The replacement of old or leaking watermains in Bedford has undergone a revolutionary change in recent years, thanks to advancements in modern moling and directional drilling technology. Water mains are a vital component of the town’s infrastructure and replacing or installing them in such a densely packed urban environment requires innovative techniques.
Trenching, the traditional slow and disruptive way of replacing and laying watermains, is in most situations, being supplanted by trenchless technologies. EPS Trenchless Installations has been at the forefront of revolutionising utility installations, leveraging trenchless technology, moling, and directional drilling to minimise disruption and enhance efficiency.
As a water company approved water contractor EPS Trenchless Installations is a leader in moling and horizontal directional drilling trenchless technology helping Bedford and the surrounding areas with its water infrastructure repair and replacement in the most efficient manner possible.
Impact moling, also known as pipe moling, is a cutting-edge trenchless technology for installing underground utilities, including water pipes, electric cables, and fibre optic lines. It involves using a mole digger, which is a pneumatic burrowing device that creates horizontal boreholes through repetitive percussive action. This innovative approach eliminates the need for extensive trenching, making it particularly cost-effective, with the impact moling cost per metre being significantly lower than traditional methods.
The technique is particularly effective in urban settings, where minimizing disruption to roads, footpaths, landscapes, and other infrastructure is paramount. Impact moling, by creating a guided tunnel through the soil, provides a precise and efficient method for laying utilities. Moling is extremely useful when accessing limited spaces as the equipment typically consists of a compressed air-driven pneumatic cylinder with relatively small entry and exit pits.
Installing or replacing water mains in Bedford’s urban and suburban landscapes has traditionally presented significant challenges. Impact moling, as part of comprehensive moling services, offers several key advantages:
The trenchless nature of impact moling preserves surface infrastructure, particularly crucial in Bedford's historic districts and modern urban areas, maintaining the integrity of roads, pavements, and gardens. This makes it an ideal method for water main replacement and pipe replacement projects, ensuring preservation of property.
The cost of impact moling demonstrates significant savings compared to conventional methods due to reduced labour requirements and restoration expenses. This makes it an attractive option for both water pipe repair and water supply pipe replacement projects. Moling contractors near me can provide competitive pricing for these services.
The trenchless installation approach of impact moling allows for quicker installation compared to traditional methods, reducing project timelines and inconvenience to residents and businesses. It's particularly effective for replacing water main to house connections quickly and efficiently, resulting in reduced project times.
By avoiding extensive excavation, impact moling helps protect Bedford'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, minimizing soil displacement greatly decreasing the carbon footprint of projects.
Impact moling can be used for various underground installations, including water pipe replacement, 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 machine is then inserted into the entry pit and guided through the soil using horizontal digging techniques.
This method is particularly useful for residential water pipe installations, typically ranging from 750mm to 1350mm below ground level.
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. Water leakage investigation can be carried out more efficiently with minimal disruption to the surrounding area.
When it comes to water pipe replacement, various materials have been used in Bedford, including iron, black alkathene plastic and lead pipes. All of this older infrastructure is being phased out due to age of the pipes or health concerns and is being replaced with modern blue MDPE plastic 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 installs.
Case Study: In Bedford, a family living in a Victorian terraced home experienced poor water flow caused by an old lead mains pipe, impacting their daily routine. Given the narrow front garden and historic brick pathway, traditional excavation was not an option, as it would have damaged the exterior and required costly reinstatement. The homeowners sought a non-invasive solution that would preserve the character of their property while delivering a modern, high-performance water supply.
Using impact moling, we installed a new MDPE water mains pipe with no excavation in key areas. This ensured no damage to the historic exterior while significantly improving water flow. The installation was completed in a single day, with immediate benefits in water pressure, allowing the household’s kitchen, bathroom, and utility appliances to function at full capacity.
Bedford is home to a variety of historic landmarks and attractions. The Embankment along the River Great Ouse offers scenic walks and green spaces, making it a favourite spot for both residents and visitors. The Higgins Bedford, a museum and art gallery, showcases local history and works by renowned artists. St Paul’s Church, with its impressive architecture, stands at the heart of the town. Literature lovers can explore sites associated with John Bunyan, including the Bunyan Meeting Free Church and Bunyan Museum. For family-friendly outings, Bedford Park and the Shuttleworth Collection, featuring historic aircraft and vintage vehicles, are must-visit attractions.
Impact moling has revolutionized utility installations in Bedford, delivering exceptional efficiency while keeping the cost competitive. The borough’s historical significance and varied soil conditions 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 of impact moling make it a cornerstone of Bedford’s underground development, preserving the area’s character while facilitating modern infrastructure advancement.
As a water company approved contractor, EPS’s impact moling technology is increasingly being adopted for new underground pipe installation and common supply work throughout the region. This approach to watermains replacement not only addresses immediate water supply problems but also provides a long-term, cost-effective solution for maintaining and upgrading Bedford’s vital water supply pipe infrastructure.
For those seeking “moling contractors 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 Bedford and beyond.
Bedford has a rich and varied past, with its origins tracing back to early medieval times. It became a significant market town during the Anglo-Saxon period and later developed as an important centre for trade and industry. The construction of Bedford Castle in the 12th century reinforced its strategic importance, although it was largely destroyed after a siege in 1224. Bedford has long been associated with literary heritage, most notably as the home of John Bunyan, author of The Pilgrim’s Progress. Over the centuries, the town has grown into a thriving hub with a strong cultural and commercial presence.
Bedford sits within the Great Ouse river valley, characterised by a mix of clay, sand, and gravel deposits. These ground conditions can present challenges for traditional excavation, particularly in built-up areas or where groundwater levels are high.
Trenchless installation methods such as moling and horizontal directional drilling (HDD) are highly effective in these environments, reducing disruption while ensuring precise underground infrastructure placement. Eps Trenchless Installations specialises in these advanced techniques, offering efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for water main replacements, utility installations, and other underground works.
If you’re seeking information on water supply, wastewater services, and pipe replacement in Bedford, the following resources may be helpful.
Bedford’s water supply and wastewater services are managed by Anglian Water.
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