Wavian Jerry Can FAQs

Wavian fuel cans are NATO-pattern steel jerry cans made in Latvia. They use 0.9mm cold-rolled steel, fully welded recessed seams and a bayonet-style cap with a sealing gasket.

The range includes 20L and 10L fuel cans.

Wavian fuel cans are intended for gasoline, diesel and kerosene. Red identifies gasoline, yellow identifies diesel and blue identifies kerosene. Keep each can dedicated to one fuel and follow applicable storage rules.

No. The steel fuel can and its internal lining are designed for fuel, not drinking water. Do not rinse the inside with water or convert a fuel can into a water container, even if it has never held fuel.

Yes. The Wavian 22L water can is a separate potable-water product made in Australia from food-grade, BPA-free resin. It should not be used for fuel.

Color availability depends on the destination. Wavian.com does not offer black or olive-drab fuel cans to California customers. California customers should select red for gasoline, yellow for diesel or blue for kerosene.

Use the current Wavian fuel-can spout with Wavian 10L and 20L steel cans. The 22L water can uses a different pouring system. Ask us to confirm fit before pairing the spout with an older or different-brand can.

Yes. Replacement Wavian spouts are sold separately. Each new 10L or 20L Wavian fuel can already includes its safety spout, so a separate one is needed only as a replacement or spare.

Pull the locking pin, rotate the bayonet lever outward and lift the lid. The open lid rests in a recess: lift it out of that resting position before bringing it down to close. Seat the lid and gasket squarely, press the lever back into place and reinstall the pin. Do not force a misaligned closure.

To attach the spout, move the lid clear, seat the spout gasket squarely over the opening and secure its bayonet lever. Watch the chapter for the complete opening, closing, spout attachment and storage-clip demonstration.

With the engine off and away from ignition sources, attach the spout securely, support the can with both hands and place the spout lip against the filler opening before depressing the safety mechanism. Release it to stop the flow before removing the spout. Do not use the spout as a lever or put sideways force on it.

Fill only to the embossed capacity line on the can. The space above that line is intentional expansion space. Do not top the can off to the neck.

Place the can on the ground when filling it, away from ignition sources, as described in the CPSC fuel-container safety guidance.

Store the can upright, tightly closed and secured against movement in a cool, well-ventilated location away from children, heat and ignition sources. Do not store fuel inside a home or basement. A sealed cap does not make every garage or shed a suitable fuel-storage location.

Follow local fire-code limits, the instructions supplied with the can and the CPSC storage precautions.

Do not use a vehicle as a long-term fuel-storage location. During transport, keep the can closed, upright and firmly secured in an appropriate cargo location, away from heat and ignition sources. Remove it promptly on arrival.

A sealed container does not remove the risks from heat, leakage or fuel vapor. Follow the CPSC transport precautions and the vehicle and carrier instructions.

The can is built for fuel storage, but the useful life of stored fuel depends on fuel type, formulation, temperature and treatment. Rotate stored fuel, inspect it before use and follow the fuel or stabilizer manufacturer’s guidance rather than relying on a universal storage period.

There is no single expiration date. Service life depends on storage, handling, coating condition and gasket maintenance. Inspect the body, seams, closure and gaskets before use, and replace damaged sealing parts rather than relying on age alone.

Keep the can secured so it cannot rub or strike the carrier, protect the powder coating from deep abrasion, and inspect the closure and gaskets regularly. Address damaged coating before bare steel is left exposed.

It is a steel container, so exposed bare metal can rust. Protect the exterior powder coating and do not put water or water-based cleaner inside the fuel can, where it can compromise the fuel-resistant lining.

Yes. Clean the outside with mild soap and water, then dry it. Keep wash water out of the opening and do not use water or household cleaner to wash the inside.

Arrange disposal of old fuel through your local household-hazardous-waste or fuel-recovery service. Do not pour it down a drain, onto the ground or leave it out to evaporate. The video discusses rinsing with a small amount of compatible fresh fuel; any rinse is also waste fuel and needs proper disposal.

Do not rinse the interior with water. If contamination or the condition of the lining is uncertain, ask our team before reusing the can.

Temperature or elevation changes can create a pressure difference inside a sealed can. Fuel may spray when a pressurized can is opened. Let a hot can cool in a safe location before opening, and follow the supplied instructions outdoors, away from people, flames, engines and other ignition sources, with the opening pointed away from you.

