CCTV Hire Supports Excellence in Drain Services

With more than 40 regional drain cleaning service centres across the country, Metro Rod provides a 24 hour service to anyone with blocked or damaged drains, pipes, toilets, sinks etc. To support this capability, the company and its franchisees maintain a fleet of the latest equipment such as tankers, high pressure jets, excavators, pipe liners and CCTV surveying equipment.

To ensure a fast and effective response to all customer requests during periods of peak demand, many of the franchisees take advantage of Ashtead Technology’s (UK) equipment rental fleet. For example, Ryan Davis is the owner and manager of the Metro Rod franchise for London East Central. With many years of experience managing Metro Rod in this area, Ryan has established a highly trained team of engineers supported by heavy investment in equipment such as a 3,000 gallon tanker and the latest CCTV drain inspection equipment. However, Ryan says: “Occasionally we need to undertake drain surveys in different locations at the same time, and we also receive enquiries that necessitate more specialised inspection cameras, so if our own equipment is unavailable, it is very useful to be able to hire the best instrument for the job.

“Ashtead Technology maintains a comprehensive fleet of the latest inspection tools including robotic camera crawlers and push-rod cameras and videoprobes, so we are able to quickly supplement our own equipment as and when we need to. This helps to ensure that our customers receive the best service possible.”

Metro Rod’s customers range from domestic customers with a blocked pipe or drain, to large water utilities that rely on a rapid response to any problems in the water and wastewater distribution network. In addition to emergency response, Metro Rod also provides routine preventative maintenance services to a wide range of organisations. For example, the south London franchisee provides ongoing service to the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Club, including a major service in June, immediately prior to the Championships.

The ongoing operation of many industrial processes relies on the effective discharge of effluent, and any problem in this waste stream can limit or even halt production. Metro Rod’s national network of local teams means that the company is able to provide a fast and effective solution to blockages and related problems in pipes, drains and culverts.

“This ability to respond quickly to customer requests is a key feature of our business,” says Metro Rod’s Marketing Manager Ieuan Nicholls. “Our teams are highly trained and experienced, and they are equipped with the latest equipment to ensure prompt resolution of any problems.

“The facility to rent inspection equipment during periods of high demand means that we can ensure that we have the right kit on the ground for every job.”

Ashtead Technology’s Jay Neermul agrees: “It would not make financial sense for any company to purchase the volume of inspection equipment required to meet the highest level of need, because, by definition, a significant proportion of this equipment would lie unused, depreciating for much of the time.

“We have invested in our wastewater inspection fleet to meet increased demand, and have recently ordered more of the latest crawler units and pushrod cameras. We are therefore delighted to be able to partner with Metro Rod’s teams to ensure that they have exactly the right kit, wherever and whenever they need it.”