Which Lindab Hopper Do I Need?

The model code is the easiest place to start.

Lindab doesn’t use one hopper shape for every job. The VATKR, VATKL and VATKS all collect rainwater before feeding it into the downpipe below, but the body shape and typical application are different.

Lindab VATKR Rectangular Hopper

The VATKR is the clean, rectangular option.

Our regular VATKR measures 250mm wide × 150mm high × 150mm deep, so it stays fairly compact against the wall. It’s made to collect water from a gutter or roof outlet and direct it into the pipe below.

Visually, it’s the simplest of the three main steel designs. If you’re replacing an existing VATKR, check the outlet size as well as the hopper body before ordering.

Lindab VATKL Large Square Hopper

The VATKL is the more traditional square design.

This is the one to look at when you want a larger, more prominent rainwater head rather than the compact VATKR. Lindab specifically positions the VATKL for traditional installations, and it’s commonly used alongside standing-seam roofing.

The steel version is made from 0.6mm powder-coated steel, with finishes designed to sit neatly with the rest of the Rainline system.

If your drawing simply says “Lindab large hopper”, compare the shape and outlet before ordering rather than relying on the description alone.

Lindab VATKS Half-Round Hopper

The VATKS looks different again. It has a conical, half-round body with a flat back, so it sits neatly against the wall but gives you a softer profile than the VATKR or VATKL.

This style is useful where water is coming from a higher-flow spout or where more than one gutter run needs feeding into the same rainwater head.

Match The Hopper To Your Lindab Downpipe

The outlet underneath matters just as much as the hopper itself. If you already have the pipework on site, measure it first. If it’s a new Rainline system, plan the hopper and downpipe together.

Our Lindab downpipes range includes the matching pipe lengths, bends, offsets, brackets, shoes and connectors needed to continue the system down the building.

It’s also worth staying within the same system where possible. Two products can have similar nominal sizes and still use different connections.

Matching Your Rainline Colour

One of the nice things about Rainline is the amount of colour choice. Depending on the model, finishes include popular options such as Anthracite Grey 035, Black 015, Antique White, Dark Grey, brown and red shades, metallic finishes and Magestic galvanised.

Not every hopper comes in every finish, so check the product options before ordering. Anthracite Grey 035 is Lindab’s closest match to RAL 7016, making it a popular choice alongside anthracite windows, doors and cladding.

Using A Lindab Hopper With Standing-Seam Roofing

This is where the model distinction matters. The VATKL large square hopper is the design Lindab specifically associates with traditional installations and standing-seam roofs. That doesn’t mean every hopper in the range is intended for the same setup.

If a roof outlet or spout is discharging into the hopper, check where the water lands and make sure the head is positioned properly beneath it.

For more complicated drainage details, drawings are much easier to work from. Send them to Trade Warehouse and we can help identify which model makes the most sense.

Lindab Copper Hopper Heads

Not every Lindab hopper is steel. We also stock a copper hopper head for projects using the Lindab copper rainwater system. If you already have copper gutters and downpipes, keeping the hopper in the same material gives the installation a much more consistent finish.

Copper will naturally change appearance as it weathers. You can build out the rest of the system through our Lindab copper range.

Complete Your Lindab Rainline System

These Lindab hoppers normally sit somewhere in the middle of a larger rainwater setup. Depending on the project, you may also need gutter lengths, outlets, downpipes, bends, offsets, brackets, connectors and shoes.

Our Lindab guttering range covers the horizontal side of the system, while the downpipe collection covers the vertical drop and associated fittings.

Ordering the compatible parts together also makes colour matching easier, particularly when you’re using one of the coated Rainline finishes.

Replacing An Existing Lindab Hopper?

If the old hopper is still there, take a few measurements before removing it.

Check:

the model code, if visible
overall width, height and depth
the outlet diameter
the downpipe diameter
whether the body is rectangular, square or half-round
where the water enters the hopper
the existing colour or finish

A couple of photos help too — one straight on and another from the side.

If you can’t identify the model, send the photos and measurements to Trade Warehouse. That is usually much quicker than trying to describe it over the phone.

Why Buy Lindab Hoppers From Us?

If you’ve already chosen Rainline, it makes sense to buy the hopper from somewhere that can supply the rest of the system too.

We carry the matching Lindab guttering, downpipes and fittings, so you can order everything around the hopper at the same time rather than trying to source odd components elsewhere.

Popular stocked sizes and colours are usually on shorter lead times, while less common combinations may need to come in from Sweden. Check the individual product for the current delivery estimate before ordering.

Lindab Hopper FAQs

Which Hopper Works Best With Standing-Seam Roofing?

The VATKL large square hopper is the model most closely associated with standing-seam roof drainage.

It has a more traditional, substantial shape and works well where water is being discharged from a roof outlet or spout into the hopper below.

How Do I Know Which Downpipe Size I Need?

Start with the pipework already on the building, if there is any.

Measure the diameter of the downpipe body and check the outlet size on the hopper. For a new system, it’s better to plan the hopper and downpipe together rather than choosing one first and trying to make the other fit afterwards.

Can I Match The Hopper To My Existing Rainline Colour?

Usually, yes, provided that particular model is available in the finish you need.

Rainline comes in a wide choice of colours, but availability varies between products. If you’re trying to match an existing installation, check the actual colour code rather than relying on “black”, “grey” or “brown” alone.

Is Anthracite Grey The Same As RAL 7016?

Lindab Anthracite Grey 035 is the brand’s closest match to RAL 7016, but it isn’t something we’d treat as an exact cross-brand colour match.

If the hopper is sitting next to windows, cladding or another manufacturer’s rainwater goods, a small colour difference may still be visible.

Can I Replace One Old Hopper Without Changing The Rest Of The Rainline System?

In many cases, yes.

If the existing downpipe and surrounding fittings are still in good condition, you may only need to replace the damaged hopper. Check the model, outlet size and colour first though, especially on older installations.

Can I Use A Rainline Hopper With Another Manufacturer’s Downpipe?

We wouldn’t recommend assuming it will fit.

Two systems can use similar nominal pipe sizes but have different tolerances or connection details. If you’re mixing systems, check the actual dimensions before ordering rather than relying on the number in the product title.

Do You Sell Copper Rainline Hopper Heads Too?

Yes. There is also a copper hopper option for projects using the matching copper rainwater system.

That’s worth choosing when the rest of the installation is already copper, as the hopper will weather and develop its appearance along with the guttering and downpipes.