The replacement of old or leaking watermains in Horley 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 Horley 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 Horley’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 Horley'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 Horley'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 Horley, 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 Horley was struggling with low water pressure and frequent leaks due to an aging lead supply pipe. The property had a large front lawn and a newly paved driveway, making traditional trenching costly and disruptive. Given Horley’s clay-heavy soil, excavation could have led to excessive mess and longer project times. Using impact moling, we installed a new 32mm MDPE mains pipe with minimal disruption. The driveway remained untouched, and the new pipe significantly improved water pressure, ensuring the household could comfortably run multiple taps, showers, and appliances at once. The job was completed in a single day, and the homeowner was relieved to have a future-proofed water supply without any damage to their outdoor space.
Horley is home to a blend of historic and modern attractions. The Archway Theatre, an underground theatre located beneath the railway arches, offers a unique cultural experience with regular plays and performances. St Bartholomew’s Church, dating back to the 14th century, stands as a testament to the town’s medieval heritage. Nature lovers can explore Riverside Garden Park, a tranquil green space perfect for walks and picnics. For aviation enthusiasts, the Gatwick Aviation Museum, just outside Horley, showcases a fascinating collection of historic aircraft. The town also hosts an annual Horley Carnival, drawing visitors for its vibrant parades and community festivities.
Impact moling has revolutionized utility installations in Horley, 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 Horley’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 Horley’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 Horley and beyond.
Horley has a rich history dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was recorded as a small farming settlement. Over the centuries, it grew into a thriving market town, benefiting from its location along key trade routes. The arrival of the railway in the 19th century transformed Horley into a vital transport hub, fostering economic growth and attracting new residents. Today, it is best known for its close connection to Gatwick Airport, making it a key gateway for travellers.
Horley’s landscape is characterised by a mix of clay, sand, and gravel deposits, with some areas prone to high water tables and soft ground conditions. These geological factors make traditional excavation methods challenging and disruptive, particularly in built-up areas and near transport infrastructure. Trenchless installation methods, such as moling and horizontal directional drilling (HDD), offer a more efficient alternative. These techniques minimise surface disturbance, reduce reinstatement costs, and allow for faster underground utility installations—making them ideal for Horley’s urban and suburban settings.
Eps Trenchless Installations specialises in these advanced methods, ensuring reliable and environmentally friendly solutions.
If you’re seeking information on water supply, quality, and pipe replacement in Horley, the following resources may be helpful.
Horley and the surrounding areas are primarily supplied by SES Water, with some locations possibly served by Thames Water. Use the resources below to check your water quality and supplier.
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