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pipes – and could mean it’s time for a water supply pipe replacement, especially if your system still contains lead or outdated materials.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 Kensington and Chelsea and across London, 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 Kensington and Chelsea 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 across Kensington and Chelsea’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 Kensington and Chelsea 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 Kensington and Chelsea'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 Kensington and Chelsea, 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.
This luxury townhouse in Kensington faced persistent water supply issues due to a deteriorating water main. The pipe ran beneath a manicured front lawn, decorative flower beds, and a stone-paved driveway, which the homeowner wanted preserved. Impact moling was the ideal choice, as it allowed for a non-intrusive installation. Over the course of two days, we installed 30 meters of new MDPE pipe, navigating around tree roots and utilities. Post-installation, the household reported significant improvements, particularly with their high-end bathroom fittings and water-based heating system.
Impact moling has revolutionised utility installations in Kensington and Chelsea and London, 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 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 Kensington and Chelsea’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 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 Kensington and Chelsea’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 Kensington and Chelsea and beyond.
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, located in West London, is known for its rich history, cultural significance, and iconic landmarks. Originally separate villages, Kensington and Chelsea gradually developed into affluent areas during the 17th and 18th centuries, attracting aristocratic families, artists, and intellectuals. The borough saw significant growth following the Great Exhibition of 1851, which was held in nearby Hyde Park, leading to the establishment of cultural institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Royal Albert Hall. Today, it remains a hub of luxury, home to famous districts such as Notting Hill, South Kensington, and Chelsea, blending historic charm with modern vibrancy.
Kensington and Chelsea features a diverse range of soil conditions that present both challenges and opportunities for trenchless installation methods such as moling and directional drilling. The area predominantly consists of clay-based soils, particularly London Clay, which is known for its plasticity and susceptibility to expansion and shrinkage depending on moisture levels. Beneath this, layers of gravel, sand, and silt can occasionally be encountered, particularly near the Thames or former watercourses.
These conditions make accurate soil assessment critical for successful trenchless works, as clay can cause pipe deviation during moling, while sand and gravel may increase risks of collapse without proper support. Eps Trenchless Installations, with expertise in these techniques, ensures tailored solutions by leveraging advanced soil analysis and directional control to maintain precision and stability, offering minimal disruption in the dense and highly developed urban environment of Kensington and Chelsea.
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