Low pressure, discoloured water, unusual tastes, or unexpectedly high-water bills from leaks you did not know you had mean it’s time for water supply pipe replacement – especially if they’re made from lead or other ageing materials. These water supply problems are common issues faced by homeowners and businesses across Oxfordshire, including areas like Oxford, Abingdon, Banbury, and Bicester. If you’re experiencing these issues, you might be searching for “water line repair” or considering lead pipe replacement options.
The replacement of old or leaking domestic water mains pipe in Oxfordshire has undergone a revolutionary change in recent years, thanks to advancements in modern moling and drilling technology. Water mains are a vital component of the county’s infrastructure, and replacing or installing them in such a densely packed urban environment requires innovative techniques. Trenchless water line replacement has become the go-to solution across the county.
Trenching, the traditional slow and disruptive way of replacing and laying water mains, is, in most situations, being replaced by trenchless techniques. EPS Trenchless Installations has been at the forefront of revolutionising utility installations, using no-dig technology such as moling, and directional drilling to minimise disruption and enhance efficiency.
As water company approved contractors, EPS Trenchless Installations is a leader in moling and horizontal directional drilling trenchless technology, helping Oxfordshire and the surrounding areas with its water infrastructure repair and replacement in the most efficient manner possible. For those seeking “moling services near me,” EPS offers expert solutions for various underground utility installation needs, including domestic moling and commercial moling services.
Impact moling, sometimes referred to as pipe moling or pneumatic moling, is a cutting-edge trenchless technology for installing underground utilities, including water pipes, electric cables, and fibre optic lines. It involves using a device called an impact mole. Occasionally referred as a water mole or pipe mole machine, an impact mole is a pneumatic burrowing device that creates horizontal boreholes through repetitive percussive action. Impact moling is faster and cheaper with the impact moling cost per meter being significantly lower than traditional open cut methods.
The technique is particularly effective in urban settings, where minimising disruption to roads, footpaths, landscapes, and other infrastructure is important. In more rural areas, moling with its minimal environmental impact preserves the local ecosystems, countryside, and wildlife.
Impact moling is a precise and efficient method that creates a guided tunnel through the soil for laying utilities. It is extremely useful when accessing limited spaces, as the moling equipment typically consists of a compressed air-driven pneumatic cylinder with relatively small entry and exit pits. For those considering impact mole hire, it is better to use experienced professionals who understand the intricacies of this technology.
Installing or replacing water mains across Oxfordshire’s urban, suburban, and rural areas using traditional trenching methods has always been a difficult task. Impact moling, as part of comprehensive moling services, offers several key advantages:
The trenchless nature of impact moling preserves surface infrastructure, particularly crucial in Oxfordshire's historic districts and modern urban areas, maintaining the integrity of roads, pavements, and gardens. This makes it an ideal method for domestic water main replacement and pipe replacement projects, ensuring the minimum disruption of homeowners and businesses.
Impact moling is a game-changer for water pipe repairs and replacing water supply pipes, slashing costs compared to traditional methods. With less labour and minimal reinstatement work needed, it's a faster, more budget-friendly solution that keeps disruption to a minimum. Moling contractors near me can provide competitive pricing for these services, with favourable installation rates compared to traditional methods.
The trenchless installation method of impact moling means quicker installation compared to traditional methods, reducing job timelines and inconvenience to homeowners, residents and businesses. It's especially great for quickly and efficiently replacing water main-to-house connections, with many installations, depending on the pipe length and diameter, being completed within a day.
By avoiding extensive excavation, impact moling helps protect Oxfordshire's local ecosystem and reduces the environmental impact of utility installations. Moling is the environmentally friendly solution among no-dig techniques for underground pipe installations, minimising soil displacement and greatly reducing the carbon footprint of projects.
Impact moling can be used for various underground utility installation projects, including water pipe installation, electrical cable installation, and fibre optic installation. The process begins with excavating small entry and exit pits at the start and end points of the desired pipe route. The moling equipment is then inserted into the entry pit and guided through the soil using horizontal digging techniques for borehole creation.
This method is particularly useful for residential water pipe installations, typically ranging from 750mm to 1350mm below ground level. The pipe diameter that can be installed using moling techniques varies, but it’s generally suitable for smaller to medium-sized pipes. Most domestic water mains will have an 25mm or 32mm MDPE pipe installed. We can install larger pipes – please contact us for details.
If you’re dealing with old lead pipes and low water pressure, a main water pipe replacement is normally the best the solution. Using a moling machine, we can install new pipes without digging up your entire garden or driveway. This method is perfect for upgrading older smaller, iron and lead pipe sizes to modern, safer materials.
Impact moling is not only useful for new installations but also for addressing existing water supply problems. It can be used in conjunction with leak detection and pipe tracing technologies to find and fix issues such as poor water pressure or water leakage. In the case of repairing leaking pipes, on longer pipe runs, after the leak has been traced, it is sometimes better to bypass the leak with moling, thus ensuring minimal excavation and disruption to the surrounding area. This approach can lead to significant improvement in water quality and water flow.
When it comes to water pipe replacement, various materials have been used in Oxfordshire, including iron, black alkathene plastic, and lead pipes of different sizes. All this older infrastructure is being phased out due to the age of the pipes or health concerns and is being replaced with modern blue MDPE water supply pipes. Blue MDPE pipes offer durability and flexibility, making them ideal for use with impact moling techniques.
