8 Supplies for Connecting Multiple Water Storage Totes

Collecting rainwater in a single 275-gallon IBC tote is a great start, but a dry spell will empty that reserve far quicker than expected. Linking multiple totes together creates a resilient, high-capacity irrigation bank that can sustain a small orchard or market garden through the hottest summer weeks. Having the right heavy-duty fittings and hoses prevents catastrophic leaks and ensures the entire system fills and drains as a single, unified reservoir.

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Planning Your Multi-Tote Rainwater System

Setting up a multi-tote system requires looking at the layout of the homestead and calculating real water needs. A single heavy rainstorm can shed thousands of gallons of water off a barn or shed roof, easily overwhelming a single container. Planning the footprint beforehand ensures there is enough stable, flat space to support the immense weight of multiple filled tanks.

Weight is the most critical and frequently overlooked factor when planning these setups. A single 275-gallon IBC tote weighs over 2,200 pounds when fully loaded with water. Placing three or four of these in a line requires a foundation that will not sink, shift, or tilt over time, which would ruin the plumbing connections.

Consider the proximity to the target garden beds or livestock troughs. While gravity can move water over surprising distances, every foot of horizontal run and every bend in the pipe reduces water pressure. Lay out the footprint as close to the point of use as possible to maximize flow rate.

Understanding Gravity Feed and Leveling

Gravity-fed systems rely on simple physics: water always seeks its own level. When multiple totes are linked at the bottom, water flows between them until the level is uniform across all tanks. This means the tops of all the totes must sit on a perfectly level plane to prevent one tank from overflowing while another is only half full.

Elevating the entire bank of totes is highly recommended to increase usable water pressure. Placing the tanks on solid concrete blocks or a stout timber platform raised two to three feet off the ground provides the head pressure needed to run drip lines or fill buckets easily. A good rule of thumb is that every foot of elevation gain yields about 0.433 PSI of water pressure.

If the ground is uneven, the lowest tote will bear the brunt of the water volume, putting immense stress on its seals and potentially causing an overflow. Spend the extra time grading the site, laying down compacted gravel, and using a long spirit level across the entire foundation before placing a single empty tote.

IBC Tote Adapter – Banjo FC200 Buttress Thread

Standard IBC totes do not use typical plumbing threads; they feature a coarse, heavy-duty buttress thread on the main drain valve. Trying to force standard PVC fittings onto this outlet will strip the threads and guarantee a slow, frustrating drip. An adapter is the essential bridge that converts this proprietary agricultural thread into standard pipe threads.

The Banjo FC200 Buttress Thread Adapter is molded from heavy-duty, glass-reinforced polypropylene for exceptional chemical and weather resistance. It features a deep, clean 2-inch female buttress thread on one side and a standard 2-inch female NPT thread on the other. This robust construction ensures it won’t crack under the physical strain of heavy hoses or during freezing winter temperatures.

Before purchasing, verify the outlet size of the tote valve, as 2-inch coarse threads are the most common but not universal. This adapter comes with a thick EPDM gasket that creates a watertight seal without requiring excessive tightening. Hand-tightening is usually sufficient; using heavy pipe wrenches can over-compress the gasket and cause leaks.

• Material: Glass-reinforced polypropylene
• Connection: 2-inch Female Buttress x 2-inch Female NPT
• Gasket Material: EPDM
• Best for: Standard 275-gallon and 330-gallon IBC totes with coarse threads

This adapter is perfect for anyone looking to connect standard plumbing to a standard Schutz-style IBC tote. It is not suitable for totes featuring fine-threaded valves or non-standard 3-inch outlets.

Bulkhead Fitting – Hayward BF Series PVC Fitting

When linking totes from the top for overflow or tapping into the side walls of plastic tanks, a standard pipe fitting cannot create a seal on curved or thin plastic. A bulkhead fitting clamps tightly onto both sides of the tank wall, sandwiching a gasket to create a permanent, leak-proof port. This is the only reliable way to add new connection points to a tank.

The Hayward BF Series PVC Bulkhead Fitting is the gold standard for agricultural water systems due to its heavy-wall construction and extra-long threads. It features a thick, double-sided EPDM gasket that compensates for minor curves in the tank wall and seals perfectly under pressure. The left-hand threads on the locking nut prevent the fitting from loosening when tightening the internal pipe connections.

Installing this fitting requires drilling a precise hole through the plastic wall of the tote using a hole saw. Clean off any plastic burrs before inserting the fitting to ensure the gasket seats perfectly against the tank wall. Always place the gasket on the flange side (usually inside the tank) for the most reliable seal.

• Material: Heavy-duty PVC
• Gasket: EPDM (FPM options available)
• Thread style: Left-hand locking thread
• Best for: Creating new inlet, outlet, or overflow ports on plastic tanks

This fitting is ideal for farmers customizing their tanks with high-flow ports or top-level overflow lines. It is not meant for thin, flimsy barrels that cannot support the weight of heavy piping attached to the bulkhead.

