Metal Downpipes
Explore metal rainwater downpipes for traditional homes, contemporary properties and heritage renovations. Shop galvanised steel, cast iron, aluminium, zinc, copper and stainless steel downpipes, with matching bends, offsets, shoes and pipe brackets. Choose the correct material, pipe shape and manufacturer to suit your gutter outlets and existing rainwater system.
Shop downpipes by system and manufacturer
Popular steel, cast iron and aluminium systemsExplore zinc, copper and stainless steel downpipes
Architectural and specialist metal finishesBefore ordering: Confirm the downpipe diameter or dimensions, round versus square profile, gutter outlet, finish and manufacturer. Pipes and fittings from different systems are not necessarily interchangeable. Listed buildings may require approval before changing existing rainwater goods.
Not Sure Which Metal Downpipes You Need?
Choosing the right metal downpipe involves more than finding a colour you like. Whether you're replacing an existing cast iron pipe or installing a new steel or aluminium rainwater system, you'll need to check the pipe material, diameter, outlet, fittings and wall projection. Follow these four steps to narrow down your options.
Choose your material
Steel is a popular metal alternative to plastic. Cast iron suits heritage buildings, while aluminium provides lighter traditional and contemporary options. Zinc, copper and stainless steel offer specialist finishes.
Match shape and size
Round, square and rectangular downpipes require matching outlets. Check the diameter or dimensions of your existing pipe and gutter outlet. Similar-looking fittings are not always interchangeable.
Plan your downpipe offset
Does the gutter outlet sit away from the wall? You may need two bends, a fixed offset or an adjustable offset. A straight drop may need none. Measure the actual wall projection before choosing fittings.
Complete your pipe run
Measure the vertical drop and allow for bends and joints. You may also need brackets, connectors, a shoe or a drainage adaptor, depending on how the pipe discharges at ground level.
Metal Downpipe Questions, Answered
Practical guidance on choosing compatible gutter outlets, bends, brackets and fittings.
What size metal downpipe do I need?
The correct downpipe size depends on the gutter system, roof drainage requirements and gutter outlet.
For example, Zambelli steel downpipes are offered in 60mm, 80mm and 100mm diameters. Our contemporary Alumasc round aluminium range includes 63mm and 76mm options.
These sizes are not automatically interchangeable. For new installations, check the roof area, rainfall, gutter capacity and number of outlets.
Browse our Zambelli steel downpipes or contemporary aluminium downpipes .
Are round or square downpipes better?
Both can be suitable when correctly sized for the drainage system. The difference is often architectural appearance and the fittings available.
Round downpipes suit many traditional and modern properties, while square downpipes can complement contemporary facades and box guttering.
We stock square cast aluminium downpipes and contemporary square aluminium downpipes .
Always check the outlet shape and connection details before buying.
How do I create a downpipe offset?
An offset brings the downpipe back towards the wall when the gutter outlet projects beyond the building's facade.
On the Zambelli steel system, a common solution uses two 70-degree bends. Alternatives include a fixed 60mm offset or an adjustable offset where available for the chosen size and finish.
A short cut length of pipe can also be used between compatible bends to create a larger return.
Contemporary aluminium systems offer their own fixed and adjustable offsets. Measure the projection and consult the manufacturer's dimensions rather than assuming fittings will fit.
What's the difference between cast and contemporary aluminium downpipes?
Cast aluminium downpipes are usually chosen for traditional architecture. They offer heritage-inspired profiles with the benefit of lighter weight compared with cast iron.
Contemporary aluminium downpipes have cleaner detailing and often use swaged joints for a less interrupted appearance.
You can explore cast aluminium downpipes or modern swaged aluminium downpipes .
What are eared and uneared cast iron downpipes?
Eared cast iron downpipes have integrated fixing lugs or ears on relevant pipe lengths.
Uneared pipes do not have these integral fixing ears and instead require an appropriate separate fixing arrangement.
The choice is especially important when matching existing cast iron rainwater goods or planning bracket positions.
View our cast iron downpipe range .
Can I mix downpipes and fittings from different manufacturers?
We would not recommend assuming components from different manufacturers are compatible, even if they have similar stated dimensions.
Pipe connections, socket details, wall brackets and gutter outlets can differ between systems.
For example, Zambelli and Lindab steel systems should be selected using their respective compatible fittings unless an appropriate connection has been confirmed.
If you're combining new downpipes with existing guttering, contact our team with photographs and measurements first.
Do I need a downpipe shoe?
A downpipe shoe is commonly used at the bottom of an above-ground downpipe to direct rainwater towards a suitable drainage point.
If the downpipe connects directly into an underground drainage system, a different connection or adaptor may be required.
Check where your rainwater is intended to discharge before selecting the final fitting.
What is the best metal downpipe for a period property?
Cast iron is a traditional choice for period homes and restoration projects, particularly when matching existing historic profiles.
Cast aluminium is another option where a traditional appearance is wanted with less weight.
The correct choice depends on the building, original rainwater goods and any conservation restrictions.
For a listed building, seek appropriate conservation advice before changing the material or appearance of the system.
Still unsure which fittings you need?
Our team can help you narrow down the options. Send us the approximate height of the downpipe, the gutter outlet size and photographs of your existing system if available.
This guide provides general product selection advice only. Actual drainage capacity, pipe sizing, fixing methods and component compatibility must be confirmed against the property and manufacturer's technical specifications.