
03 Feb The Best Slide Gates for Municipal Stormwater Systems Future Needs
Why Stainless Steel Gates Are the Superior Option for Municipal Stormwater Systems
At Whipps, Inc., we specialize in high-performance stainless steel gates designed to optimize stormwater flow and ensure long-term durability. As cities grow and climate change intensifies weather patterns, municipal stormwater systems must be equipped to handle increased water volumes. Flood prevention, infrastructure protection, and water quality management are all dependent on effective water control solutions. Traditionally, cast iron gates have been used in stormwater management, but stainless steel gates are proving to be the superior choice.
The Importance of Upgrading Stormwater Systems
Stormwater systems must evolve to meet the demands of expanding urban areas. Without proper adaptation, communities face risks such as:
- Increased flooding due to overwhelmed drainage systems
- Erosion and damage to infrastructure
- Poor water quality from unmanaged runoff
Modernizing stormwater systems with high-performance gates is a critical step toward building more resilient communities. Stainless steel gates offer significant advantages over cast iron gates, making them the ideal choice for municipal applications.
Why Stainless Steel Gates Outperform Cast Iron
1. Superior Strength & Reliability
Stainless steel is more than twice as strong as cast iron, offering enhanced resistance to pressure and stress. Unlike cast iron gates, which can become brittle over time, stainless steel maintains its structural integrity, ensuring smooth and reliable operation. Additionally, Whipps, Inc. stainless steel gates feature UHMW seat/seals, which prevent metal-to-metal contact and eliminate the risk of the gate “freezing” in place after long periods of inactivity.
2. Corrosion Resistance & Durability
One of the most significant drawbacks of cast iron is its vulnerability to rust and corrosion, particularly in stormwater applications where gates are frequently exposed to water and chemicals. Stainless steel naturally resists corrosion, ensuring decades of dependable performance. Our UV-stabilized UHMW seat/seals undergo rigorous testing, including 25,000 open/close cycles in abrasive conditions, proving their ability to withstand harsh environments with minimal wear.
3. Faster Production & Delivery
The production of cast iron gates involves time-consuming casting, cooling, and machining processes, leading to long lead times. Stainless steel gates, on the other hand, are fabricated much faster, allowing municipalities to upgrade their stormwater systems more efficiently and without costly delays.
4. Leak Prevention with Self-Adjusting Seals
Traditional cast iron gates rely on manual adjustments, which can result in increased leakage over time. Whipps, Inc. stainless steel gates feature a self-adjusting seal system that maintains consistent pressure against the slide, preventing leaks and reducing maintenance requirements.
5. Low Maintenance & Easy Repairs
Unlike cast iron gates, stainless steel gates do not require painting and have easily replaceable seat/seals that can be swapped out on-site. In contrast, if a cast iron gate’s seating surface is damaged, the entire gate must be removed and sent back to the manufacturer for repairs—an expensive and time-consuming process.
6. Customization & Flexible Mounting Options
Whipps, Inc. stainless steel gates can be fabricated in virtually any size, making them highly adaptable for municipal stormwater projects. Unlike cast iron, which requires costly mold modifications for custom sizes, stainless steel gates are more flexible and can be mounted in various configurations, including wall mounts, pipe flanges, and embedded channels.
Upgrade Your Stormwater System with Whipps, Inc.
With superior strength, durability, leak prevention, and cost efficiency, stainless steel gates are the best choice for modern municipal stormwater systems. At Whipps, Inc., we take pride in providing high-quality, customizable solutions that help communities effectively manage stormwater and prepare for the future.