Have you received an unexpectedly high-water bill? This and other signs like low water pressure, discoloured water or unusual tastes are symptoms of leaks or ageing pipes – and could mean it’s time for a water supply pipe replacement, especially if your system still contains lead or outdated materials. These issues are common for domestic homeowners and businesses in Ely and across Cambridgeshire, many of whom start by searching for solutions like “water line repair” or exploring lead pipe replacement options.
At EPS Trenchless Installations, we specialise in “no-dig” trenchless solutions that minimise disruption and maximise efficiency. Using the latest in moling and horizontal directional drilling, we deliver faster, cheaper, long-lasting utility installations tailored for busy urban settings.
As a water company approved contractor, EPS Trenchless Installations is trusted by both homeowners and small businesses in Ely and the surrounding areas to provide water infrastructure repair and replacement – without the mess and delays of traditional digging. Whether you’re replacing old or leaking pipework or planning a new watermains connection, our expert team provides a reliable, professional service suited to your needs.
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 in Ely’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:
The trenchless nature of impact moling preserves surface infrastructure, particularly crucial in Ely older 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 Ely'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.
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 Ely, 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.
Impact moling has revolutionised utility installations in Ely and Cambridgeshire, delivering exceptional efficiency while keeping the cost competitive. The city’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 Ely’s underground development, preserving the city’s character while modernising its infrastructure.
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 Ely’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 Ely, Cambridgeshire and beyond.
Case Study: A Victorian property in Ely had long suffered with outdated lead piping that couldn’t meet the demands of a growing family and new central heating system. The home sat on shrink-swell clay soils, common around the Ely area, which can shift significantly and cause surface cracking when disturbed. The property also featured a stunning cobbled entrance and several fruit trees in the front garden, making excavation a poor choice.
We deployed our impact moling equipment to install a new 25mm MDPE water main, completing the job in just a few hours. The system was connected internally to feed a new high-efficiency boiler, giving the family better flow, better pressure, and peace of mind. Most importantly, their outdoor space was untouched, with the cobbles and trees remaining exactly as they were.
Ely is home to some of the region’s most celebrated cultural and historic landmarks. The magnificent Ely Cathedral, known as the “Ship of the Fens,” dominates the skyline and attracts visitors from around the world with its breathtaking interior and iconic Octagon Tower. Just next door, the Stained Glass Museum houses an impressive collection of glasswork spanning centuries. History comes to life at Oliver Cromwell’s House, which offers an immersive experience into 17th-century domestic life. The Ely Museum, set in the city’s former gaol, showcases the area’s rich heritage through engaging exhibitions. For nature lovers, the nearby Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve offers serene walking trails and a rare opportunity to explore one of the UK’s oldest wetland habitats.
Ely traces its origins to 673 AD when St Æthelthryth founded a monastery on what was then known as the Isle of Ely. Over time, this spiritual centre grew in influence, leading to the construction of the present Ely Cathedral, which began in 1083. Renowned for its stunning Norman architecture and the unique 14th-century octagonal lantern tower, the cathedral remains one of the finest in Europe. The city also holds historical significance as the former residence of Oliver Cromwell in the 17th century. Ely’s development over the centuries reflects a deep connection to religion, rebellion, and regional leadership, all set against the backdrop of its peaceful fenland setting.
Located in the heart of the Cambridgeshire Fens, Ely is defined by its flat, low-lying terrain and high-water tables. The area’s soils are primarily composed of peat and clay, which can present challenges for traditional excavation due to their softness, moisture retention, and instability.
Trenchless installation techniques, such as moling and horizontal directional drilling (HDD), are ideally suited to these conditions, offering a reliable and low-impact method for installing underground services. These methods help preserve the landscape and reduce disruption to roads and communities. Eps Trenchless Installations provides expert trenchless solutions in Ely, ensuring efficient and environmentally sensitive infrastructure upgrades.
If you’re seeking information on water supply, wastewater services, and pipe replacement in Ely, the following resources may be helpful.
Ely’s water supply and wastewater services are managed by Anglian Water.
EPS Trenchless Installations – Specialists in moling and horizontal directional drilling for replacement and new water main installation.
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