Rainwater Goods Explained

1. Gutter: Available in up to 3m lengths, the guttering must slope gently downwards at least 12mm every 3m towards the RUNNING OUTLET in order to provide effective drainage. It should be fixed at 1m intervals with a GUTTER SUPPORT BRACKET.

2. Gutter Union Bracket: Connects two GUTTER pieces; some guttering ranges have joints ready incorporated in the design.

3. 90° Gutter Angle: Allows a run of guttering to continue around a corner. A GUTTER SUPPORT BRACKET must be fixed within 150mm on both sides of the angle.

4. Stop End Outlet: Sits at the end of a run of guttering to close the pipeline, and lets water out by connecting to the DOWNPIPE. Usually supplied as a ‘right’ or ‘left end’, depending on the layout.

5. Hopper: Funnel-shaped rainwater collector that diverts to a DOWNPIPE. Elaborate cast iron and lead versions are of great signifi cance on many façades of historical buildings. On some old houses, hoppers took out grey water, but this is not permitted now.

6. Downpipe: Available in lengths up to 2.5m, it lets water run down to the SHOE. Fixed to the wall with a DOWNPIPE BRACKET.

7. Downpipe Bracket: Secures a DOWNPIPE to the wall — there should be one positioned near the top of the first pipe and then around every metre after that. Two sorts are generally available: the saddle bracket and the barrel clip (shown). The saddle bracket just holds the pipe away from the wall while the barrel clip gives a firmer grip to the pipe and prevents it moving up and down.

8. Shoe: Fitted at the base of the DOWNPIPE to change the direction of the flow of water, discharging it horizontally, clear of the wall, into a drain or hardstanding — which it should be positioned around 40mm above. Cast iron shoes may be decoratively branded with dates or crests.

9. Downpipe Connector: Allows more than one DOWNPIPE to be connected in series. Cast iron connectors are sometimes decoratively branded. Plastic downpipes may, however, just join by sitting the upper pipe inside the lower, without connectors, which creates a watertight seal.

10. Branch: Single branch for joining two DOWNPIPES together, to divert the water from another roof section into the same drain.

11. Offset Bends: At either a 112.5° (as here) or 92.5° angle, these bends bring the DOWNPIPE close to the wall, ensuring water runs vertically, thus reducing debris build up.

12. Running Outlet: Provides an outlet to the DOWNPIPE for rainwater along the length of guttering. Unlike a STOP END OUTLET, it connects to a guttering run at both ends.

13. External Stop End: Closes off a run of guttering.

14. Gutter Support Bracket: Attaches the guttering to the facia at 1m intervals.

NB: While this diagram serves as an aid to those purchasing and/or installing rainwater goods, we have opted to show the wide selection of components on offer as opposed to a full working setup. Cast iron is found on many period properties, but other materials include steel, aluminium, zinc, copper and PVCu, which is most often used on new buildings. Guttering is commonly available in three shapes: half-round, square (box) and ogee; downpipes may be circular or square.

Further reading:

• Repairing Cast Iron Guttering
• A Buyer's Guide to Rainwater Goods
• Collecting Rainwater
• Rainwater Goods: Material Choices