Customers
19 Aug 2025

Compact Jetvac Unit Meets Demand to Strengthen Gully Emptying and Desilting Operations

For multi-disciplinary service providers like David Rowell Ltd, flexibility is essential, especially when it comes to equipment. That’s why the Rioned’ RioCom JetVac Combination unit was the right choice.

Based in Southport, Merseyside, and founded in 1982, the firm delivers a broad spectrum of drainage services, including commercial and domestic jetting, patching, CCTV surveys and tankering. The company also specialises in paving and resurfacing. Over the years, it has built a strong reputation in the area and works with clients across the public and private sectors, including housing associations, architects, surveyors and retailers.

Operating from custom-built facilities in Southport, the drainage division already runs an extensive fleet, including tankers, van-pack jetters and service vehicles operated by 18 engineers. However, growing demand meant the business needed a more cost-effective, compact and versatile solution to support its drain maintenance work, in particular gully emptying and desilting.

“We already knew about the Rioned jetvac unit, and looking around at other solutions, we didn’t find anything to compare,” says founder and CEO David Rowell. “The RioCom does everything we need.”

Compact yet powerful

The RioCom’s capabilities have significantly improved operational efficiency. With a jetting output of 22 gallons per minute (gpm), a suction capacity of 1,800 gpm and a 3,000-litre water tank, it can handle a wide range of jetting, flushing and clearance jobs quickly and efficiently.

The advanced eControl+ remote operations system, complete with a clear LCD screen providing at-a-glance information and an easily navigable control menu, allows for safe single-person operations.

“It’s allowed us to respond to jobs like desilting and road gully clearance with a single vehicle,” explains Operations Manager Darrow Knowler. “We’re currently using the RioCom three to four days a week, but we’re looking to increase that to daily use.”

In the field, the unit’s compact footprint, manoeuvrability, and robust performance have won over the company’s team engineers. “It’s easy to use and well constructed,” Darrow adds. “The engineers are very pleased with the unit.”

The team at Rioned provided support throughout the sales and handover process. UK Sales Manager Klaire Jones introduced David Rowell Ltd to a finance company to help arrange funding for the unit.

Klaire and colleagues also spent time on-site with the team for training. This included a full day at their premises, with live demonstrations including clearing drains at a local hospital, to help familiarise the team with the unit’s features and functions. When the unit was delivered, she returned for another day of training and handover to make sure the new operators were confident using the equipment.

For businesses that need reliable and flexible equipment, the RioCom JetVac Combination unit is proving to be a good fit for drainage maintenance work across the UK.