Drainage equipment finance

Jesus M
•4m read
Drainage engineer operating a high-pressure water jetting unit beside a service van with CCTV drain inspection equipment

A second jetting unit or a better CCTV system can help you take on work your current setup cannot cover. Paying for the kit outright can also leave less cash for wages, fuel and the jobs already booked in.

Drainage equipment finance lets you spread eligible purchases over agreed repayments. At Johnson Reed, we help UK businesses explore leasing and hire purchase for equipment, from individual tools to larger vehicle-mounted systems.

What drainage equipment can be financed

Depending on the lender and equipment, finance may be available for:

  • Van-mounted and trailer-mounted jetting units
  • CCTV drain cameras and crawler systems
  • Drain inspection and locating equipment
  • Vacuum and combination jet-vac tankers
  • Eligible vans and commercial vehicles
  • Associated tools and equipment

Send us the full specification and supplier quote. If you are buying a vehicle and fitting it out with equipment from another supplier, explain both parts so we can look at the complete funding requirement.

New or used drainage equipment

For example, new equipment may come with a supplier warranty and a specification that suits the work you want to win. Used kit can reduce the initial cost, but condition, service history and likely repair costs need a closer look.

In addition, used jetting units, cameras and tankers may be eligible for finance. The lender will consider age, value, supplier and the proposed term, so check before paying a non-refundable deposit.

However, the cheapest purchase price is not always the lowest operating cost. In particular, look at servicing, parts availability, insurance and expected downtime alongside the finance payment. For vehicle-mounted equipment, check that the vehicle and installation are suitable for your intended use.

How much does drainage equipment finance cost

Repayments depend on the purchase price, finance amount, deposit, term and lender’s offer. Equipment specification and business circumstances also affect the options available.

An itemised supplier quote is more useful than a broad industry price range. Include delivery, installation, vehicle modifications and VAT where applicable so you can see what the quote covers and what you must pay separately.

Use our finance calculator for an initial repayment indication. It is not a finance offer; we’ll confirm actual terms after assessing the application.

Leasing hire purchase or asset refinance

Equipment leasing lets your business use the kit for agreed rental payments. The lender owns the equipment and the end-of-term options depend on the agreement. An upgrade or replacement is not automatic and may need new funding.

Hire purchase can suit equipment you intend to own. Ownership normally transfers once you have made all required payments and paid any purchase fee. In addition, deposits and VAT arrangements vary.

If you already have suitable equipment with available equity, asset refinance may release cash while you keep the equipment in use. That creates a new repayment commitment and may change legal ownership.

Finally, compare the total cost and commitments of each route. Ask your accountant to review the VAT and tax treatment for the proposed agreement.

Planning repayments around your workload

Equipment finance can make purchase costs more predictable, but you still need to meet the payments when callouts slow down or customers pay late. However, a lease does not automatically flex with seasonal demand.

Build your budget around the work you can realistically expect. If you are adding a tanker for commercial contracts, allow for running costs and the time between completing a job and receiving payment. If you are expanding into CCTV surveys, consider training and reporting costs as well as the camera itself.

Keep servicing and safety requirements separate from the funding decision. Finance does not include operator training, maintenance or compliance unless you specifically agree them in the relevant contracts.

Finance for a new drainage business

Starting with your first van and jetting unit? New businesses are welcome to enquire. For example, a lender may consider your experience, business plan, forecasts, available contribution and credit history alongside the equipment.

In addition, we may ask established contractors for accounts, recent bank statements and existing finance details. Requirements vary, so we’ll explain what you need for your application.

Talk to Johnson Reed about your equipment

Tell us what you want to buy, the supplier and your target date. We’ll look at suitable funding routes and explain the repayments, fees and any guarantee requirements.

Explore our business equipment finance or contact Johnson Reed on 0161 429 6949 to discuss your drainage business.

Frequently asked questions

Can I finance a CCTV drain camera

Potentially, yes. Send us the camera specification, supplier quote and business details so we can check eligibility and the available terms.

Can you fund the van and jetting system together

That may be possible, depending on the suppliers, installation and lender. Provide the full breakdown so we can assess both elements.

Can I add equipment to an existing agreement

Ask us to review the current agreement and new purchase. Extra equipment may need a separate application or a new agreement rather than a simple addition.

Does finance include servicing and repairs

Not automatically. Confirm maintenance, warranty and service arrangements with your supplier and check what the finance agreement covers.