Flat-bottom polyethylene tanks deliver the lowest install cost, simplest foundation requirement, and lowest center of gravity available in a polyethylene vessel. The flat bottom sits directly on a flat pad or pickup-bed surface — no stand, no cradle, no bolt-up. Best for utility water, non-critical chemical service, and ag transport where total-drain isn't required. Catalog covers Norwesco, Snyder Industries, Chem-Tainer, Enduraplas, and Bushman flat-bottom utility SKUs.
Applications
Utility water storage for residential, ranch, and light commercial
Pickup-bed and trailer-mounted water transport
Livestock and pet watering (NSF 61 potable models available)
Construction-site water for dust control and equipment wash
Backup emergency water reserve (no plumbing requirement)
Compliance & Standards
Typically rotomolded to ASTM D1998; FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 resin compliance varies by model (see each product's Specifications). Flat-bottom tanks require full-footprint support — flat, level, continuous (concrete pad, plywood deck, or steel skid). Never set on bare earth, gravel, or any partial-support surface; point-loading causes shell stress and eventual cracking.
Engineering & Selection
Flat-bottom geometry has one inherent limitation: residual fluid. A flat bottom won't fully drain to a side or low-point outlet — expect 1–3% residual depending on tank diameter and outlet position. For applications where total-drain matters (chemical changeover, batch processing, sanitation), specify a cone-bottom or sump-bottom geometry instead. Otherwise, flat-bottom is the most economical and structurally simplest option.
Freight & Delivery
Tanks ship LTL motor freight from the closest stocking warehouse to your delivery ZIP. Typical transit 5–10 business days. Liftgate available at delivery (per-shipment fee). Always inspect at delivery and note damage on the bill of lading before signing — that is the carrier claim trigger. Bulk-order consolidation reduces per-tank freight 25–40%. Get your LTL freight quote by ZIP, or call 866-418-1777 for same-business-day quoted pricing.
Sizing & Selection
Match capacity to your fill cycle and draw rate. Verify outlet position (sidewall is typical; centerline-bottom on some). 866-418-1777 for water-system sizing.
A 7 gallon flat bottom utility tank, sold four at a time
The Norwesco 7 gallon portable flat bottom utility tank, part number 44852, is a white polyethylene tank 14 inches long, 9 inches wide and 18...
A 16 gallon flat bottom utility tank for a UTV, a sprayer cart or a shop
The Norwesco 16 gallon portable flat bottom utility tank, part number 44853, is a small white polyethylene tank 20 inches...
A 20 gallon upright utility tank that stands in a corner
The Norwesco 20 gallon portable flat bottom utility tank, part number 44854, is a tall, narrow white polyethylene tank 15 inches long, 11...
A 26 gallon white utility tank that one person carries and a UPS driver drops at the door
The Norwesco 26 gallon portable flat bottom utility tank in white, part number 43835, is a small...
A 35 gallon upright utility tank on a 15 inch square footprint
The Norwesco 35 gallon portable flat bottom utility tank, part number 44873, is a white polyethylene tank 15 inches long, 15 inches...
A 45 gallon white utility tank for a sprayer, a side by side or a shop bench
The Norwesco 45 gallon portable flat bottom utility tank in white, part number 43837, is a small polyethylene tank 38...
A 25 gallon low, flat bottom utility tank with the outlet fitting already in it
The Norwesco 25 gallon rectangular flat bottom utility tank, part number 45879, is a white polyethylene tank 34 inches...
A 50 gallon white flat bottom tank with a slosh guard for travel
The Norwesco 50 gallon flat bottom tank with slosh guard in white, part number 43292, is a polyethylene tank 38 inches long, 19...
A 45 gallon black flat bottom utility tank for a truck bed, a UTV or a skid
The Norwesco 45 gallon plastic portable flat bottom utility tank in black, part number 44629, is a polyethylene tank 38...
A 50 gallon loaf tank that rides flat in a pickup bed or a UTV
The Norwesco 50 gallon portable loaf utility tank, part number 44962, is a white polyethylene tank 48 inches long, 20 inches wide and...
A short, wide 50 gallon loaf tank for a UTV box or a compact bed
The Norwesco 50 gallon portable loaf utility tank in white, part number 43610, is a polyethylene tank 41 inches long, 27 inches wide...
A 55 gallon upright utility tank on an 18 inch square footprint
The Norwesco 55 gallon portable flat bottom utility tank, part number 44855, is a white polyethylene tank 18 inches long, 18 inches...