Failure Lab
Why are my steel drums rusting inside?
Moisture or a corrosive product is reaching bare steel through a missing, damaged or unsuitable lining.
Possible causes
- Unlined drum used for a water-based product
- Lining damaged by handling or dents
- Condensation in storage
- Wrong lining chemistry for the product
What to inspect
- Lining type on the specification
- Dents near chimes
- Storage temperature swings
Potential corrective actions
- Confirm lining compatibility with the supplier
- Consider a liner or a plastic format
- Store away from temperature swings
Related
Educational only — not engineering or regulatory advice. If there's a safety risk or hazardous material involved, stop use and consult a specialist.