The replacement of old or leaking watermains in Flitwick 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 Flitwick 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 Flitwick’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 Flitwick'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 Flitwick'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 Flitwick, 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 Flitwick, a homeowner had recently expanded their kitchen and bathroom, only to find that their old mains pipe couldn’t keep up with modern water demands. Their paved driveway and mature garden meant that traditional trenching wasn’t ideal, as it would have caused extensive damage and costly reinstatement. They needed a fast, non-intrusive solution that would future-proof their home’s water supply.
We carried out a trenchless water mains replacement using impact moling, installing a new 25mm MDPE pipe with no excavation in key areas. The project was completed within a single day, and the homeowners immediately benefitted from improved water pressure, ensuring their home’s upgraded plumbing system could function efficiently.
Flitwick is home to several historic and natural attractions. Flitwick Manor, an elegant 17th-century country house, now serves as a luxury hotel and is surrounded by beautiful parkland. Nature lovers can explore Flitwick Moor, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) known for its rare wetland habitat. For family-friendly outdoor activities, Manor Park offers scenic walks, a play area, and green open spaces. The town is also known for its vibrant community events, including seasonal markets and festivals that bring locals and visitors together.
Impact moling has revolutionized utility installations in Flitwick, 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 Flitwick’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 Flitwick’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 Flitwick and beyond.
Flitwick is a town with a rich history, dating back to at least Saxon times. The name is believed to derive from “Flit,” referring to a nearby stream, and “wick,” meaning a settlement. It developed as an agricultural community and later grew with the arrival of the railway in the 19th century, which boosted trade and connectivity. Flitwick has retained much of its historical charm while evolving into a well-connected town with modern amenities.
Flitwick is characterised by a mix of clay, silt, and sand-based soils, with some areas prone to water retention due to underlying clay deposits. These conditions can present challenges for traditional open-cut excavation, making trenchless installation techniques such as moling and horizontal directional drilling (HDD) highly beneficial. These methods allow underground utilities to be installed with minimal surface disruption, reducing environmental impact and avoiding costly roadworks.
If you’re seeking information on water supply, wastewater services, and pipe replacement in Flitwick, the following resources may be helpful.
Flitwick’s water supply and wastewater services are managed by Anglian Water.
Anglian Water – The main water and wastewater service provider for Flitwick.
Water Quality Report and Information – View detailed reports on water quality in your area.
Wastewater Services – Information on sewage treatment and wastewater services.
Pipe Replacement Guide – Understand which pipes are your responsibility.
Emergency Contact Numbers – Report leaks, bursts, or sewer issues.
Find Your Water Supplier – Use this tool from Water UK to confirm your local water and wastewater provider.
Anglian Water Lead Pipe Replacement Scheme – Information on Anglian Water’s lead pipe replacement programme.
Lead in Drinking Water – Official government guidance on lead in drinking water.
Flitwick Town Council – Local governance and community services for Flitwick.
Central Bedfordshire Council – Unitary authority responsible for local services, including environmental health and water quality regulations.
Skip to content
