Customers
19 May 2025

Why Every Drainage Contractor Needs a Rioned MiniJet in Their Fleet

In the demanding world of sewer and drainage maintenance, contractors often rely on heavy equipment to tackle large-scale projects. However, the versatility of compact machines such as Rioned's MiniJet high-pressure cleaner has proven invaluable, especially when dealing with smaller pipes and tight spaces.

At Metro Rod Cumbria, director Bradley Miller understands this balance well. His fleet includes everything from high-capacity cleaning tankers to compact high-pressure cleaners like the Rioned MiniJet, which has become an indispensable tool for his team.

The MiniJet: Small but Powerful

Designed for residential and light commercial sewer cleaning, the Rioned MiniJet delivers high performance in a very portable design. Powered by a 1.8kW electric motor operating at 230V/50Hz, the MiniJet generates water pressure up to 110 bar (1600 psi) with a flow rate of 10 liters per minute (2.2 gpm), making it ideal for clearing blockages in pipelines with smaller diameters.

Weighing only 30 kg for the pump and motor unit and 26 kg for the reel, the MiniJet is easy to transport and maneuver and fits seamlessly into standard sewer vehicles. Its compact size allows operators to access tight spaces where larger jetting units would be impractical.

For added flexibility, the motor and pump assembly can be detached from the reel and used separately. This feature is particularly useful in confined workspaces, where only the reel needs to be placed close to the access point, ensuring effective operation without unnecessary equipment clutter.

Growing a company with the right equipment

Bradley's journey in the sewerage industry began right after school. After working on oil rigs in Abu Dhabi for some time, he returned to the United Kingdom and took over a Metro Rod franchise six years ago.

"We started with just one van, and now we have six jetting units," says Bradley. "All our vans are equipped with Rioned jetters because they are incredibly reliable. Additionally, we have six tankers, including a Rioned RioCom jetvac unit and larger vacuum suction tankers. Our fleet is probably the largest among the Metro Rod franchises."

With 15 employees and a growing presence in the industrial sector, Metro Rod Cumbria handles large contracts, including one with EDF Energy for sewer repairs, tank cleaning, and civil engineering work at power plants.

Why the MiniJet is Essential for Daily Operations

Within their extensive fleet, the Metro Rod Cumbria team uses four Rioned MiniJet units, which they deploy daily for work on hospital and housing association contracts. The decision to invest in these compact high-pressure jetters came from a critical challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We received a call for a hospital ward, but at that time it was simply not an option to run jetting hoses through the hospital," explains Bradley. "I spoke with Mark Cox from Rioned, who recommended the MiniJet. It turned out to be the perfect solution - compact, versatile, and clean for use in a hospital environment."

Following that success, Metro Rod Cumbria secured a contract with Mitie, the facilities management company responsible for hospitals throughout the region. The MiniJet has since become an essential tool for hospital maintenance, domestic calls, and work for housing associations.

"In apartment complexes, for example, it's often difficult to run jetting hoses from the van. The MiniJet solves that problem," says Bradley. "Out of 100 jobs, there might be a few where we need more power, so we first use a high-speed cable machine and then clear the lines with the MiniJet."

Reliability That Stands the Test of Time

Bradley is a strong advocate of Rioned's equipment, particularly the MiniJet, which he considers an essential investment for any sewer contractor.

"With Rioned, you know exactly what you're getting - it's the Rolls Royce of jetting equipment. The quality and reliability are unmatched. Their machines break down much less often than others, and if there's ever a problem, the Rioned team quickly resolves it. Moreover, they retain their value better than anything else on the market. There's really nothing comparable."

A must-have for drainage professionals

For contractors who manage both large-scale drainage works and smaller, more delicate tasks, the Rioned MiniJet offers a level of versatility that other jetting machines cannot match. As the experience of Metro Rod Cumbria shows, investing in the right equipment can enhance service offerings, increase efficiency, and open the door to new business opportunities.

Interested in how the MiniJet can improve your operations?

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