Combination Tanker Hire

Drainage contractors, utilities providers, and local authorities need equipment that performs reliably across a wide range of jobs. Combination tankers deliver exactly that. By combining high-pressure water jetting and powerful vacuum suction in one vehicle, combination tankers allow operators to break up blockages and remove waste during the same operation.
At Dawsongroup EMC, combination tankers hire is available on a self-drive basis, from as little as one week. This flexibility makes hire ideal for planned works, reactive maintenance, or emergency response.
With 24/7 support and service, you can have dependable equipment exactly when you need it.
What Is a Combination Tanker?
Instead of deploying two separate vehicles, operators complete both tasks using a single machine. This reduces setup time, improves productivity, and simplifies operations on site with the ability to break up blockages and debris with high-pressure jetting whilst also being able to remove the resulting waste and transport it away from the site.
Combination tankers support a wide range of tasks including:
- Sewer and drainage cleaning
- Gully emptying
- Septic tank maintenance
- Interceptor cleaning
- Flood response and wastewater removal
- Preventative sewer maintenance
Many modern units also include split tanks with movable partitions, allowing operators to balance clean water and waste capacity depending on the task.
Key advantages include:
- Clean pipes and remove debris in one visit
- Reduce the need for multiple vehicles on site
- Improve efficiency on maintenance projects
- Respond quickly to emergency drainage issues
- Operate effectively across a wide range of sewer sizes
For many drainage contractors, the combination tanker becomes the most versatile vehicle in their fleet.
Combination Tanker vs Vacuum Tanker
A vacuum tanker focuses purely on waste removal. It excels at transporting liquids, sludge, and industrial waste. However, it cannot break up blockages inside pipelines.
A combination tanker adds high-pressure jetting, allowing operators to:
- Clear pipe blockages
- Remove accumulated debris
- Restore pipe flow
- Carry out preventative sewer cleaning
For drainage contractors handling blocked sewers or silted drains, the combination tanker provides significantly more capability than a vacuum tanker alone.
Combination Tanker vs Recycler Tanker
A recycler tanker filters wastewater from the tank and reuses it for jetting, extending operating time between refills. These vehicles are excellent for long-duration cleaning projects but tend to be more complex and at a higher rate per week.
Many contractors prefer combination tankers because they:
- Offer simpler operation
- Deliver strong jetting and vacuum performance
- Work well across varied job types
- Provide flexible short-term hire options
Combination Tankers Available for Hire
Dawsongroup EMC provides access to a fleet of specialist vehicles from leading manufacturers including Bucher Municipal and Whale Tankers.
Each model suits a slightly different operational environment.
| Model | Best For | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|
| Bucher FlexLine CM120 | Sewer cleaning and drainage maintenance | A highly versatile combination tanker used across utilities and contractor fleets. Operators value its flexible tank configuration and strong jetting performance. |
| Bucher FlexLine CM140 | Heavy duty sewer maintenance | Designed for demanding environments where operators require greater capacity and powerful vacuum performance. |
| Bucher CityFlex CM40 | Urban drainage work | Compact design allows easy access in narrow streets, city centres, and restricted access sites. |
| Whale KiloWhale | Deep sewer cleaning and heavy industrial work | Built for powerful jetting and strong vacuum performance where operators need maximum cleaning capability. |
| Whale Mega Whale | Large infrastructure projects | Suited to major sewer networks and large-scale municipal maintenance operations. |
| Whale MVC Gully Tankers | Municipal gully cleaning | Widely used by councils and contractors for routine highway drainage maintenance. |
| Whale HVC Combination Tankers | Mainline sewer cleaning | Designed for high-performance jetting in larger sewer networks and demanding environments. |
Why Contractors Choose Dawsongroup EMC for Tanker Hire
Hiring specialist vehicles should make operations easier, not more complicated. Dawsongroup EMC focuses on delivering reliable equipment with full support throughout the hire period. Benefits include:
- Flexible hire periods – Vehicles are available from one week to long-term contract hire.
- Self-drive hire – Customers operate the equipment themselves. No operator is supplied.
- Modern specialist fleet – Access vehicles from leading manufacturers including Bucher and Whale.
- Nationwide availability – Equipment can be deployed across the UK.
- 24/7 service support – Dedicated support teams ensure vehicles stay operational whenever they are required.
Contract hire also removes the need for large capital investment while still providing access to modern high-performance equipment.
When Should You Hire a Combination Tanker?
Combination tanker hire works particularly well when organisations need to:
- Support temporary increases in drainage work.
- Respond quickly to emergency sewer blockages.
- Expand fleet capacity without purchasing new vehicles.
- Carry out seasonal drainage maintenance.
- Cover vehicles during servicing or repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a combination tanker do?
A combination tanker uses high-pressure water jetting to break up debris inside pipes and vacuum suction to remove the waste material. This allows operators to clean drainage systems efficiently using a single vehicle.
Who typically hires combination tankers?
Common users include: Drainage contractors, utility companies, water authorities, local councils and environmental service providers. These organisations use combination tankers for sewer cleaning, drainage maintenance, and waste removal.
Can I hire a combination tanker without an operator?
Yes. Dawsongroup EMC provides combination tankers on a self-drive hire basis, meaning customers supply their own trained operators or have training given by Dawsongroup emc to run the equipment.
How long can I hire a tanker for?
Hire periods can start from as little as one week, with longer contract hire options available for ongoing projects.
What support is available during the hire?
Dawsongroup EMC provides 24/7 service and support, helping ensure equipment remains operational throughout the hire period.
Combination Tanker Hire Made Easy
Combination tankers remain one of the most effective tools for maintaining drainage and sewer infrastructure. By combining jetting and vacuum capability in one vehicle, they deliver efficiency, flexibility, and powerful performance across a wide range of applications.
With a fleet of specialist vehicles available for short-term or long-term hire, and full 24/7 support, Dawsongroup EMC helps contractors and utilities keep drainage systems working when it matters most. Looking for other vehicles? View our full tanker range here


