We have compared the specifications of the major materials currently being used for soil and drain systems in this country.

With your past experience and the enclosed information we leave you to draw your own conclusions.

Above and below ground applications

Also see our Applications Guide

Provides exceptional resistance to over vigorous rodding to clear any blockages which can occur.

Provides added confidence in its proven performance over lesser materials.

Suitable for carrying fluids with extremes of temperature - up to 94° C, then cold water.

The superior strength of cast iron provides high resistance to accidental damage and vandalism - in car parks and school playgrounds for example.

Resistant to the effects of sunlight.

No reduction in strength over time.

Will resist the effects of ground movements and high surface loads.

Standard 3 metre lengths require less support brackets.

Alternative materials require much more careful handling during storage, transport and installation if costly damage is to be avoided.

The robust nature of iron minimises damage risk to either pipe or joints in a way unequalled by any alternative material.

uPVC and HDPE and prone to expansion or contraction under extreme temperature changes. Limitation is only 60°C

Iron is without doubt a stronger, more damage resistant material than most alternatives available.

Many are prone to UV degradation over a period of time.

Most alternatives are prone to some form of strength degradation with time.

Most alternative materials suffer from either a tendency to deform or to fracture under these conditions.

Many alternatives are less rigid than cast iron requiring up to three times as many support brackets.

Requires no special safety measures (ie. fire collars or expensive cladding).

Saves time, simplifies installation, and in the event of fire, will not emit dangerous toxic fumes.

The alternatives, uPVC/HDPE, for above ground use is not fire resistant and emits dangerous toxic fumes, often requiring the use of high cost collars to prevent flames and fumes rising between floors.

Able to transport waste fluids without causing irritation to the building's occupants - particularly important for hospitals, hotels, flats and other residential type properties.

Contains low coefficient qualities, therefore eliminates the need for expansion joints.

Other materials are not able to offer this benefit. Plastic in particular can be very noisy when waste systems are in use and when affected by changes in temperature.

Today's iron systems consist of a simplified range of fittings for use in many applications.

Now are available on CAD disks to make specifying cast iron even easier than ever before.

Other materials require enhancement to achieve cast iron performance.

Being less strong, other materials usually require more bedding and support.

No alternative material can equal iron in this respect. Most cannot be recycled.

uPVC/HDPE life expectancy - unknown!

For further information see the Applications Guide, or send for a copy of the Exploding the Myths document.