The replacement of old or leaking watermains in Guildford 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 Guildford 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’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 Guildford'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 Guildford'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 Guildford, 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.
A homeowner in Guildford was struggling with low water pressure due to an aging lead supply pipe. Their property featured a paved driveway and mature trees, making traditional trenching disruptive and costly. Given Guildford’s sandy loam and clay soil, excavation could have led to further complications. Using impact moling, we installed a new 32mm MDPE mains pipe without disturbing the garden or driveway. The job was completed in a single day, significantly improving water pressure and making the home’s new combi boiler more efficient.
Surrey is home to several important towns and attractions. The county town of Guildford features the medieval Guildford Castle and a vibrant shopping district. Woking is known for the Lightbox Gallery and strong commuter links to London. Farnham boasts historic Georgian architecture and the impressive Farnham Castle. Nature lovers can explore the breathtaking Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, while families and thrill-seekers can visit Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures. The county is also rich in literary and historical significance, including Hampton Court Palace, once home to Henry VIII and Runnymede where Magna Carta was signed.
Impact moling has revolutionized utility installations in Guildford, 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 Guildford’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 Guildford’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 Guildford and beyond.
Guildford, a historic town in Surrey, has origins dating back to Saxon times. It flourished due to its strategic location on the River Wey, which later became one of England’s first navigable waterways, boosting trade. The town gained prominence in the 11th century when William the Conqueror built Guildford Castle, a stronghold for Norman rule. During the medieval period, Guildford prospered as a market town, known for its wool and cloth trade. Today, it is a thriving commercial and cultural hub, blending its rich history with modern development.
Guildford’s landscape is characterised by rolling hills, the North Downs, and a mix of chalk, clay, and sand-based soils, making traditional excavation challenging in many areas. The presence of dense urban infrastructure, historic sites, and tree-lined streets means that trenchless installation methods such as moling and horizontal directional drilling (HDD) are ideal solutions for underground utilities.
These techniques, offered by Eps Trenchless Installations, minimise surface disruption, preserve roadways and green spaces, and ensure cost-effective, efficient installations even in constrained environments. The adaptability of trenchless technology makes it a preferred choice for maintaining Guildford’s historic and natural beauty while upgrading essential services.
If you’re seeking information on water supply, quality, and pipe replacement in Guildford, the following resources may be helpful.
Guildford and the surrounding areas are supplied by different water companies, depending on location. While Thames Water is the primary provider, some areas near or in Guildford may be served by Affinity Water or SES Water. Use the resources below to check your water quality and supplier.
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