Flat-Bottom Tanks — Comprehensive Catalog
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
Rotomolded to ASTM D1998 from FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 polyethylene. 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.
Related Categories
Sump Tanks Cone-Bottom Tanks Rectangular Tanks Loaf Tanks Vertical Tanks