What should I check on the jetters and sewer cameras before buying a drain business?

In a drain business, the machines do the earning. A jetter that fails in the middle of a busy week costs more than its repair bill, because crews stand idle and customers call someone else. Before you buy, plan an equipment review with the seller’s lead technician, or hire an independent mechanic who knows the gear. Ask to see every machine working, not just parked.

Jetters and pumps

Ask for the hours on each jetter and the service history of its pump, hoses and nozzles. Ask when the pump was last rebuilt and who did the work. Run the unit and watch for leaks, noise and pressure that drops. Compare how many jetters the company owns with how many it needs to cover its busiest days.

Cable machines, cameras and locators

Look at the cable machines and their cutters. For cameras, test each head, the cable it runs on and the screen or recorder. Ask whether the locator works as it should and whether the crew is trained on it. Camera work is often what turns a clearing job into a repair quote, so weak cameras can quietly cost the company income.

Reports, footage and software

Many companies give customers a written report or video after an inspection. Ask where that footage is kept, how it is backed up, and whether the software licence transfers to you. Archived inspections can help with callbacks and disputes, so make sure they come with the sale.

Trucks, trailers and ownership

• Service records and inspection history for each truck or trailer.
• Which units are owned outright, leased or financed, and who holds the paperwork.
• Any equipment that belongs to the owner personally and is not part of the company.
• Spare parts and consumables included in the sale.

Your lender or accountant can explain how financed equipment is treated in a sale. This page covers drain machines. The hydrovac checklist covers vacuum excavation fleets.