Watermains in Brackley: Revolutionising Utility Installations

Watermains Replacement

If you’ve noticed low water pressure, unexpectedly high-water bills, discoloured water or strange tastes, it could be a sign of a leak or failing supply pipes and mean it’s time for water supply pipe replacement – especially if your system still uses lead or other outdated materials. These problems are common for both homeowners and small businesses in Brackley. If you’re dealing with these issues, you’re likely searching online for terms like “water line repair” or exploring lead pipe replacement as a long-term solution.

Watermains replacement in Brackley has undergone big changes in recent years, thanks to modern moling and drilling machines. In a town where space is limited and streets are constantly in use, traditional excavation is no longer the most practical solution. Replacing or installing water mains in such a densely populated and historic town calls for smart, low-disruption methods. EPS Trenchless Installations uses modern trenchless “no-dig” solutions. This shift allows for faster, cleaner, and more efficient utility installations, especially in built-up areas

As a water company approved contractor, EPS Trenchless Installations is trusted in Brackley and surrounding areas for domestic and business water infrastructure repair and replacement. Whether you’re dealing with aging pipes or planning a new connection, we provide reliable solutions backed by years of expertise in moling and horizontal directional drilling.

What is Moling?

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.

Benefits of Impact Moling for Water Mains Replacement

Installing or replacing water mains in Brackley’s urban and suburban areas using traditional trenching methods has always been a difficult task. Impact moling, as part of comprehensive moling services, offers several key advantages:

Minimal Surface Disruption

The trenchless nature of impact moling preserves surface infrastructure, particularly crucial in Brackley's older districts and more 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.

Cost-Effective

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.

Time Efficiency

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.

Environmental Preservation

By avoiding extensive excavation, impact moling helps protect Brackley'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 and greatly reducing the carbon footprint of projects.

Moling: How it works?

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.

Addressing Water Supply Issues

 

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.

Pipe Materials and Sizes

When it comes to water pipe replacement, various materials have been used in Brackley, 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.

Moling vs Directional Drilling

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.

Conclusion

Impact moling has revolutionised utility installations in Brackley, delivering exceptional efficiency while keeping the cost competitive. The town’s historical significance and varied soil conditions make moling an ideal choice for infrastructure upgrades. From domestic water main repairs and replacements to electric cable and fibre optic installations, the minimal disruption and reasonable price of impact moling make it the go-to of Brackley’s underground development, preserving the town’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 innovative approach to watermains replacement not only addresses immediate water supply problems but also provides a long-term, cost-effective solution for maintaining and upgrading Brackley’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 Northamptonshire and beyond.

Trenchless Water Mains Replacement in Brackley: Protecting a Pristine Driveway

Case Study: A homeowner in Brackley faced serious issues with low water pressure and occasional leaks caused by an aging lead water supply pipe. With the property’s beautiful block-paved driveway, mature cherry trees, and meticulously maintained garden, they were understandably worried about the damage that traditional trenching could cause. The ground in Brackley, predominantly heavy clay, meant that conventional excavation would have been particularly messy, increasing both the time and cost of the project.

Using impact moling, we successfully installed a new 32mm MDPE mains pipe without disturbing the driveway, trees, or garden beds. The work was completed neatly within a single day, and the customer was thrilled to have full water pressure restored just in time for their new combi boiler installation. Our trenchless approach not only protected their home’s appearance but also ensured a reliable, long-term water supply upgrade with minimal disruption.

Notable Buildings & Tourist Attractions

Brackley boasts several historical landmarks and attractions that reflect its rich heritage. The Brackley Town Hall, a Georgian building constructed in 1706, stands prominently in the Market Place, serving as a focal point for community events. Nearby, St Peter’s Church, with origins dating back to the 11th century, showcases architectural features from the Norman and Gothic periods. For nature enthusiasts, St James Lake offers a serene setting for walking and wildlife observation. Additionally, the Brackley Antique Cellar, housed in a former Victorian brewery, provides a unique shopping experience with a vast collection of antiques and collectibles. These sites, among others, make Brackley a town rich in history and charm.

Brackley History

Brackley’s origins can be traced back to the Iron Age, with archaeological discoveries indicating substantial early settlements. During Roman times, villas were established in the area, laying the groundwork for the town’s development. The name ‘Brackley’ is derived from the Old English ‘Bracca’s clearing,’ and it was recorded as ‘Brachelai’ in the Domesday Book of 1086. In the medieval period, Brackley became a significant market town, known for its wool and lace trade. Notably, in 1215, it served as a meeting place for barons and royal representatives during the events leading up to the sealing of the Magna Carta. Over the centuries, Brackley evolved, blending its rich history with modern advancements.

Geography

Situated in a region characterized by fine loamy over clayey soils with slowly permeable subsoils, Brackley experiences slight seasonal waterlogging. These soil conditions, combined with the town’s historical architecture and infrastructure, present challenges for traditional excavation methods. Trenchless installation techniques, such as moling and horizontal directional drilling (HDD), offer efficient solutions by minimizing surface disruption and preserving the town’s heritage.

Useful Links

Local Water & Wastewater Supplier

If you’re seeking information on water supply, wastewater services, and pipe replacement in Brackley, the following resources may be helpful.​

Local Water & Wastewater Supplier

Brackley’s water supply and wastewater services are managed by Anglian Water.​

Water Main & Lead Pipe Replacement

Local Council Water & Environmental Services

Trenchless Installation & Pipe Replacement Services

EPS Trenchless Installations – Specialists in moling and horizontal directional drilling for replacement and new water main installation.