Barb Tee Fitting – Dura Plastic Schedule 40 Tee

To link three or more totes into a single manifold, the water lines from each tank must merge into a central delivery line. A barb tee fitting splits or combines the flow, allowing water to move freely between the tanks and out to the main valve. Without a high-quality tee, the plumbing layout becomes overly complex and prone to flow restrictions.

The Dura Plastic Schedule 40 Barb Tee is engineered from high-impact PVC, making it highly resistant to physical damage and UV degradation. The sharp, well-defined barbs grip the inside of flexible hoses tightly, preventing slip-offs even under the pressure of a full water system. Its smooth internal bore minimizes friction loss, keeping the gravity-fed flow rate as high as possible.

When using flexible vinyl or rubber hoses, warming the hose end in hot water makes sliding it over these large barbs much easier. Ensure the barb size matches the inner diameter of the hose exactly to prevent leaks. No glue is needed for barb fittings, but they must be secured with mechanical clamps.

• Material: Schedule 40 PVC
• Type: Insert Barb Tee
• Sizes: Available in 1-inch to 2-inch barb configurations
• Best for: Manifold systems using flexible hose lines

This tee is the right choice for farmers building flexible, modular manifold systems that can handle minor ground shifting. It is not suitable for rigid PVC pipe setups that require solvent-welded slip fittings.

Braided Vinyl Hose – Kuriyama Kuri Tec K3150

Rigid pipes between totes are prone to cracking when the ground shifts under the weight of thousands of gallons of water. Flexible hose acts as a shock absorber, absorbing movement and vibrations without putting stress on the tank fittings. It also makes aligning the plumbing between slightly misaligned totes much easier.

The Kuriyama Kuri Tec K3150 Braided Vinyl Hose features a heavy-duty, open-mesh polyester braiding sandwiched between clear PVC walls. This design offers excellent pressure ratings while remaining flexible enough to route around obstacles. The clear wall allows for quick visual inspection to check for sediment buildup, air bubbles, or algae growth inside the lines.

While flexible, this hose has a minimum bend radius that must be respected to prevent kinking, which would restrict water flow. Keep hose runs as straight and short as possible to prevent sagging and sediment traps. Protect the hose from direct, intense sunlight if possible to prevent algae growth inside the clear tube over time.

• Material: Clear PVC with polyester braid reinforcement
• Temperature Range: 25°F to 150°F
• Working Pressure: Up to 200 PSI (depending on size)
• Best for: Flexible manifold connections and gravity-feed lines

This hose is perfect for homesteaders who need a durable, flexible, and inspectable connection line between tanks. It is not ideal for permanent underground burial or extreme sub-zero winter use when filled with water.

Hose Clamp – Ideal-Tridon 62M Stainless Steel

A barbed fitting and hose alone cannot guarantee a leak-proof connection under the constant pressure of a multi-tote system. Hose clamps apply uniform radial pressure around the hose, locking it securely onto the barbs. Cheap clamps will rust and snap, leading to a catastrophic loss of stored water.

The Ideal-Tridon 62M Stainless Steel Hose Clamp is constructed entirely from 300-series stainless steel, including the screw, band, and housing. This marine-grade construction ensures it will not rust or corrode when exposed to damp soil, rain, and agricultural runoff. The band features clean, punched slots that allow the worm gear to engage smoothly without stripping.

Use a nut driver or socket wrench rather than a flathead screwdriver to tighten these clamps to prevent slipping and injuring hands. Position the clamp just behind the first barb on the fitting to get the most secure grip. Avoid over-tightening, which can cut into the vinyl hose and cause premature failure.

• Material: 300-Series Stainless Steel (all components)
• Style: Worm-gear drive
• Band Width: 1/2-inch
• Best for: Securing flexible hoses to barbed fittings in outdoor environments

This clamp is a must-have for any outdoor plumbing system where reliability and rust resistance are paramount. It is not suitable for high-pressure hydraulic lines or applications requiring quick-release mechanisms.

PVC Ball Valve – Nibco G-413-Y Compact Valve

Isolating individual totes or shutting off the main gravity feed is essential for maintenance, repairs, or system modifications. A high-quality ball valve allows for quick, positive shut-off of the water flow with a simple quarter-turn of the handle. Without isolation valves, emptying the entire system is required just to fix a single leaking hose.

The Nibco G-413-Y Compact PVC Ball Valve is a rugged, industrial-grade valve designed for demanding fluid control applications. It features a durable PVC body, EPDM seats, and double O-ring stem seals to prevent leaks over years of outdoor exposure. The large, ergonomic handle provides excellent leverage, making it easy to operate even when the valve has sat unused for months.

This valve features female NPT threaded ends, allowing for easy integration with standard threaded fittings without the need for PVC glue. Ensure the threads are wrapped with quality sealant tape before assembly to guarantee a watertight joint. When winterizing, leave the valve half-open to prevent trapped water from freezing and cracking the valve body.

• Material: PVC with EPDM seats
• Connection: Female NPT Threaded
• Pressure Rating: 150 PSI at 73°F
• Best for: Main system shut-offs and individual tank isolation

This valve is perfect for farmers who want a reliable, low-maintenance shut-off point that won’t seize up over time. It is not intended for high-temperature water lines or steam applications.

