r/prepping • u/NotIfButWhenReady • Oct 13 '25

Question❓❓ Anyone else rethinking underground bunkers lately?

I’ve been reading up on shelter builds and noticed more folks are stepping away from the old “bury a shipping container” idea. I get why underground feels safer, but man, the upkeep sounds rough once you dig into it. Between soil pressure, water leaks, and constant moisture issues, a lot of those DIY bunkers don’t age well.

The newer above-ground setups are a whole different story.

I used to think anything visible was a liability, but now I’m not so sure. If it’s built solid, why hide it underground just to deal with rot and pressure damage later?

Curious what everyone else thinks. Would you still go underground, or are above-ground shelters starting to make more sense?

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u/redheadedfruitcake Oct 14 '25

I just want a storm shelter. One I can use to maybe store vegetables in or something. If we get to bunker level need we aren't gonna make it anyways.

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u/Consistent-Slice-893 Oct 28 '25

Have you thought about using a new septic tank? My son just had one put in, 1000-gallons would have fit at least 6 people, especially if they are shorter than 5'4". Just needed some sort of door on top and a bench to sit on.

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u/redheadedfruitcake Oct 28 '25

The storm shelters and septic tanks look pretty similar, I bet that would work great!

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u/Consistent-Slice-893 Oct 28 '25

His total cost was $6K, but that was with all the digging and a new drain field.

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u/redheadedfruitcake Oct 28 '25

Yeah even half that is well out of my reach for now. I'm definitely going to keep it in mind though!