21 Nov Why Contractors Are Switching to Stainless Steel Water Control Gates
Stainless Steel vs. Cast Iron:
Why Stainless Steel Water Control Equipment Outperforms the Rest
At Whipps, Inc., we’re dedicated to delivering water control solutions that go beyond industry standards. When comparing stainless steel to traditional cast iron, the advantages are clear. Our fabricated stainless steel gates offer superior performance, reduced maintenance, and longer service life, all while providing significant cost savings as gate size increases.
Upgrade Your Water Control Systems:
How Stainless Steel Gates Deliver Better Value Than Cast Iron
Whether managing municipal wastewater, industrial flow control, or environmental infrastructure, choosing the right material can determine the long-term reliability and efficiency of your system. Stainless steel fabrication, coupled with precision engineering, ensures that Whipps, Inc. gates provide unmatched durability and performance where it matters most.
Superior Sealing and Performance
Whipps, Inc. stainless steel water control gates achieve leakage rates below 0.05 gpm/ft of seal perimeter under both seating and unseating head conditions—exceeding AWWA C-501 (Cast Iron Sluice Gates) and C-560 (Cast Iron Slide Gates) specifications. This level of precision sealing means less water loss, higher operational efficiency, and peace of mind in high-pressure environments.
Our gates utilize UV-stabilized UHMW seat/seals that maintain shape and integrity even after rigorous testing, including 25,000 gate open/close cycles in abrasive media. These seals also eliminate metal-to-metal contact, ensuring the gate slide never “freezes” to the frame after long periods of inactivity which is an issue commonly experienced with cast iron gates.
Strength, Durability, and Corrosion Resistance
Stainless steel has more than twice the ultimate strength and approximately double the modulus of elasticity of cast iron. This translates into greater structural integrity and less deformation under load, particularly in high-head service conditions. Additionally, stainless steel provides superior corrosion resistance, making it ideal for wastewater, flood control, and industrial applications where chemical exposure and fluctuating water levels are routine.
By comparison, cast iron gates are susceptible to corrosion and require regular maintenance or coating repairs, which increase downtime and long-term costs. Stainless steel’s inherent corrosion resistance ensures years of reliable, low-maintenance operation.
Faster Fabrication and Cost Efficiency
Unlike the casting and machining process required for cast iron gates, which is time-consuming and costly, stainless steel gates from Whipps, Inc. are fabricated efficiently and accurately to meet project deadlines. This streamlined process enables quicker delivery times and lower overall cost, especially for larger gate sizes where casting costs rise dramatically.
In short, stainless steel offers a better return on investment including reduced lead times, less maintenance, and longer service life that all add up to measurable value for contractors and facility managers alike.
Engineered for Reliable, Long-Term Performance
Each Whipps, Inc. stainless steel gate is designed and tested for demanding field conditions. Our precision-fabricated components, resilient sealing systems, and rugged frames provide consistent, leak-tight performance year after year. These benefits make stainless steel the preferred choice for modern water and wastewater control infrastructure.
By choosing Whipps, Inc., you’re investing in proven performance, reliability, and craftsmanship built to exceed expectations.
The Smarter Choice for Water Control Equipment
Since 1977, Whipps, Inc. has been the trusted name in fabricated stainless steel water control equipment. Our dedication to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction ensures every gate we produce is engineered to perform for decades. When it comes to choosing between stainless steel and cast iron, the difference is clear: Whipps stainless steel gates deliver strength, precision, and reliability you can count on.
Looking to upgrade your facility with long-lasting, high-performance water control gates? Contact Whipps, Inc. today to learn more about our stainless steel sluice, slide, and stop gate solutions.
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