Low pressure, discoloured water, unusual tastes, or unexpectedly high-water bills from leaks you did not know you had mean it’s time for water supply pipe replacement – especially if they’re made from lead or other ageing materials. These water supply problems are common issues faced by homeowners and businesses across Hertfordshire, including areas like Watford, Stevenage, St Albans, and Hertford. If you’re experiencing these issues, you might be searching for “water line repair” or considering lead pipe replacement options.
The replacement of old or leaking domestic water mains pipe in Hertfordshire has undergone a revolutionary change in recent years, thanks to advancements in modern moling and drilling technology. Water mains are a vital component of the county’s infrastructure, and replacing or installing them in such a densely packed urban environment requires innovative techniques. Trenchless water line replacement has become the go-to solution across the county.
Trenching, the traditional slow and disruptive way of replacing and laying water mains, is, in most situations, being replaced by trenchless techniques. EPS Trenchless Installations has been at the forefront of revolutionising utility installations, using no-dig technology such as moling, and directional drilling to minimise disruption and enhance efficiency.
As water company approved contractors, EPS Trenchless Installations is a leader in moling and horizontal directional drilling trenchless technology, helping Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas with its water infrastructure repair and replacement in the most efficient manner possible. For those seeking “moling services near me,” EPS offers expert solutions for various underground utility installation needs, including domestic moling and commercial moling services.
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 across Hertfordshire’s urban, suburban, and rural 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 Hertfordshire's historic 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 Hertfordshire'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, minimising 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 Hertfordshire, including iron, black alkathene plastic, and lead pipes of different sizes. All this older infrastructure is being phased out due to the age of the pipes or health concerns and is being replaced with modern blue MDPE water supply 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 installations.
Impact moling has revolutionised utility installations in Hertfordshire, delivering exceptional efficiency while keeping the cost competitive. The county’s historical significance and varied soil types 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 mean impact moling is the go-to option when upgrading the county’s underground infrastructure while preserving its unique character.
As water company approved contractors, EPS’s impact moling technology is increasingly being adopted for new underground pipe installation and common supply work throughout the region. This approach to water mains replacement not only solves immediate water supply problems but also provides a long-term, cost-effective solution for maintaining and upgrading Hertfordshire’s vital mains pipe infrastructure.
For those seeking “moling services 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 Hertfordshire and beyond.
EPS Trenchless Installations is proud to serve homeowners and businesses across Hertfordshire with expert water mains replacement using the latest impact moling technology. Many properties in the county still rely on ageing lead or cast iron pipes, which can cause poor water pressure, hidden leaks, and potential health risks. Replacing these with modern MDPE pipework ensures a cleaner, more efficient, and longer-lasting water supply.
Hertfordshire’s ground conditions vary significantly—heavy clay soils are common in places like Watford, Hemel Hempstead, and St Albans, while sandy and loamy soils can be found in Stevenage, Hitchin, and Welwyn Garden City. These variations, combined with dense urban infrastructure, make traditional trench digging especially disruptive. Our trenchless installation method allows us to bypass these issues entirely, preserving your driveway, garden, and paving while completing most jobs in just one day.
We’ve completed trenchless water mains replacements in towns and villages across the county—from Hatfield, Bishop’s Stortford, and Harpenden to Tring, Royston, and Cheshunt—delivering fast, reliable upgrades with minimal disruption. Our moling teams work efficiently and cleanly, restoring your water supply without the upheaval of conventional groundworks.
By choosing EPS Trenchless Installations, Hertfordshire residents gain access to a cost-effective, non-invasive, and future-proof solution for water mains replacement. Each project starts with a detailed feasibility check, ensuring we choose the most appropriate trenchless method based on local ground conditions and property access.
Hertfordshire boasts a wealth of historical sites and attractions. In St Albans, the St Albans Cathedral stands as a testament to the city’s rich history, dating back over 1,700 years. The Verulamium Museum offers insights into the area’s Roman past. Hatfield House, a Jacobean mansion, showcases stunning architecture and gardens. For family-friendly fun, Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne offers a chance to see exotic animals up close. Nature enthusiasts can explore the scenic trails of the Ashridge Estate, managed by the National Trust.
Hertfordshire’s history stretches back to prehistoric times, with evidence of human occupation dating to around 350,000 years ago, as seen in flint tools discovered in Rickmansworth. During the Iron Age, the region was inhabited by the Celtic Catuvellauni tribe, whose main settlement, Verlamion, was located near present-day St Albans. The area saw significant development during the Roman occupation, with towns like Verulamium (modern St Albans) becoming prominent. The name ‘Hertfordshire’ is derived from the Old English ‘Heorotfordscir’, meaning ‘deer ford shire’, referencing a deer crossing over the River Lea at Hertford, first recorded in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle in 1011.
Hertfordshire’s landscape is characterised by the chalky Chiltern Hills in the northwest and the low-lying London Clay in the south and east. The county’s soils are diverse, including well-drained flinty loams and heavier clays, influencing both agriculture and construction. These varied soil conditions make traditional excavation challenging in certain areas. Trenchless technologies, such as moling and directional drilling, offer efficient solutions for installing underground utilities without extensive digging. These methods are particularly beneficial in Hertfordshire’s mixed terrains, reducing environmental impact and preserving the landscape. For expert services in trenchless installations, EPS Trenchless Installations provides tailored solutions across the county.
If you’re seeking information on water supply, wastewater services, and pipe replacement in Hertfordshire, the following resources may be helpful.
Hertfordshire’s water supply is mainly managed by Affinity Water. Sewerage services are mainly provided by Thames Water though the parts of north-east of Hertfordshire are covered by Anglian Water depending on your specific location.
Affinity Water Lead Pipe Replacement – Details on Affinity Water’s replacement programme for homeowners.
Lead in Drinking Water – Official government guidance on lead in drinking water.
Hertfordshire County Council – County Council information and services for Hertfordshire.
North Hertfordshire Council – Provides district level services and information for Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock and Royston and surrounding areas
East Hertfordshire Council – Provides district level services and information for Bishops Stortford, Hertford, Broxbourne, Ware and surrounding areas
Dacorum Borough Council – Provides district level services and information Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, Tring and surrounding areas
Borough of Broxbourne Council – Provides district level services and information Broxbourne, Cheshunt, Hoddesdon, Waltham Cross and surrounding areas
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council – Provides district level services and information for Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield and surrounding areas
Three Rivers District Council – Provides district level services and information for Rickmansworth, Chorleywood and surrounding areas
Hertsmere Borough Council – Provides district level services and information for Potters Bar, Elstree, Borehamwood, Bushey and surrounding areas
EPS Trenchless Installations – Specialists in moling and horizontal directional drilling for water mains replacement, offering a range of trenchless techniques for various pipe diameters and soil types. Our expert workmen are skilled in mains laying and diversions, ensuring that your water supply remains uninterrupted during the replacement process.
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