Thread Sealant Tape – Dixon Valve TFE12 PTFE

Metal-to-plastic or plastic-to-plastic threaded connections have microscopic gaps that water will inevitably find under pressure. Thread sealant tape fills these tiny voids, acting as both a physical barrier and a lubricant that allows threads to seat deeper. It is the cheapest insurance policy against slow, constant drips at every threaded joint in the system.

Dixon Valve TFE12 PTFE Tape is a high-density, professional-grade thread tape that resists tearing and shredding during installation. Unlike cheap, thin tapes that require a dozen wraps to seal, this thick tape creates a reliable barrier with just three to four wraps. It is chemically inert and highly resistant to temperature extremes, ensuring it won’t degrade over years of outdoor service.

Always wrap the tape in the clockwise direction (the same direction the male threads will turn into the female fitting). Wrapping it counter-clockwise will cause the tape to unravel and bunch up as the fitting is tightened, ruining the seal. Keep the tape flat and tight against the threads as it is applied, leaving the first thread bare to prevent tape from entering the water stream.

• Material: 100% PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
• Thickness: Heavy-duty high-density
• Width: 1/2-inch (standard for plumbing)
• Best for: Sealing threaded PVC, polypropylene, and brass fittings

This tape is an absolute necessity for anyone assembling threaded plumbing connections on the farm. It is not a substitute for solvent cement on slip-fit PVC joints or a fix for cracked fittings.

Inline Filter – Rusco Spin-Down Sediment Filter

Rainwater collected from roofs carries a surprising amount of debris, including shingle grit, leaves, bird droppings, and pollen. If this sediment enters the storage totes, it will settle at the bottom, clog the manifold lines, and eventually ruin drip irrigation emitters or pump impellers. An inline filter traps this debris before it can enter the distribution plumbing.

The Rusco Spin-Down Sediment Filter utilizes a clever centrifugal action to spin heavy sediment outward and down into a clear collection chamber. This design keeps the filter screen clean longer and allows for easy visual monitoring of debris levels. The bottom of the filter features a flush valve, allowing sediment to be purged in seconds without dismantling the housing.

Install this filter on the main outlet line of the manifold, or on the inlet line if filtering water before it enters the storage bank. Choose the mesh size carefully; a 100-mesh (152 micron) screen is generally ideal for protecting drip systems without clogging too quickly. Regularly flush the sediment chamber, especially after heavy rainstorms that wash roof debris into the system.

• Material: High-impact polymer body with polyester screen
• Filter Element: 100 Mesh (standard option)
• Features: Clear cover for easy inspection, bottom flush valve
• Best for: Trapping sand, grit, and organic debris in gravity-fed lines

This filter is essential for anyone running drip irrigation or micro-sprinklers from their rainwater totes. It is not designed to filter water to potable (drinking) standards.

Step-by-Step Guide to Linking Your Totes

Begin by prepping the foundation and placing the empty totes side-by-side, leaving about 12 to 18 inches of space between them to allow room for the plumbing manifold. Thread the Banjo buttress adapters onto the main drain valves of each tote, ensuring the EPDM gaskets are seated flat inside the adapters. Hand-tighten them firmly, then add a quarter-turn with a strap wrench if necessary, but do not over-torque.

Wrap the male threads of the barbed fittings with Dixon PTFE tape, wrapping clockwise, and thread them into the adapters. Measure and cut sections of the Kuriyama braided vinyl hose to span the distance between the totes, allowing a slight sag in the hose to accommodate ground settling. Slide two Ideal-Tridon hose clamps onto each hose section before pushing the hose firmly over the barbed fittings.

Position the hose clamps directly behind the barbs and tighten them securely with a nut driver. Install the Nibco ball valve on the main outlet line of the manifold, followed by the Rusco spin-down filter to protect downstream irrigation lines. Once all connections are secure, open the main valves on all the totes to allow water to equalize naturally across the entire system.

Winterizing and Maintaining Your Tote System

Freezing water expands with immense force, easily cracking PVC valves, splitting hoses, and rupturing the plastic walls of the totes. In regions with freezing winters, the entire system must be completely drained before the first hard freeze. Open all drain valves, disconnect the flexible manifold hoses, and store the valves in a dry, protected area.

Keep the empty totes protected from winter winds and UV damage during the off-season. If possible, cover the totes with dark, UV-resistant tarps or specialized tote covers to prevent the plastic from becoming brittle over time. Leaving the main tote valves slightly open during winter prevents any residual moisture from pooling and freezing inside the valve body.

Spring maintenance involves checking all gaskets for dry rot, cleaning out any sediment from the bottom of the empty tanks, and flushing the manifold lines. Reassemble the hoses, tighten the clamps, and check the Rusco filter screen for any damage before the spring rains arrive. A little preventative maintenance ensures the system remains leak-free and ready for the growing season.

Investing in heavy-duty, UV-resistant fittings and flexible connections ensures your multi-tote system will withstand the elements for years to come. With a properly leveled foundation and a reliable filtration setup, you can confidently harvest and store thousands of gallons of rainwater to keep your crops thriving. Take the time to build it right, and enjoy a resilient, gravity-fed water supply all season long.