Guides
28 Jan 2026

A Guide to Choosing the Best Drain Jetting Machine for Your Business

When it comes to selecting a new high-pressure drain jetter, it is not only about the biggest machine or the highest headline pressure. The best option is the one that matches your typical workflow. Rioned’s van-pack range provides customers with a selection of machines suited to everything from small diameter domestic work to heavy-duty sewer cleaning. In this blog, we break down some key considerations in the purchasing process.

Understanding the key differences across the range of jetting machines

Most contractors compare jetters by pressure and flow first, but consideration should also be given to operational practicality, machine efficiency, and ease of installation. In this area, the main factors that differentiate the Rioned range are pipe diameter capability, water capacity, hose handling, power type, machine management and safety.

A smaller machine is a good choice if your work is mainly house connections, short runs, and routine maintenance. Equally, if you are cleaning larger commercial sewer networks, you would benefit from more water capacity, longer hose lengths, and higher flow options.

Pipe diameter is the simplest starting point

If you only look at one buying factor first, make it pipe diameter. It immediately rules out machines that are either too small for your jobs or heavier and more expensive than you need.

The all-electric eFlow One is aimed at drain cleaning up to 250mm. UrbanJet, AquaJet, and eCityJet easily cope with pipelines up to 350mm, making them strong options for domestic work and light commercial cleaning. CityJet is the step up for everyday commercial work up to 450mm. ProfiJet sits at the top of the range for demanding work up to 600mm, where performance and endurance become the priority.

Petrol, diesel, PTO or electric? Which powertrain suits your operation

The drainage industry has traditionally used diesel-powered machines as a preferred option for heavier daily use and longer duty cycles. In recent years, advances in petrol engines and the need to meet stricter emission controls have led to the emergence and growing popularity of petrol-powered machines. These days, aside from personal preferences, there is little to choose between the two different power options, with both offering comparable performance. It's worth noting that diesel engines with a power rating above 19kW require a diesel particle filter (DPF), which can make them more expensive to buy and service.

PTO (power take-off) utilises the vehicle engine to drive the pump rather than relying on a separate combustion engine. This can save on fuel, reduce system weight and complexity while meeting emissions requirements.

Electric models are designed for contractors wanting to future-proof their fleets. If you are working in low-emission zones, city centres, or enclosed and partially enclosed areas, electric jetters become a practical advantage. You are not only reducing emissions, but also cutting noise and improving suitability for noise-sensitive locations.

Vehicle payload, weight and water capacity

Vehicle payload is a key consideration for many drainage contractors using 3.5t or small commercial vehicles. Machine weight, size and water tank capacity should be carefully considered, particularly if additional space in the van is needed for essential ancillary equipment like tooling, CCTV, and patching kits.

The smaller machines in the Rioned range suit compact and mid-size vans where space and payload are limited. AquaJet is the lightest, starting at 300 kg with a 400-litre tank, ideal for vehicles like the Transit Custom. UrbanJet increases capacity to 600 litres at 440 kg, offering longer working time while fitting comfortably in standard 3.5 t vans such as the Ford Transit.

The larger machines are built for heavier-duty commercial work. CityJet uses a 600-litre setup but starts from 530 kg with stronger components, while the electric eCityJet reaches around 750 kg due to its battery system. ProfiJet is the largest, with an 800-litre tank and an 800 kg dry weight, typically installed in long wheelbase or high-roof vans, such as the Mercedes Sprinter.

The importance of hose and reel configurations

Hose handling plays a major role in productivity and operator comfort, so reel design, pivot capability, and freewheel systems are key factors. Across the range, machines are supplied with efficient single-wire high-pressure hoses on powered reels, with fixed setups prioritising compactness and straightforward operation, while optional pivoting reels improve access and working position in tighter environments.

For higher-output commercial work, advanced reel systems offer far greater flexibility. Swivelling hydraulic reels allow operators to work efficiently from different angles, while freewheel technology reduces friction during manual coiling, cutting effort and speeding up repetitive jobs. Larger-duty setups also support heavier hose options, ensuring the hose system matches the demands of intensive cleaning work.

Machine control and single-person operation

Single-person operation is more than a convenience; it improves safety, reduces labour demands, and helps teams complete jobs more efficiently. Across the Rioned range, all machines use the eControl+ or eControl Touch machine management system to deliver real-time operational data and system diagnostics via an easy-to-use LED screen. This data provides contractors with more insight into day-to-day operations and helps avoid unnecessary downtime.

