Robust, long-lasting, and traditional, cast iron is an ideal material for installing a characterful, functional, and attractive rainwater management system.
Yours might include components like downpipes, gutters, and hoppers to ensure the efficient channelling of rainwater away from the property.
To help you decide whether your rainwater management system requires a cast iron hopper, we explain what they’re commonly used for.
We also compare cast iron hoppers to those constructed from other popular materials if you’re still unsure which type is best for your house.
What are cast iron hoppers used for?
Cast iron hoppers, also known as rainwater heads, are funnel, rectangular or box shaped components that run into a spigot that sits inside a downpipe used in a rainwater management system.
Designed to have a larger opening or reservoir at the top, their role is to help channel large amounts of rainwater to a single downpipe or drainpipe.
These hopper heads are located at the top of a downpipe, and are often used to manage increased water flow in the event of a heavy downpour.
Are cast iron hoppers better than hoppers made from other materials?
Initially introduced in the late 18th century as a mass production alternative to lead, cast iron rainwater management systems found popularity in the Victorian era.
But are cast iron hoppers any better than alternatives made from another material? No, not necessarily.
However, hoppers fabricated from cast iron can last up to an incredible 100 years when properly maintained, helping to preserve the traditional external appearance of heritage properties.
Cast iron hoppers are therefore commonly found installed on historic buildings (including some erected in the late 1930s) – especially those that are listed or located in a conservation area.
These hoppers would also traditionally often have either a date or the homeowner’s family coat of arms imprinted onto them, adding plenty of personality to their home or business.
While cast iron hoppers may initially be more expensive to buy than a uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) equivalent, they can actually represent better value for money in the long run.
Rainclear also supplies metal hoppers made from cast aluminium, copper, zinc, galvanised steel and colour-coated galvanised steel.
However, you may have no choice but to buy cast iron hoppers if, as mentioned above, your property is listed, or located in a conservation area.
Where to buy cast iron hoppers
Keen to complete your cast iron rainwater management system with a matching cast iron hopper?
Look no further than Rainclear Systems.
Our standard cast iron hoppers can be supplied primed or pre-painted black inside 24 hours. You can opt for one of six standard RAL colours for delivery in 15 days. Place an order online, and we’ll call you to confirm the shade you want.
Our collection of cast iron guttering also includes an extensive range of ornate cast iron hoppers in varying, more ornamental styles.
We supply these primed in seven days, or painted black inside 10 working days, with a choice of round, square and rectangular spigots for use with downpipes of those shapes and in different sizes, making the task of finding the perfect cast iron hopper straightforward.
If you can’t find what you are looking for listed online, you should still get in touch because we can source more products or even arrange bespoke fabrication.
If you’re starting from scratch, we have a wide range of cast iron gutters, matching downpipes, and accessories to help you assemble a complete rainwater management system.
You can explore styles including moulded-ogee, deep half-round, Victorian ogee, and standard half-round until you find the ideal profile for your property.
Cast by some of the finest UK manufacturers, including Alumasc (Apex) and Hargreaves Foundry, we stock and supply cast iron rainwater management products of the highest quality.
If you’d like to find out more, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our friendly team.
You can either call us on 0800 644 44 26 or submit an enquiry via email to [email protected]