Which Zinc Hopper Head Do I Need?
A hopper might look like a fairly simple component, but choosing the right design matters. The main things to check are how water enters the hopper, the outlet diameter you need and the finish of the rest of the rainwater system.
Our range covers three useful styles: plain box, long and parapet hoppers.
Plain Box Zinc Hopper Heads
A plain box hopper is the simplest option when rainwater is dropping into the hopper from above.
The square shape is clean and understated, so it works comfortably on both traditional and contemporary buildings. Our Natural Zinc plain box hopper measures 200mm × 200mm × 200mm and is available with either an 80mm or 100mm outlet, with Quartz Zinc versions available too.
If you're after a straightforward zinc box hopper without decorative detailing, this is generally the first style to look at.
Long Zinc Hopper Heads
A long hopper has a taller, more noticeable profile.
That extra height can work particularly well when the rainwater goods form part of the appearance of the building rather than being tucked away beneath the eaves. Our long hopper heads are available in Quartz Zinc with both 80mm and 100mm outlet options.
They pair especially well with darker, pre-weathered zinc systems and modern exterior finishes.
Zinc Parapet Hoppers
Parapet drainage is slightly different.
Rather than simply receiving water from an open gutter above, a zinc parapet hopper is designed to accept rainwater from a chute or outlet passing through the wall or parapet before directing it into the vertical pipe below.
We supply Natural Zinc parapet hoppers for both 80mm and 100mm downpipe systems. If you're working from architectural drawings, check the outlet arrangement carefully before ordering — or send the detail across and we can help you identify the right component.
80mm Or 100mm Zinc Hopper?
This is one of the most important checks to make before ordering.
The outlet at the bottom of the hopper needs to suit the downpipe system below it. If you're using an 80mm zinc hopper, pair it with the appropriate 80mm zinc downpipe system. Likewise, a 100mm zinc hopper should be matched to the corresponding 100mm pipe and fittings.
Don't choose 100mm simply because it is bigger. The right size depends on the rainwater system as a whole, including roof area, drainage arrangement and the pipework below.
If you're replacing an old hopper, measure the outside diameter of the existing downpipe rather than guessing from the hopper itself.
Replacing An Existing Hopper?
A replacement is much easier to identify if we can see what is already there.
Send us:
- A front-on photograph of the existing hopper
- A side photograph showing how the water enters it
- The outside diameter of the downpipe
- Approximate hopper width, height and depth
Trade Warehouse can then help you compare those measurements with the nearest option in the range.
That is particularly useful with older properties where an existing zinc rainwater hopper may not match today's standard dimensions exactly.
Natural Zinc Or Quartz Zinc?
Both finishes give you genuine zinc rainwater goods, but they look quite different when first installed.
Natural Zinc Hopper Heads
A Natural Zinc hopper starts with a brighter metallic appearance. Once exposed outdoors, the surface gradually weathers and develops the softer grey patina associated with aged zinc.
This makes Natural Zinc a good choice when the rest of the guttering and downpipes are also being allowed to age naturally.
Quartz Zinc Hopper Heads
A Quartz Zinc hopper gives you the darker, pre-weathered appearance straight away.
Rather than waiting for Natural Zinc to change over time, Quartz arrives with a more settled grey finish from installation. It works particularly well alongside Quartz Zinc guttering, zinc roofing, slate and contemporary exterior materials.
If you prefer straighter architectural lines throughout the rainwater system, our zinc box guttering is also worth a look.
Build A Complete Zinc Rainwater System
The hopper is only one part of the drainage route.
Water still needs to travel cleanly away through the downpipe, so it makes sense to plan the visible rainwater goods as one system rather than buying each component in isolation.
Depending on your project, you may also need:
- Zinc downpipes
- Downpipe bends
- Pipe clips
- Shoes
- Branches or offsets
- Gutters and outlets
- Matching connectors and fittings
Our zinc downpipes are available in both 80mm and 100mm diameters, helping you keep the outlet and pipework properly matched.
If zinc isn't the only material you're considering, you can also browse our wider rainwater hoppers range for other metal options.
Why Use A Hopper At All?
A hopper gives rainwater somewhere to collect before entering the downpipe.
That can be useful where several sources of water meet in one place, where a roof outlet needs connecting into a vertical pipe, or where a parapet drainage detail needs a visible collection point on the outside of the building.
It can also become an intentional architectural feature. A well-chosen zinc rainwater head looks much better on a visible elevation than an improvised transition between the outlet and pipe.
Why Buy Zinc Hoppers From Trade Warehouse?
You shouldn't have to buy the hopper from one supplier, the downpipe from another and then work out whether the two actually fit together.
Trade Warehouse supplies the wider zinc rainwater system alongside the hopper heads, including matching downpipes, guttering and fittings. We stock Natural and Quartz finishes, plain and specialist hopper designs, and both key downpipe diameters.
Most stocked zinc hoppers can also be dispatched on a next-working-day service when ordered before 11:30am, subject to availability.
For anything unusual, send us a photo, roof detail or drawing before ordering. It's much easier to identify the correct outlet and connection beforehand than discover the wrong diameter once everything is on site.
Zinc Hopper FAQs
What Is A Zinc Hopper Head?
A hopper head is a collection point within a rainwater system. Water enters the open hopper from a gutter, roof outlet or other drainage point and then leaves through the outlet into the downpipe below.
You may also see the same type of product described as a rainwater head.
Is A Zinc Gutter Hopper The Same As A Hopper Head?
Usually, yes. “Hopper”, “hopper head” and zinc gutter hopper are often used to describe the same general type of rainwater component.
The important thing is the actual application. A standard box hopper and a parapet hopper, for example, are designed to receive water in different ways.
What's The Difference Between A Box Hopper And A Parapet Hopper?
A box hopper is normally open at the top so that water can enter from above.
A parapet hopper is designed for situations where water reaches the hopper through a wall, chute or parapet outlet. Check the drainage detail on your building before choosing between them.
Do I Need An 80mm Or 100mm Outlet?
Match the hopper to the downpipe system below it.
If you already have a downpipe, measure its outside diameter before ordering. For a new system, the correct pipe size should be chosen according to the drainage requirements of the roof rather than appearance alone.
What's The Difference Between Natural And Quartz Zinc?
Natural Zinc starts brighter and develops its characteristic grey patina naturally outdoors.
Quartz Zinc is pre-weathered, giving you a darker grey appearance immediately after installation. The right choice is usually the one that best matches your gutters, downpipes and the rest of the building.
Will Natural Zinc Change Colour?
Yes. The surface gradually changes as the zinc weathers and develops its protective patina.
The process is natural, so different parts of a hopper or rainwater system may not all change at exactly the same rate depending on exposure.
Can A Hopper Connect Directly To A Zinc Downpipe?
Yes, provided the outlet and pipe system are compatible.
This is why checking whether you need an 80mm or 100mm connection is important before ordering. Browse our matching zinc downpipes if you're putting together a complete new system.
How Quickly Can You Deliver?
Most stocked hoppers are available with next working day delivery when ordered before 11:30am, subject to stock.
If your project is urgent, check availability before ordering so we can confirm the particular finish and outlet size you need.
