicals in a water-only tank — the thinner walls cannot handle the additional weight and potential chemical stress.
How long do polyethylene tanks last?
Under normal conditions with proper installation and maintenance: 15 to 20+ years. The primary failure modes are UV degradation (prevented by UV stabilizers and shade), chemical attack (prevented by staying within the compatibility chart), and foundation failure (prevented by proper site preparation). Tanks that are installed correctly and used within their ratings routinely exceed the 20-year mark.
Need help choosing the right 87-gallon tank? Call (866) 418-1777 or browse our full selection online.