The Uses for a 5-Gallon Glass Bottle

• Five-gallon glass bottles are most often used in water delivery. Often, the water delivery company takes them back once they have been emptied and reuses them, but a glass bottle of this size can be used for a variety of projects -- including brewing, storage and pickling. Many vendors sell glass bottles of this size but if you have one lying around you can use it for a variety of home projects.

Brewing

• Glass bottles can be used to brew beer and wine. Large bottles are often sold by brewing supply companies, as they are a simple way for the home brewer to make larger batches. Once you decide on the type of beer or wine you would like to make, get together the correct materials as well as detailed instructions on the brewing process. Websites like HomeBrewTalk.com provide information for beginning and advanced brewers.

Water Storage

• A 5-gal. glass bottle can be used not only to deliver water but to store it in your home. The National Terror Alert Response Center recommends that each household have enough water stored to sustain it for two weeks in case of an emergency; this means 1 gal. per person per day. Filling a number of large glass bottles with water and storing them in your basement, garage or pantry could help prepare your household for an emergency.

Pickling

• Glass bottles can also be used for pickling in large quantities. Make traditional cucumber pickles in one to three weeks or try pickling fruits, other vegetables or even eggs.

Planter

• Glass bottles can also be used as planters. For this project you will need potting soil and your choice of plant or seeds. Water your plant and provide it with enough sunlight to grow. Because your planter is made of glass you will be able to watch the plant's roots as they grow.

Infusing Spirits

• Large glass bottles can be used to infuse spirits with flavors and herbs. Choose your spirit; vodka is advisable to start because its neutral taste provides an unobtrusive base for other flavors. Then add herbs, fruits, spices and botanicals to create your own unique flavor.

Decoration

• A large glass bottle can also be used as home decor. Fill your bottle with dried flowers, pebbles, buttons, pennies or scraps of cloth and ribbon; place it somewhere where it can catch the light. Create a unique decoration for the holidays -- fill it with red, white and blue material for the fourth of July or use green construction paper or felt to turn it into a Christmas tree.