Turnkey Jetting Solution the “Best Choice” for New Firm

Purchasing new drainage equipment can be a time-consuming process. Alongside the traditional considerations of cost, performance, efficiency, vehicle fit-out and ongoing maintenance, factoring in new emissions regulations just adds to the task. For Union Drains, a newly formed drainage contractor operating in South East England, choosing a turnkey solution from Rioned made the whole process much simpler.

Union Drains is a division of Union Contractors (Sussex) Ltd, a construction company with over two decades’ experience in residential and commercial building projects. The decision to form the new division was in part due to recent Environmental Agency General Binding Rules for septic tanks or small sewage treatment plants.

Managing Director Stephen Knight says the new regulations have meant increased demand for both domestic and commercial drainage services and provided a good opportunity for the new business.

The company took delivery of their new jetting equipment in December 2019 and with the set-up process made easier by working closely with drain cleaning equipment manufacturer Rioned.

Stephen Knight explains: “Rioned supplied the whole package for both new vehicles. The complete turnkey service was a massive selling point for us, as it was the first time we had purchased this type of equipment. I did a lot of research into the kit and Rioned kept coming up. Other drainage engineers I talked to also swear by their equipment, and it became clear they were the best choice.”

“Mark Cox (Sales Manager at Rioned UK) is also a great guy to deal with and offers a level of service and knowledge that you don’t get with other companies. We wanted a full package and it became clear that most firms offering this are finance companies, so don’t have the expertise.”

Union Drains purchased two complete van-pack jetter packages from Rioned, which included the supply of the jetters, vans and ancillary equipment, along with the vehicle conversion and pre-handover training. Union Drains also opted to send their entire team for the training provided by the Water Jetting Association in association with Jetmasters, which resulting in City & Guilds qualifications for all staff.

Rioned’s best-selling CityJet jetter was fitted in a fully converted Hi-top Transit, and the new Stage V emission compliant UrbanJet fitted in a Transit Custom. Both vehicles were converted for purpose, including the installation of bulkheads, flooring, storage, rod tubes, hand-basins, electrical inverters and lighting. Rioned also supplied a ScanProbe CCTV system and housing.

Stephen continues: “Mark took the time to understand exactly what we needed, and even explained the new emissions regulations. The new vehicles were delivered on schedule and they also provided extended training. Getting to try the Rioned equipment first hand was a real bonus.”

Since taking delivery and beginning work across the South East, Stephen says they have been delighted with the performance of the kit: “The equipment is bulletproof. It’s a different level of machine and is proving the right choice and the right tool for the jobs we do.”

Mark Cox says that Rioned’s turnkey services have been designed to make the process of specifying equipment easier for contractors: “We always spend the time to get to know customers before making recommendations. By choosing a single-source solution, many contractors have discovered a hassle-free and cost-effective way to satisfy their complete jetting requirements.”