There are two main types of Trenchless Technology – Impact moling or Directional Drilling. So when it comes to installing or replacing underground pipes without digging up your driveway, garden, or car park – which is best for your property or business premises?
Impact moling is ideal for smaller-scale jobs like domestic mains water pipe replacement, electrical cable and fibre-optic cable installations, especially under lawns, driveways, or pathways and can normally be completed within a day. For long runs of over 30m Horizontal Directional Drilling is the better option especially for larger-scale projects, commercial sites and more complex installations.
Impact moling has revolutionised utility installations in Oxfordshire, delivering exceptional efficiency while keeping the cost competitive. The county’s historical significance and varied soil types make moling an ideal choice for infrastructure upgrades. From water main repairs to electric cable and fibre optic installations, the minimal disruption and reasonable price mean impact moling is the go-to option when upgrading the county’s underground infrastructure while preserving its unique character.
As water company approved contractors, EPS’s impact moling technology is increasingly being adopted for new underground pipe installation and common supply work throughout the region. This approach to water mains replacement not only solves immediate water supply problems but also provides a long-term, cost-effective solution for maintaining and upgrading Oxfordshire’s vital mains pipe infrastructure.
For those seeking “moling services near me,” it’s important to choose experienced professionals who understand the intricacies of this technology and can ensure proper utility ducting and trenchless installation techniques are employed. With the right expertise, impact moling can significantly improve the efficiency and sustainability of underground utility work in Oxfordshire and beyond.
EPS Trenchless Installations has been replacing and upgrading water mains across Oxfordshire, helping homeowners and businesses access modern, efficient, and reliable water supply systems. Many properties in the region still rely on outdated lead or iron pipes, which can lead to low pressure, frequent leaks, and even potential contamination. Given Oxfordshire’s diverse geology—including heavy clay soils in areas like Bicester and Banbury, river gravels in Oxford, and limestone-rich ground in towns such as Burford and Witney—traditional trenching methods often prove costly, messy, and highly disruptive.
Our expertise in impact moling enables the seamless installation of new MDPE water supply pipes with minimal disturbance to the surface. This trenchless approach avoids the need for digging up gardens, driveways, or public paths, making it an ideal choice for residential and commercial properties alike.
From Oxford, Abingdon, and Banbury to Didcot, Bicester, Witney, Thame, and surrounding villages and area, EPS Trenchless Installations has helped customers across Oxfordshire upgrade their water infrastructure quickly and cleanly. In most cases, our trenchless moling method allows us to complete installations in a single day, improving water pressure, eliminating leaks, and futureproofing your property without the mess and stress of traditional groundwork.
Choosing EPS Trenchless Installations means choosing a cost-effective, eco-conscious, and hassle-free solution to water mains replacement. Every project begins with a detailed feasibility assessment to ensure the most suitable trenchless method is used for your specific location, ground conditions, and access constraints.
Oxfordshire is home to an extraordinary collection of historic landmarks, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. The skyline of Oxford is dominated by the dreaming spires of its colleges, libraries, and chapels, including Christ Church, Radcliffe Camera, and the Ashmolean Museum. In the countryside, Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, offers grandeur and parkland walks. The county is also known for its picturesque market towns such as Henley-on-Thames, Chipping Norton, and Thame, each with distinctive heritage architecture and vibrant local events. From the Cotswold Wildlife Park to punting on the River Cherwell, Oxfordshire blends cultural depth with natural splendour, making it one of England’s most visited and admired counties.
Oxfordshire’s rich and complex history stretches back thousands of years, with archaeological finds revealing Bronze Age barrows, Roman villas, and Anglo-Saxon settlements. The county’s strategic position between London, the Midlands, and the Cotswolds made it a vital hub for trade, education, and ecclesiastical power. Its most famous city, Oxford, became globally renowned with the founding of the University of Oxford in the 12th century, now one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious academic institutions. Throughout the medieval period and into the English Civil War, Oxfordshire remained at the heart of national affairs. The county also played a key role during WWII as a base for Allied planning. Today, Oxfordshire maintains its blend of historic towns, world-class education, and cutting-edge science and technology parks.
Oxfordshire spans a varied topography from the chalk hills of the Chilterns AONB and the limestone ridges of the Cotswolds in the west, to the fertile clay vales and gravel river terraces of the Thames Valley. Soil types across the county range from shallow lime-rich soils and free-draining loams to heavier clay and silty ground, depending on the district. These conditions can complicate traditional trench-based excavation, particularly in built-up areas, conservation zones, and floodplains. Trenchless installation techniques such as moling and horizontal directional drilling (HDD) offer a low-impact, highly efficient alternative.
EPS Trenchless Installations operates across Oxfordshire, delivering expert underground utility services with minimal surface disruption—ideal for historic villages, residential neighbourhoods, and rural estates alike.
If you’re seeking information on water supply, wastewater services, and pipe replacement in Oxfordshire, the following resources may be helpful.
Oxfordshire’s water supply and wastewater services are managed by Thames Water.
EPS Trenchless Installations – Specialists in moling and horizontal directional drilling for water mains replacement, offering a range of trenchless techniques for various pipe diameters and soil types. Our expert workmen are skilled in mains laying and diversions, ensuring that your water supply remains uninterrupted during the replacement process.
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