Do not force a closure or assume every bulge is harmless. Stop using a can that remains deformed, leaks or shows damage, and contact our team.

A new safety spout can feel stiff because its spring and seal have not yet cycled. The video demonstrates pressing the nozzle straight along its intended travel; it should become easier after the initial movement. Do not pry, cut or disable the safety mechanism.

If it remains stuck, will not close again or appears damaged, contact us rather than forcing it.

Stop using a leaking can and keep people and ignition sources away. Once it is safe to inspect, check that the lid is seated correctly, the bayonet closure is fully engaged and the locking pin is installed. Inspect the lid and spout gaskets for damage, dirt or deterioration. They are different parts and must be replaced with the correct type.

The open lid must be lifted out of its resting recess before closing; forcing it can distort the mechanism. The locking pin has an intentional offset, so rotate it to align it rather than trying to straighten it. If the body or seam is damaged, or the leak persists, contact us. Do not use the can until the fault is resolved.

Yes. The lid and spout use different gaskets. Replacement gasket options are available; match the replacement to the component and inspect its seating before putting the can back into service.

The video discusses severe-impact testing and a customer incident, but no fuel can should be expected to survive an unsecured fall. Always use a properly installed holder and restraint. After any impact, remove the can from service until the body, seams, closure and spout have been inspected.

Heat and cold affect the fuel, internal pressure and sealing components even when the steel body remains intact. Keep cans out of excessive heat and direct sun, follow the pressure precautions above after major temperature or elevation changes, and inspect gaskets after temperature extremes. Do not assume permanent deformation or damaged seals are harmless.

The flat faces and recessed center seam allow Wavian cans to pack efficiently. Stack only on a stable, level surface where the cans cannot fall, and follow applicable storage limits. In a moving vehicle, use an appropriate holder rather than relying on the shape alone.

The center handle lets one person carry one can. The outer handles allow two cans to be carried side by side or let two people share one heavy full can. The layout also makes empty cans easier to handle in groups.

Look at construction, not just silhouette. Wavian cans use 0.9mm cold-rolled steel, fully welded handles, a fully welded recessed body seam, an internal fuel-resistant lining and a bayonet closure.

Check those features when comparing another can. Similar shape or a “NATO-style” label alone does not establish that it has the same materials, welds or closure. See our illustrated construction and authenticity guide.

Wavian steel cans use the NATO jerry-can pattern and military-oriented construction described throughout this guide. The retail US can is supplied with a safety spout for the US market. For procurement that depends on a specific standard, contract or NSN, verify the exact product documentation before ordering.

Wavian steel fuel cans are made in Latvia. The separate 22L water can is made in Australia. Read the manufacturing-origin guide for the product-by-product distinction.

The price reflects a heavier steel body, full welds, recessed seams, protective coatings, a gasketed bayonet closure and the included safety spout. The useful comparison is construction, repairability and service life, not just the purchase price of two similarly shaped cans.

Yes. Wavian.com carries replacement lids, gaskets, pins and spouts. Check each product page for current fit and availability.

Use a holder matched to the can size and install it according to the holder and vehicle manufacturer’s instructions. Wavian offers 10L top-loading, 20L top-loading and 20L front-loading holders.

The can should be snug, supported and unable to rub or bounce. Recheck the mount and fasteners regularly.

Yes. Dealers, resellers and vehicle builders can submit a wholesale inquiry to Swiss-Link, Wavian’s US importer and distributor. Approval, pricing and order quantities are handled through the wholesale team.

Check for Wavian branding, the stamped markings, a substantial 0.9mm steel body, fully welded handles and a fully welded seam recessed into the can body. The closure and supplied spout should also match the Wavian design.

See the illustrated authenticity guide for a closer comparison.

The current fuel-can product terms provide a 365-day defect warranty. Shipping damage has a separate 30-day reporting window. Inspect your delivery promptly and keep the damaged packaging and photos if there is a shipping issue.

For help with a claim, contact the team with your order details and photos. The video’s discussion of long service life is not a lifetime warranty.

Use this guide and the relevant product page for specifications and support, and contact us for the instructions or label information for your exact can. Include photos of the can and its stamped markings. Do not guess at missing warnings from a different model.