The replacement of old or leaking watermains in Dunstable 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 Dunstable 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 Dunstable’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 Dunstable'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 Dunstable'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 Dunstable, 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: A homeowner in Dunstable was experiencing low water pressure and occasional leaks due to an aging lead pipe. The property’s block-paved driveway and chalky subsoil made traditional digging a challenge, as reinstating the surface would have been costly and time-consuming. Seeking a fast, cost-effective solution, they turned to our trenchless expertise.
Using impact moling, we installed a new 32mm MDPE water mains pipe without excavation, ensuring that the driveway, pathways, and garden remained intact. The entire process was completed within a single day, restoring full water pressure and providing the homeowner with a future-proof water supply.
Dunstable is home to several notable landmarks, including the historic Dunstable Priory, where Henry VIII’s divorce proceedings took place. The Grove Theatre hosts a variety of performances, from plays to live music. Nature enthusiasts can explore Dunstable Downs, part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, known for its stunning views and popular kite-flying spots. Families can visit Whipsnade Zoo, one of the largest wildlife conservation parks in the UK. The town also has a rich aviation heritage, with London Gliding Club offering breathtaking experiences over the Chilterns.
Impact moling has revolutionized utility installations in Dunstable, 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 Dunstable’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 Dunstable’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 Dunstable and beyond.
Dunstable is a historic market town with origins tracing back to ancient settlements along key trade routes. It gained prominence during medieval times due to its strategic location at the crossroads of major Roman roads, including Watling Street. The town flourished under the influence of Henry I, who established an Augustinian priory in the 12th century, shaping its religious and economic development. Over the centuries, Dunstable became known for its bustling market, coaching inns, and connections to royal events, including the annulment of Henry VIII’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon at Dunstable Priory.
Dunstable is located on the chalky terrain of the Chiltern Hills, featuring a mix of clay, chalk, and flint deposits. These soil conditions can present challenges for traditional open-cut excavation due to instability and the risk of ground settlement. Trenchless installation methods, such as moling and horizontal directional drilling (HDD), offer significant benefits in these environments by minimising surface disruption and preventing structural impact on roads and buildings. Eps Trenchless Installations provides expert solutions for underground utility installations, ensuring efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional excavation.
If you’re seeking information on water supply, wastewater services, and pipe replacement in Dunstable, the following resources may be helpful.
Dunstable’s water supply is managed by Affinity Water, while wastewater services are handled by Anglian Water.
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