6 Best Stock Tanks With Drain For Pigs for Easy Cleaning

Anyone who has tried to empty a 100-gallon stock tank full of pig mud by tipping it over knows the moment of instant regret. Your back screams, a tidal wave of filth floods the pen, and you swear you’ll never do it again. A simple drain plug transforms this back-breaking chore into a manageable task, saving you time, effort, and a whole lot of mess. Choosing the right tank with the right drain is one of those small decisions that pays huge dividends in the daily rhythm of farm life.

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Why a Drain Plug is Essential for Pig Wallows

Cleaning a pig wallow without a drain is a lesson in futility. You’re left with two bad options: bailing it out bucket by bucket or attempting the "big tip." The latter often results in a partially drained tank, a strained back, and a pen that’s even more of a swamp than when you started.

A drain plug solves this problem elegantly. You simply unscrew the plug, and gravity does the heavy lifting. You can even attach a short hose to direct the muddy water to a specific drainage area, preventing the entire pen from turning into a soupy mess. This makes regular cleaning not just possible, but easy.

This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about animal health and good management. A stagnant, filthy wallow can become a breeding ground for bacteria and parasites. By making cleaning simple, a drain plug encourages you to refresh the water more often, which is crucial for keeping your pigs healthy and comfortable, especially in the summer heat.

Tuff Stuff KMT100: Heavy-Duty, All-Purpose Tank

When you need a tank that can take a beating, the Tuff Stuff line is a serious contender. The KMT100, typically the 110-gallon model, is made from thick, recycled LDPE plastic. It’s flexible enough to resist cracking from impacts or extreme cold but rigid enough to hold its shape when full.

Its drain plug is a standard 3/4-inch threaded outlet, which is a fantastic feature. This means you can easily screw in a common garden hose fitting to direct the draining water. This is a game-changer for managing mud and keeping the area immediately around the wallow from becoming a permanent bog.

While it’s a stellar wallow, its versatility is a bonus for any hobby farm. The smooth, rounded edges make it safe for animals, and its chemical-resistant construction means you can use it for anything from a water trough to a feed bin. It’s a true workhorse, built for general farm abuse.

Behlen Galvanized Tank: Classic, Chew-Proof Steel

There’s a reason you see these iconic steel tanks on farms everywhere. The primary advantage of a Behlen galvanized tank is simple: pigs can’t chew through steel. A bored or agitated pig can make short work of plastic, but they won’t make a dent in one of these.

The drain plug on a Behlen is as robust as the tank itself. It’s a heavy-duty threaded steel plug that creates a solid, leak-proof seal. You don’t have to worry about the threads stripping over time, which can sometimes be an issue with plastic tanks after years of use.

The main tradeoff is heat. A steel tank sitting in the direct summer sun will get hot, so placement in a shaded area is critical. They can also eventually rust if the protective zinc coating gets deeply scratched. But for sheer, brute-force durability and chew-proof peace of mind, galvanized steel is unmatched.

Rubbermaid Stock Tank: Durable, Structural Foam

Rubbermaid tanks are a step up in plastic design. They are made from a structural foam polyethylene, which makes them incredibly tough and resistant to warping or cracking. They handle temperature swings better than cheaper plastics and can withstand the daily abuse of being shoved around by a 300-pound hog.

The design details are what set it apart. Many models feature an oversized drain plug that allows the tank to empty quickly, which is a huge plus when you’re short on time. This larger opening is also less likely to get clogged with straw, mud, and other debris that inevitably ends up in a wallow.

These tanks are built for longevity. The stepped sidewalls and reinforced ribbing add significant structural integrity, preventing the sides from bowing out under the pressure of hundreds of gallons of water. It’s a premium option, but its durability and thoughtful features often make it a worthwhile long-term investment.

High Country Plastics ST-165: Large Capacity Poly

For those with multiple pigs or larger heritage breeds, size matters. The High Country Plastics ST-165 offers a generous 165-gallon capacity, giving several large hogs enough room to cool off without being cramped. It’s made from a tough, FDA-approved poly plastic that’s safe for animals and built to last.

A tank this large would be impossible to manage without a good drain. The ST-165 features a large, easy-to-grip drain plug that allows for fast emptying. When you’re dealing with this much volume, you don’t want to be waiting around for a slow trickle.

This is the tank for when you need serious capacity. It provides enough space for a full-grown hog to submerge and roll around comfortably. The trade-off is its large footprint and the amount of water needed to fill it, but for ensuring animal welfare during hot weather, the extra space is invaluable.

Tuff Stuff KMT101 40-Gallon: Ideal for Piglets

A deep, 150-gallon tank can be a drowning hazard for small piglets. The smaller 40-gallon Tuff Stuff KMT101 is the perfect solution for weaners. It’s shallow enough to be safe but deep enough to let them learn the joy of a good mud bath.

Even with a smaller tank, the drain plug is essential. A 40-gallon tank filled with water and mud still weighs over 300 pounds—not something you want to be tipping every day. The simple screw-out drain makes daily cleaning a quick, easy chore, which is critical for maintaining hygiene for young, vulnerable animals.

Think of this tank as part of a system. You can start your piglets here and graduate them to a larger wallow as they grow. Its compact size and durability also make it incredibly useful for other farm tasks, from a temporary waterer for other livestock to a tub for washing harvested root vegetables.

CountyLine Poly Stock Tank: A Farm Store Favorite

If you walk into almost any farm supply store, you’ll find a stack of CountyLine stock tanks. They are the accessible, reliable workhorses of the hobby farm world. These polyethylene tanks offer a fantastic balance of affordability and durability, making them a practical choice for most situations.