Remote-control capability varies by configuration, with options ranging from basic multi-channel RioMote systems with remote engine start/stop, and pressure, flow and hose-reel control. Higher-spec remotes add features such as real-time operational data displayed via an LED screen. This includes pressure, flow, RPM, fuel, and water levels, giving operators greater control and flexibility on site.

The Rioned van-pack jetter range

UrbanJet

3000psi @ 10gpm
Optional 5 or 7-Channel RioMote
Kubota diesel – 18.5kW / 25hp
Kubota petrol – 23kW / 30hp

UrbanJet is designed for domestic and light commercial cleaning in pipelines up to 350 mm, where you want a compact and lightweight machine that still delivers proper professional performance. It is available with a Kubota water-cooled diesel or petrol engine, and it can be run using eControl+ as standard. With 600 litres of water and practical safety features like run dry protection, it fits well in compact 3.5 t vans while leaving room for extra equipment.

UrbanJet

AquaJet

3000psi @ 10gpm
9-Channel RioMote
Electric HP hose reel with 60m hose
Honda IGX800 petrol engine

AquaJet is the smallest and lightest van-pack option in the current range, starting from 300 kg. It is aimed at contractors who want a fleet-friendly petrol machine for domestic work and urban sites, with performance options that allow you to tune output for different jobs. Its Honda IGX800 injection engine improves consistency under load, and the combination of eControl+ and 9-channel RioMote remote control gives it strong usability for its size.

AquaJet

CityJet

3000psi @ 16gpm
eControl Touch or eControl+
Kubota diesel - 33kW /44hp
Kubota petrol - 42kW / 57hp
Power Take-off (PTO)

CityJet is Rioned’s flagship van-pack jetter and the machine most contractors associate with everyday commercial jetting. It is designed for drains and sewers up to 450 mm and supports petrol, diesel, or PTO power options, depending on how you want to run your fleet. It stands out through its hose reel design, operator safety features, and the way it balances compact installation with genuine commercial output.

CityJet

eCityJet

3000psi @ 13gpm
eControl+
9-Channel RioMote
24kW electric motor
Q 34kWh battery system

eCityJet takes the core idea of the CityJet and makes it fully electric. It is aimed at contractors working in low-emission zones, city centres, and environments where noise and exhaust emissions matter. With a 34 kWh battery pack and a 24 kW electric motor, it delivers 3000psi @ 13gpm performance as standard and can complete a full working day of jetting on a single charge in typical use, with the option to top up via standard mains power.

eCityJet

eFlow One

3000psi @ 11gpm
9-Channel RioMote with display
14kW electric motor
17kWh LFP battery system

eFlow One is designed as a compact, all-electric jetter that makes electric drain cleaning more accessible to smaller contractors. It is aimed at pipeline work up to 250 mm and combines a 14 kW motor with a 17 kWh LFP battery setup and remote control operation. With a 400 litre water tank and compact dimensions, it is built for operators who want to reduce running costs and move away from fuel-powered systems without oversizing the van build.

eFlow One

ProfiJet

4100psi @ 18gpm
Optional 7-Channel Riomote
Kubota diesel turbo – 44hp
Kubota diesel turbo – 65hp

ProfiJet sits at the top of the range for demanding work up to 600 mm. It is built around Kubota common rail turbo diesel engines and is designed for longer duty cycles, tougher blockages, and higher output cleaning where both pressure and flow matter. With an 800 litre tank as standard and the ability to expand water capacity further, it is built for contractors who need maximum capability and want a machine that can keep working hard over longer periods.

ProfiJet

What’s the right jetter for you?

For light domestic work and the lightest van build, choose AquaJet. For a compact jetter with more capacity and an industrial engine, consider UrbanJet. CityJet is the core choice for versatile, everyday commercial cleaning. For quiet, zero-emission city operation, use eCityJet. eFlow One specialises in compact electric drain cleaning up to 250mm. ProfiJet delivers maximum output for the toughest heavy sewer work.

Download the Quick Guide to Jetting Machines

Download the quick guide to Rioned van-pack jetting machines for an overview. For tailored advice, contact the Rioned sales team to find the best match for your van build, pipe sizes, power preference, and the water and hose capacity you need.

Download