This is Why You Should Always Fill Up a Bathtub During a Storm – And What the Water Should Never Be Used For

With a winter storm and heavy snow set to sweep across the US this weekend, you might be asking yourself, 'Why fill up a bathtub during a storm?'

According to our plumbing and survival experts, it’s all about being prepared – the water provides a backup for sanitation, flushing toilets, and basic cleaning. They do stress, however, that this water should never be used for drinking.

Here, they explain why this simple step is so vital when preparing your home for a snowstorm.

Why You Should Always Fill Up a Bathtub During a Storm

As Philip Farina, chief security and safety advisor for Risky Business, specializing in disaster response and preparedness, stresses, 'The first and real goal is to have a supply of water on hand for several uses.

'If it's a winter storm and the pipes freeze or break, or if the power goes out or there is a problem at your municipal water station, you won't have access to water for even the most basic necessities.'

Therefore, says Megan Doser, owner of Doctor Fix It Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, filling a tub of water offers you emergency back-up should you need it.

'A storm is rarely just a storm; a storm is 10 problems in one,' she warns. 'While it's an outdoor condition, it quickly moves inside the house – usually, no heating due to the power outage, and frozen pipes due to the heat loss.

'As pipes freeze, you lose water, and it's crucial to stock up on water for drinking and cooking, and daily needs like flushing toilets, and basic hand washing.'

Megan adds that your typical bath ideas will hold 40 to 60 gallons of water, which is more than enough for toilet flushing, hand washing, sponge baths, and basic cleaning for two to three days in a family of two adults, and about one day in a family of four people.

And, as Joseph Wade, vice president of operations for Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, adds, this usage extends to any pets you may have, too.

'If you have furry family members in the house, this water can also be used to clean up muddy paws or litter boxes,' he explains.

Why You Shouldn't Drink the Water

If you don't have access to fresh, running water, you might think that your backup supply in your bathtub is safe for drinking, too.

But, warns Josh Mitchell, HVAC expert and founder of AirConditionerLab, 'That water should never be used for drinking, even if it's boiled.'

He explains, 'A tub isn't built for food-safe storage. Even if it looks clean, a bathtub usually contains soap film, bacteria around the drain and overflow, and possibly old caulk that can break down or carry mold.

'The faucet may backflow or leak small contaminants. Boiling kills bacteria, but it doesn't remove chemical residue, metals, or anything leached from the tub. It's fine for washing or flushing, but not for anything that goes into your mouth.'

If drinking water is a concern, Josh advises that one of his home rules for snowy weather is filling pitchers, jugs, or cooking pots with clean water before the storm hits.

'Keep that water away from garages, bathrooms, or laundry areas where cleaners, fuel, or other contaminants are often stored,' he adds. 'Even a sealed container can pick up fumes or spills from nearby products, especially in tight spaces with limited airflow.

'That kind of exposure isn't always obvious, but it can make drinking water unsafe without any visible signs. The bathtub is for backup use only and is not a safe substitute for drinking water.'

Alternatively, adds Philip, you can simply purchase emergency water storage from Amazon, and make sure you stock up ahead of time.

As Joseph concludes, 'If frozen pipes are a concern, it's best to stock up on drinking water before a storm hits.' You can also insulate pipes and drip faucets to stave off any freeze-ups, as well as maintain the perfect temperature to run your heating to avoid frozen pipes.

What to Shop

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

Philip Farina

Philip is the chief security and safety advisor for Risky Business, which specializes in disaster response and preparedness. He is regarded as one of the foremost advisors on risk and disaster preparedness, security, and safety, and is also a US Navy Veteran and a US Federal Law Enforcement Veteran.

Megan Doser

Megan is the owner of Doctor Fix It Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, a family-founded company that has been serving the Denver area since 1978, with years of experience in residential plumbing and HVAC.

Jeremy Wade

Joseph is the vice president of operations for Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, bringing over seven years of experience in the home service franchising industry. He has been in his current role for over three years, and continues to help guide strategic growth and operational excellence throughout the Benjamin Franklin Plumbing network.

Josh Mitchell

Josh founded AirConditionerLab in 2014, focusing on heating, air purifier, and dehumidifier content. As an HVAC expert and technician, he knows how much the cold weather of a snowstorm can affect a home.

It's also important to know how to pack a DIY hurricane preparedness kit, and how to stay warm if your boiler breaks.