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Install hopper heads.
Period or modern hopper heads — collects rainwater from upper gutters into downpipes, a Victorian classic.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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Bracket pull-out
Heavy cast-iron hoppers loosen over decades. Re-fix into solid masonry with stainless steel anchor bolts.
Inlet leak
Where the gutter feeds into the hopper, the joint can crack. Re-bed with mastic and re-paint.
Frozen overflow
Standing water in the bowl freezes and cracks the hopper. Drilled overflow holes prevent this.
Cheap brackets on heritage hoppers
Modern stamped-steel brackets look wrong. Use period-correct cast-iron brackets.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
uPVC hopper, supplySquare or rectangular
£20–£80
Cast iron hopper plain, supplyHalf-round or square
£80–£250
Cast iron decorative hopperScrolled, dated, named
£180–£650
Aluminium cast-effect hopperHeritage look, lighter
£60–£220
Install labourHalf a day
£80–£250
Bespoke heritage replicationFoundry custom
£500–£2.5k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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Guttering explained
Hopper heads — funnel-shaped water collectors mounted high on a wall — collect rainwater from multiple gutters or a parapet outlet, feeding it into a single downpipe. They are characteristic of Georgian and Victorian buildings and remain useful where two gutter runs meet. Expect to pay £60–£600 fitted in the UK depending on material and design.
What Does the Work Involve?
The hopper is bracketed to the wall at the inlet point — usually below a parapet outlet or where two gutter runs converge. Below the hopper, the downpipe drops to the drain. Brackets bear most of the load; the inlets feeding the hopper are dressed into the hopper rim. Cast-iron hoppers are heavy (10–25 kg) and need substantial fixings into solid masonry. uPVC hoppers are clip-fit lightweight equivalents.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| uPVC hopper, supply | 20 | 80 | Square or rectangular |
| Cast iron hopper plain, supply | 80 | 250 | Half-round or square |
| Cast iron decorative hopper | 180 | 650 | Scrolled, dated, named |
| Aluminium cast-effect hopper | 60 | 220 | Heritage look, lighter |
| Install labour | 80 | 250 | Half a day |
| Bespoke heritage replication | 500 | 2,500 | Foundry custom |
How Long Does It Take?
uPVC hopper install: 1–2 hours. Cast iron: 2–4 hours (heavier, more substantial fixings). Bespoke heritage replication lead time: 8–12 weeks from order.
DIY or Professional?
Professional. Hoppers are typically at first-floor or above (height). Cast iron is heavy and requires the right wall fixings. Listed buildings need heritage-experienced installers.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
For uPVC: a guttering specialist or roofer. For cast iron: a heritage rainwater specialist (Hargreaves Foundry, Alumasc Heritage, ARP). Ask whether they can date-and-name a hopper for traditional builds (popular on restorations).
UK Regulations
No specific regulations for hoppers themselves. Discharge to a soakaway, surface-water drain or combined drain per Part H. Listed buildings require like-for-like replacement — most conservation officers will reject uPVC where original was cast iron.
Common Problems
- Bracket pull-out: Heavy cast-iron hoppers loosen over decades. Re-fix into solid masonry with stainless steel anchor bolts.
- Inlet leak: Where the gutter feeds into the hopper, the joint can crack. Re-bed with mastic and re-paint.
- Frozen overflow: Standing water in the bowl freezes and cracks the hopper. Drilled overflow holes prevent this.
- Cheap brackets on heritage hoppers: Modern stamped-steel brackets look wrong. Use period-correct cast-iron brackets.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need a hopper head?
Where two gutter runs converge into one downpipe, or where a parapet outlet feeds a downpipe. Also as a heritage feature on Georgian/Victorian buildings.
Can I get a custom-cast hopper?
Yes — Hargreaves Foundry and Alumasc do bespoke heritage replications including dated and named hoppers ("ABC 1898"). Lead time 8–12 weeks, cost £500–£2,500.
How big should the hopper be?
Domestic: 9" or 12" (230–305mm) wide. Larger industrial: 18" (460mm). The hopper should hold roughly 1L per m² of connected roof area.
Do hoppers need cleaning?
Yes — debris settles in the bowl. Annual cleaning prevents blockages and frost damage.
Will my insurance value heritage hoppers?
Yes — quote replacement cost to your insurer. Bespoke cast-iron hopper heads can cost £2,000+ each to replicate.
Can I retrofit a hopper for character?
Yes — many homeowners add cast-iron-style hoppers to a uPVC system for the heritage look. Aluminium cast-effect hoppers are the budget option at £60–£220.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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