Cast Iron Hoppers

Cast Iron Hopper Head Buying Guide

A cast iron hopper isn’t a complicated fitting but there are a few choices worth getting right before ordering! Most mistakes come down to outlet size, hopper shape or trying to match an older system from one photo.

Start with the downpipe beneath the hopper. Once you have its size and shape, picking the hopper becomes much easier.

Which Size Cast Iron Hopper Do I Need?

Our standard Alumasc Apex cast iron hoppers come with 65mm, 75mm and 100mm round outlets, as well as 100 x 75mm rectangular outlets.

One quick clarification that should be made from the beginning: 65mm, 75mm and 100mm are the sizes of the outlet at the bottom of the hopper. These measurements do not describe the size of the entire hopper head.

Thus, if you have a downpipe with a diameter of 75mm, you will start by choosing our 75mm cast iron hoppers. In case of a downpipe with a diameter of 100mm, you will need 100mm cast iron hoppers, and vice versa for 65mm.

For rectangular downpipes, it is better to choose a hopper with a rectangular outlet rather than trying to fit a round one.

Flat-Back, Corner or Rectangular Hopper?

This generally depends on the position of the hopper on the building.

Flat-back cast iron hoppers are designed to be positioned against a single straight wall. They are probably the most common type and will be best suited for locations under roof valleys, parapet outlets, and gutter discharge points.

Corner hoppers are another type of hopper which is designed for use in a position where the rainwater collection point is around the corner of a building. They are much better suited for such positions rather than using the flat back hopper at such positions.

Round or Rectangular Downpipe?

Most cast iron hopper heads in the range connect into round downpipes.

You’ll find matching round cast iron downpipes in 65mm, 75mm and 100mm sizes, making it fairly straightforward to keep the system consistent.

Some older properties use rectangular cast iron downpipes instead. For these jobs, our rectangular cast iron downpipes and matching rectangular-outlet hoppers are the better route.

Try to match the profile already on the property where possible. Mixing round and rectangular sections rarely improves the finished result, especially on period buildings where the rainwater system is quite visible.

Primed or Pre-Painted Cast Iron Hoppers?

This basically depends on your finishing preference. A pre-finished black hopper gives you the easiest solution for the classic black cast iron look right away.

The hopper comes with the finish applied, thus making it easy to install on-site.Primed hopper heads come in handy when you want to apply your own finish.

This may be appropriate on restoration jobs where the gutter, hopper and downpipe must match the metalwork or colour scheme that you have selected. A primer is just a base coat and therefore a primed hopper will require an exterior finish.

A selected colour finish is also available for some of the range products. Please provide details if you need one for a larger job.

Replacing an Existing Cast Iron Hopper

Old cast iron hoppers come in loads of shapes, and identifying one from memory can be tricky.

The easiest thing to do is take a few photos. Get one from the front, one from the side and one underneath if you can do so safely. Measure the downpipe as well, plus the overall width and height of the hopper.

A wider photo showing the surrounding wall helps too - it gives a much better idea of whether you’re dealing with a flat-back hopper, corner hopper or something less common.

If the old hopper has decorative ribs, lettering, crests or unusual details, our ornate range may be a closer fit than a standard Apex hopper head.

Cast Iron Hoppers for Listed and Period Buildings

Cast iron hopper heads are a lot more common on Victorian and Edwardian properties, churches, schools, civic buildings and older commercial properties. With these types of buildings, the hopper will usually sit in a visible position. So replacing it with a modern plastic fitting can stand out more than people expect.

Using genuine cast iron keeps the weight, surface texture and proportions much closer to the original rainwater system.

For bigger restoration projects, it usually makes sense to keep the whole system consistent. Our wider cast iron guttering range includes gutters, brackets, outlets, downpipes, bends, shoes and other fittings for traditional rainwater installations.

If the property is listed, check any local conservation requirements before changing the original style, profile or colour.

How Are Cast Iron Hopper Heads Fitted?

Normally, most cast iron hoppers are attached directly to the wall using fixing points in the hopper body.

However, the kind of fixing required will vary depending on the wall type being fixed to. This is because some materials such as brick and stone might require different kinds of fixing.

The hopper must be fitted firmly and correctly to align with the cast iron downpipe below it. The incoming water should also have an easy access into the hopper whether it comes from the valley, gutter, or parapet outlet.

Cast iron hoppers are heavier than plastic and aluminium ones. Having two people to help with large hopper heads makes the job easier. There is also one little thing that people often overlook – the downpipe should always be positioned first before drilling the fixing holes for the hopper.

Do Cast Iron Hoppers Need Much Maintenance?

Not loads, but not to be overlooked either.

Look inside the hopper from time to time for fallen leaves, moss, and any other debris, particularly if it is located in the valley of a roof or close to trees. A hopper left open can accumulate quite a lot of material in autumn.

Paying attention to the condition of the paint coating is also important. In case you see any chipped or exposed iron, clean the area and apply paint coating before the corrosion spreads too much. It is just a routine maintenance task.

Cast Iron Hopper FAQs

Is a hopper head the same as a rainwater head?

Usually, yes. Hopper head, rainwater head and rainwater hopper are common names for the open fitting used to collect water before it enters a downpipe.

Does the hopper outlet need to match the downpipe?

Yes. A 75mm round outlet should connect into a 75mm round downpipe, for example. Rectangular systems need the matching rectangular outlet.

Can I use a cast iron hopper with an existing system?

Usually, provided the outlet size and profile match. Measure the pipe first and compare the hopper dimensions before ordering.

What is the difference between a flat-back and corner hopper?

A flat-back hopper sits against one wall face. A corner hopper is shaped for a position where two wall faces meet.

Can you help me match an old hopper?

Yes. Send us a front photo, side photo, overall dimensions and the downpipe measurement. We can usually narrow it down from there.

Are cast iron hoppers available in black?

Yes. Pre-painted black and primed options are available across the main Alumasc Apex range, with selected colour finishes available on some products.