D- Type Always System Opener – Bright Zinc Plated

Prices are shown on each product page for both sizes and all three finishes. For project quantities, specification support, or conservation enquiries, call us on 0333 987 4452 or use the contact form on our website.

Yes. Bespoke copy casting is a core service at Tuscan Foundry Products. We can replicate any cast iron gutter, downpipe, hopper head, or fitting from drawings, detailed photographs, or a physical sample or surviving section. Each commission is assessed individually. Lead time is typically 8 to 10 weeks, and quantities as low as a single piece can be considered depending on pattern-making costs.

The drainage and guttering market has matured considerably over the past 20 years and there are now many more product choices for consumers to consider.

Despite the influx of new materials it appears that the benchmark for rainwater systems is still cast iron. Cast iron rainwater goods were introduced in the late 18th Century as an alternative to lead. As well as being easier to produce, the material enabled eaves gutters to be installed more simply, since lead could only be used in this location as a lining for timber gutters.

Many modern materials focus on replicating the appearance of cast iron but those materials can vary rarely offer any of the benefits. Cast iron gutters and pipes offer great strength and durability, a proven history of long life, low noise operation and fire resistance. Most old buildings have cast iron rainwater systems that should be maintained and preserved however; these inherent benefits make cast iron an ideal choice for both traditional and modern installations.

It is not uncommon to see modern alternative products marketed with terms like low maintenance or easy to install and cost effective. It has even been said that ‘plastic guttering systems provide a way of achieving a traditional look with modern convenience’. These terms tend to refer to possible cost savings rather than any real product benefits. It is also difficult to quantify the benefits of modern convenience over traditional build quality.

It is worth remembering that all rainwater goods will require some element of maintaining to ensure they are unblocked by debris and remain functional. No rainwater system cleans itself. Today most suppliers of cast iron rainwater systems offer products in both primer or pre-painted with a 10 year protective coating. When describing modern materials, the term ‘cost effective’ is used rather than simply saying cheap. There is no doubt that the initial cost of many modern materials is less than cast iron but you might be surprised to know that over its lifespan, cast iron will cost around a third of plastic.

It is easy to forget about your rainwater system but it does need to be maintained and inspected at least twice a year regardless of the product material. It does not matter whether the property is hundreds of years old or brand new, the message is the same; ‘maintaining your rainwater system contributes to the external appearance of the building as well as keeping it free from damp and structural damage.

The Pultney Tapered Hopper Head is available in three pipe connection sizes: 65mm (2.5"), 75mm (3"), and 100mm (4"). Each size connects directly to matching cast iron downpipes via spigot and socket. Compatible downpipe codes are: 65mm — RH025, XRH025; 75mm — RH03, XRH03; 100mm — RH04, XRH04.

The H526 measures 440mm wide x 240mm deep x 460mm high, making it well suited to Victorian and Edwardian townhouses.

We do offer a range of Ogee patterned gutters in both straight and radius profiles. The straight profiles are much more common and as such cost less.

Our standard spike or sturt length is 300mm (12″). Other sizes are available upon request.

Hopper heads are supplied in red oxide primer ready for on-site painting, or pre-finished in black. A full range of Heritage Colours in traditional linseed oil paint is also available on request — please contact us for the swatch chart.

The Paxton H82 accepts round, square, and rectangular pipe connections. Round: 65mm, 75mm, and 100mm. Square: 75×75mm, 100×100mm, and 125×125mm. Rectangular: 100×75mm, 125×100mm, and 150×100mm. Bespoke adaptations including double pipe connections are also available on request. Please confirm your required connection type when ordering.

The physical properties of cast iron are sustained throughout its working life, so with proper maintenance we'd expect our gutters and pipes to last over 100 years under normal conditions.