I have 4 55-gallon barrels that I am about to fill with water. I can either put these barrels in the basement or in an attached garage.

The basement is less likely to freeze (I'm in Kentucky)
The garage might be easier to get to and if a leak occured it would run out the garage (rather than flooding the basement.)

These barrels will weigh over 400 lbs when filled.


I am wondering if I should store them in the basement or in the garage. I am also wondering if the concrete floors will handle this much weight without cracking or breaking.

Any suggestions?

Personally, I would be wary of placing them in my basement in case of leakage as you mentioned. It might not be a bad idea to set up a water catch or something if that's the route you go with. However, if they are set up in the garage you could have the problem of them freezing, which may or may not ruin the barrels. As for your weight question, the barrels will each be ~470lbs. Assuming of course your concrete floors can withstand the weight of a mid sized car (~3500lbs) then they can withstand the total ~1880lbs from the barrels. I really don't see any problems forming here unless there's already a severe problem with the concrete in the first place.

I would go with the basement (+1 for more concealment) and leak protection measures.

Thanks Lierutian!

I have a natural drain in the basement that SHOULD not need power to the sump pump. I am thinking I will put 2 drums next to it.

I am thinking about putting the other 2 drums in the attached garage. No one could see them even with the garage doors open and it is very insulated so if we had ANY heat in the house we should be OK from freezing. The garage is a lot more convenient for me.

You make sense about the weight being OK. I appreciate it!

Did you ever do this? How did it work out Lish?