Customers
19 May 2025

Why Every Drainage Contractor Needs a Rioned MiniJet in Their Fleet

In the demanding world of drainage and sewer maintenance, contractors often rely on heavy-duty equipment to tackle large-scale projects. However, the versatility of compact machines like Rioned's MiniJet high-pressure jetter has proven invaluable, especially when addressing smaller pipelines and confined spaces.

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

The MiniJet: Small but Mighty

Engineered for residential and light commercial drain cleaning, the Rioned MiniJet delivers high-performance jetting in a highly portable design. Powered by a 1.8kW electric motor running at 230V/50Hz, the MiniJet generates water pressure up to 110 bar (1600 psi) with a flow rate of 10 litres per minute (2.2 gpm), making it ideal for clearing blockages in smaller-diameter pipework.

Weighing just 30 kg for the pump and motor unit and 26 kg for the hose reel, the MiniJet is easy to transport and manoeuvre, fitting seamlessly into standard drainage vehicles. Its compact size allows operators to access confined spaces where larger jetting units would be impractical.

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

Growing a Business with the Right Equipment

Bradley’s journey in the drainage industry started straight out of school. After spending time working on oil rigs in Abu Dhabi, he returned to the UK and took on a Metro Rod franchise six years ago.

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

With 15 staff members and a growing presence in the industrial sector, Metro Rod Cumbria handles major contracts, including one with EDF Energy for drainage repairs, tank cleaning, and civil engineering work at power stations.

Why the MiniJet is Essential for Daily Operations

Among their extensive fleet, the Metro Rod Cumbria team operates four Rioned MiniJet units, using them daily for work on hospitals and housing association contracts. The decision to invest in these compact high-pressure jetters stemmed from a critical challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We had a call-out to a hospital ward, but at the time, running jetting lines through the hospital simply wasn’t an option," Bradley explains. "I spoke to Mark Cox at Rioned, who recommended the MiniJet. It turned out to be the perfect solution - compact, versatile, and clean to use in a hospital environment."

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

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

Reliability That Stands the Test of Time

Bradley is a strong advocate for Rioned’s equipment, particularly the MiniJet, which he considers an essential investment for any drainage 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 far less than others, and if there ever is an issue, Rioned's team sorts it quickly. Plus, they hold their value better than anything else on the market. There’s really nothing comparable."

A Must-Have for Drainage Professionals

For contractors managing both large-scale drainage work and smaller, more delicate jobs, the Rioned MiniJet offers a level of versatility that other jetting machines can’t match. As Metro Rod Cumbria’s experience shows, investing in the right equipment can enhance service offerings, improve efficiency, and open the door to new business opportunities.

Interested in seeing how the MiniJet can enhance your operations?

Check it out here