Which Hargreaves Rainwater Head Do I Need?
One of the advantages of the Hargreaves Premier system is that you aren't limited to a single hopper shape.
The current range includes several established designs, each intended for a slightly different position or appearance. So rather than simply choosing the first hopper with the correct outlet diameter, look at the shape of the building and the head you're replacing.
H0 Hopper Head
The H0 is one of the standard Hargreaves hopper heads and is a useful option when you want a relatively straightforward traditional rainwater head without the larger rectangular proportions of an H460.
It is available with different outlet diameters across the range, making it suitable for connection into several common round downpipe sizes.
If you're replacing an existing H0, check the outlet size before ordering. Two heads may look almost identical from the front while being designed for different pipework below.
H1 Flat Back Rainwater Head
The H1 is the manufacturer's traditional flat-back design.
Its flat rear makes it a natural choice where the hopper is positioned directly against a wall, which is a common arrangement on period homes, schools, churches and other traditional buildings.
Our H1 products are available with 65mm, 75mm and 100mm outlets, so you can match the head to the downpipe beneath it rather than changing the rest of the system unnecessarily.
H1A Corner Rainwater Head
Got a drainage point at the corner of the building? This is where the H1A comes in.
The H1A is specifically designed as a corner rainwater head, providing a much neater solution than trying to position a conventional flat-back hopper where two elevations meet.
Again, 65mm, 75mm and 100mm outlet options are available across the range.
If you're unsure whether the existing head is an H1 or H1A, send us photographs showing both the front and the way it sits against the wall. Trade Warehouse can help you identify the most appropriate replacement.
H460 Rectangular Hopper
The H460 gives you a broader rectangular rainwater head and is available in different sizes across our range.
We currently stock 255mm and 305mm versions, alongside plain and castellated options on selected products. This makes the H460 particularly useful where a larger or more visually prominent hopper suits the elevation.
The H460 is also one of the most recognisable Hargreaves Foundry hoppers, so it is worth checking the model carefully when replacing existing heritage rainwater goods.
H460 Castellated Hopper
Prefer something more decorative?
The castellated version adds traditional detailing around the upper edge of the rainwater head, making it particularly attractive on period façades where the drainage system is intended to contribute to the architecture rather than disappear into the background.
It is a small detail, but on the right building it makes a noticeable difference.
Choosing The Correct Outlet Size
The hopper itself attracts most of the attention, but the outlet underneath is what determines whether it connects correctly to your pipework.
Our Hargreaves cast iron hoppers include common round outlet sizes of:
- 65mm / approximately 2.5"
- 75mm / approximately 3"
- 100mm / approximately 4"
Don't choose the outlet simply because a larger size sounds better. It needs to correspond with the rainwater pipe below and suit the drainage arrangement of the building.
For a new installation, plan the hopper and downpipe together. Our Hargreaves round cast iron downpipes include the matching pipework and fittings needed to continue the system down the elevation.
Replacing An Existing Hopper?
Measure the outside diameter of the downpipe body, rather than the wider socket, and check the outlet beneath the existing rainwater head.
It also helps to record:
- overall hopper width
- overall height
- front-to-back projection
- downpipe diameter
- whether it sits on a flat wall or corner
- any castellated or decorative detailing
Take a couple of photographs too. A front-facing image plus a side view normally tells us far more than a description such as "old black Hargreaves hopper".
Grey Primer Or Painted Black?
Hargreaves Premier rainwater goods are available in two standard finishes, and both serve different purposes.
High-Gloss Black
Painted black is the straightforward option when you want the familiar traditional cast iron appearance without applying the main decorative coating across the entire hopper on site.
Black works particularly well with brick, stone, traditional render and existing black rainwater goods.
Always protect any areas damaged during installation or cutting with the appropriate compatible coating.
Grey Transit Primer
A primed hopper gives you more flexibility where a different final colour is required.
The grey transit primer is a preparation finish rather than the final decorative coating, so it needs the appropriate paint system applied after installation.
This can be useful on conservation and restoration projects where the rainwater goods need to match an existing colour scheme or a specific architectural specification.
Part Of The Hargreaves Premier Rainwater System
These rainwater heads aren't isolated decorative products. They form part of the wider Hargreaves Premier cast iron rainwater system, manufactured to BS 460.
That means you can build the system around compatible gutters, outlets, downpipes and fittings rather than trying to marry together visually similar components from unrelated ranges.
Browse our Hargreaves cast iron guttering if you're replacing the horizontal rainwater system at the same time.
The wider system includes round and rectangular pipes, bends, offsets, shoes, brackets and specialist fittings, which is particularly useful on restoration work where a standard straight drop isn't always possible.
Can Hargreaves Produce Bespoke Rainwater Heads?
Yes. Hargreaves also has bespoke casting capability for projects where a standard H0, H1, H1A or H460 isn't the right match.
This is particularly relevant when restoring an unusual ornamental rainwater head or working on a heritage building where the original design needs to be retained as closely as possible.
If you have an existing head that doesn't match the products above, don't immediately assume it has to be replaced with the closest standard shape. Send us photographs, dimensions and any available drawings first.
Why Choose Hargreaves Cast Iron Hoppers?
Hargreaves has a long-established specialist cast iron rainwater range, with the Premier system widely specified for heritage, conservation, refurbishment and listed-building work.
The manufacturer offers standard rainwater heads, matching pipework and bespoke capability, while the system itself gives you a choice of outlet diameters and finishes rather than forcing every building into the same configuration.
Trade Warehouse supplies the standard H0, H1, H1A and H460 ranges shown above, together with compatible guttering, downpipes and fittings. For a replacement or more complicated project, send us your measurements, photos or drawings before ordering and we can help you work through the system.
