Replacement Spigots and Gaskets.

Water storage containers like the Reliance Aqua-Tainer use a threaded plastic spigot to dispense water and a rubber or silicone gasket to create a watertight seal where the spigot meets the container. Over time, both parts wear out. Gaskets dry and crack. Spigots develop hairline leaks at the threads. A container that holds 7 gallons weighs over 58 pounds when full, and a slow drip from a degraded gasket will eventually become a fast one.

The fix is inexpensive and takes two minutes. The problem is that most households don't stock the part until after the leak starts. By then, they may be dealing with a water-damaged shelf, a partially empty container, or a failed gasket during exactly the kind of disruption their stored water was meant for.

Keep one spare spigot and two spare gaskets per container. They cost less than a few dollars each, last indefinitely when stored dry, and fit in a small bag with the rest of your water storage supplies. Match the threading to your container brand. Aqua-Tainer replacement spigots are the most widely stocked; most carry standard threading that also fits other brands, but verify before buying if you have multiple container types.

When to replace

Inspect spigots and gaskets annually when you rotate your stored water. Replace immediately if you see any of the following: dripping or seeping around the seal when the spigot is closed, cracking or brittleness in the gasket, a loose fit that won't tighten, or any discoloration or odor that doesn't clear after rinsing. Gaskets on containers stored in garages or sheds, where temperature swings are significant, tend to degrade faster than those stored indoors.

Food-grade is the only requirement

Generic replacements work fine. The one thing to confirm is that the spigot and gasket are rated food-grade or labeled BPA-free. Most replacement parts sold for water containers meet this standard, but check the listing before buying. Hardware store irrigation fittings are not a substitute.