They have all the essential features you need without the premium price tag. The poly material is UV-stabilized to prevent it from becoming brittle in the sun, and the rims are typically reinforced for added strength. The drain plug is a standard, no-fuss design that seals well and is easy to operate.

This is the go-to option when you just need something that works. It may not have the indestructible feel of galvanized steel or the advanced design of a structural foam tank, but it does the job reliably year after year. For many hobby farmers, that straightforward, dependable performance is exactly what’s needed.

Choosing Your Tank: Material, Size, and Drain Type

Ultimately, your choice comes down to a few key factors. The material is the first big decision, with a clear tradeoff between durability and convenience.

• Plastic/Poly: Lightweight, won’t rust, and stays cooler in the sun. The major downside is that a determined pig can chew on it, potentially causing damage.
• Galvanized Steel: Completely chew-proof and incredibly durable. However, it gets hot in direct sun and can eventually rust if the coating is compromised.

Next, consider the size. Don’t make the mistake of getting a tank that’s too small. While a 40-50 gallon tank is great for piglets, a single full-grown market hog needs at least a 100-gallon tank to be able to lie down and roll comfortably. For two or more, 150 gallons or more is a much better choice for their welfare.

Finally, look closely at the drain plug itself. A standard threaded drain that can accept a hose fitting gives you the most control over where the dirty water goes. An oversized, non-threaded plug will drain faster but offers less control. Whatever you choose, make sure the plug is recessed or otherwise protected so a curious pig can’t unscrew it for you.

A stock tank with a drain isn’t a luxury; it’s a fundamental piece of equipment for managing pigs cleanly and efficiently. It transforms a dreaded chore into a simple routine, directly impacting animal health and your own sanity. By weighing the tradeoffs between material, size, and design, you can choose a wallow that will serve you and your pigs well for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a recessed drain on a stock tank for pigs?

Recessed drains on a stock tank for pigs sit inside a molded pocket at the container base to facilitate complete water evacuation. This configuration allows wastewater, feed sediment, and heavy mud to flush out smoothly without pooling at the bottom. The inset design also shields the plug threads from being chewed, stepped on, or dislodged by rooting swine. Most commercial agricultural poly tanks utilize this feature to maintain an airtight seal against constant pig interference.

What does a bulkhead drain fitting do on a stock tank for pigs?

Bulkhead drain fittings create a watertight channel through the sidewall or bottom of a stock tank for pigs so owners can attach drainage valves. The assembly uses threaded collars and a rubber gasket that clamps firmly against the plastic or metal wall. This setup lets you connect a standard three-quarter-inch garden hose or PVC ball valve to direct runoff away from your pasture. It prevents water and muck from seeping into bedding areas.

How do I drain and clean a stock tank for pigs without flipping it?

To clean a stock tank with drain for pigs, unscrew the plug, flush out loose muck with a hose, scrub the interior, and disinfect the surface. Hook a garden hose to the open drain fitting to direct dirty water out of the pen. Next, use a stiff nylon brush and a mild dish soap or dilute vinegar solution to scrub manure and algae off the walls. Rinse the tank thoroughly with clean water, reinstall the threaded plug with fresh pipe tape, and refill the basin.

How do you protect a stock tank drain plug from chewing pigs?

Shielding a stock tank drain plug from pigs requires installing a metal guard, securing an exterior PVC shutoff valve, or fencing the drain outside the pen. Pigs naturally root and chew on exposed rubber or plastic drain caps. You can bolt a curved piece of 16-gauge sheet metal over the interior plug to block their snouts entirely. Alternatively, choose a tank model that features an exterior drain recessed behind a framed wooden platform where pig snouts cannot reach the valve handle.

Plastic vs galvanized steel stock tanks with drain for pigs which is better?

Plastic poly stock tanks are generally better for pigs than galvanized steel because poly tanks will not rust from pig urine, acidity, or wallowing mud. Heavy structural foam tanks also flex when bumped by two-hundred-pound hogs, whereas metal stock tanks can dent and crack at the welded seams over time. However, galvanized tanks resist chewing damage better if you have aggressive biters. For most hog operations, high-density polyethylene models with molded drain channels provide easier sanitation and last significantly longer.

How many gallons should a stock tank with drain for pigs hold?

Stock tanks with drains for pigs should hold between fifty and one hundred gallons for three to six market-weight pigs. A mature hog consumes two to five gallons of fresh drinking water every day, and higher volume is required if the tank doubles as a summer wallow. Tanks smaller than forty gallons empty too quickly and get flipped easily by rooting snouts. If you raise breeding sows or large groups of ten or more hogs, upgrade to a three-hundred-gallon tank.

Why is my stock tank drain plug leaking after cleaning pig manure?

Drain plugs on pig stock tanks usually leak because coarse dirt or grit gets trapped between the gasket and the tank wall during reinstallation. Pig pens contain fine soil and feed particles that coat the threads when the drain opens. To fix the leak, unscrew the plug completely and wash the rubber O-ring with clean water. Check the gasket for hairline cracks or pig bite indentations, wrap the male threads with two passes of Teflon plumbing tape, and hand-tighten the plug firmly.

Is a galvanized stock tank with drain safe for pigs to use as a waterer?

Galvanized stock tanks with drains are safe for pig drinking water provided the zinc coating remains intact and the water stays near neutral pH. Problems arise if acidic feed residues, liquid vitamin supplements, or standing pig manure corrode the protective zinc layer and leach metal into the water. If rust forms along the floor or near the drain fitting, discard the tank or switch to food-grade polyethylene. Routinely flushing the drain prevents stagnant minerals and organic waste from eating through the zinc barrier.