Buy Cheap, Buy Twice…Is plastic gutting money down the drain?!

    Matt Trace • Nov 21, 2023

    We’ve all been there, the appeal of a low price can be irresistible at times, particularly when you’re working to a tight budget. The reality, though, is that that quest for supposed value can end up coming back to bite you down the line. By investing in higher-quality materials first time around, you’ll save yourself money in the long run.


    Initial Investment Vs. Long-Term Returns of Cast Iron Pipes


    Buying cast iron pipes or guttering is going to be more of an initial financial outlay than investing in plastic, PVC alternatives, there’s no getting around that. But you get what you pay for in life. So whilst, yes, cast iron pipes will cost you more in the short-term, they’ll provide far greater value-for-money in the long run, because you won’t be having to repair or replace them anywhere near as much as the brittle, cheaply-produced plastic version.


    Cast iron gutters (coming in sections of just under 2 metres in length) might set you back between £30 and £50, which might seem like a sizable investment. But you’ve got to remember that once you’ve got it? You’ve got it. Think, by comparison, just how many new sections of PVC guttering you might have to purchase over the years, especially with the weather we get here in the UK…


    Guttering is Often the Last Thing to Be Budgeted For


    Whether you’ve just completed a renovation, or built a new home entirely, you want every aspect of it to look pristine and elegant. There’s just one thing left to add: the exterior guttering. But wait - you’ve forgotten to factor in guttering money within the budget? Looks like you’ll have to settle for the cheaper PVC alternatives, instead.


    In the same way that a good set of cast iron drain pipes can make a property - acting as the pièce de résistance for a home - so too can a shoddy set of drain pipes drag a property’s appearance down, and who wants that? So, make sure you don’t forget about budgeting for your guttering when you’re doing your planning!

     

    What are the Benefits of Choosing the Right Materials?

     

    By choosing the right materials (the first time around) you save yourself a world of hassle and stress later on. If you skimp on the exterior of your property, you’ll find yourself constantly throwing money down the drain - no pun intended. Ironically, by throwing money at the drain from the off, what you’ll get is a drainage system with greater longevity, durability and aesthetic qualities, as well as reduced maintenance needs. It’s a no-brainer in our eyes… 


    Final Thoughts…

     

    As tempting as it can be to cut down on the pennies and pounds where you can, there are some areas where it pays to pay, and your exterior drainage is one such area. There’s a reason why cast-iron rainwater goods were the industry standard for such a long time, and it’s because of their inarguable quality and craftsmanship. To find out more, visit our cast iron pipes page, here!


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