WaterBrick 3.5-gal (4-pack) review

What a four-pack gives you

A single WaterBrick holds 3.5 gallons and measures 9 inches wide, 18 inches long and 6 inches high, according to its maker. It weighs 2.52 pounds empty and 27 pounds filled with water. A four-pack therefore holds 14 gallons, and four full bricks weigh well over 100 pounds together.

CDC says to store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for 3 days and to try for a 2-week supply if possible. Fourteen gallons is roughly that two-week supply for one person, or about three and a half days for a family of four. See how much water to store for household sizes, and the water storage comparison for larger tanks.

Materials and design

WaterBrick says the container is high density polyethylene, the lid is polypropylene and the gasket is a thermoplastic elastomer, and that all three are BPA free and FDA compliant. It lists UV protection, a wide 3¼-inch lid opening, a notched lid with a full gasket, and a carry handle that can be detached. CDC says to use FDA-approved food-grade containers for water storage.

WaterBrick says each brick has a stated volume of 3.5 gallons but you should assume about 2.67 percent less when filling, because of the internal structure. In practice that means a full brick holds a little under 3.5 gallons of water.

Filling, cleaning and the gasket

The owner's manual says to dry the container completely before filling, especially the threads of the neck and cap. It then says to lay the filled brick on a dry paper towel and leave it long enough to see whether the lid has sealed. The gasket has to be seated properly before you fill it, and the manual points to a demonstration video if you are unsure.

WaterBrick's own cleaning method is a quarter cup of bleach in one cup of water, shaken inside, then rinsed thoroughly. CDC's method for sanitizing a water storage container is different: 1 teaspoon of unscented household bleach in 1 quart of water. Use CDC's method for drinking water, which our make water safe guide covers. The manual says black or yellow deposits on gaskets come from the water supply and can be washed off after soaking.

Stacking, storage and shelf life

WaterBrick says the bricks are designed to cross-stack up to 5 feet when filled, but strongly recommends that an average person not exceed 4 feet, or any height beyond what they can handle safely. It warns that the bricks may not be an approved building product in your area, and says they are not for flammable liquids. If you freeze one, the manual says to keep the water at or below the top of the male locking lug, because ice expands.

CDC says to replace stored water every six months, keep containers between 50°F and 70°F, away from sunlight and from toxic substances such as gasoline or pesticides, and to label each container with the storage date. Ready.gov gives the same six-month rule for water that was not commercially bottled.

Who should skip it

Skip it if your priority is the most gallons for the least outlay and you have a garage or basement with room for large drums, or if you need something you can carry long distances while full. At 27 pounds, one full brick is a manageable load for many adults, but not for everyone. Check your own lifting limit before you fill all four.

How much does a full WaterBrick weigh?

WaterBrick lists 27 pounds filled with water and 2.52 pounds empty for the standard 3.5-gallon size. Four full bricks weigh well over 100 pounds together, so fill and move them one at a time.

How high can I stack WaterBricks?

The maker says they are designed to cross-stack to 5 feet when full but recommends staying under 4 feet for safety. It also warns they may not be an approved building product where you live, so check local building codes before using them in any structure.

Do I need to rotate the water?

Yes. CDC says to replace water stored in your own containers every six months, and Ready.gov says the same for water that was not commercially bottled. Label each brick with the fill date so you know when to swap it.

Can I fill a WaterBrick all the way and freeze it?

WaterBrick says no. If you freeze a brick, keep the water level at or below the top of the male locking lug, just under the logo, because freezing expands the contents and could damage the container.