The replacement of old or leaking watermains in Leatherhead 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 Leatherhead 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 Leatherhead’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 Leatherhead'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 Leatherhead'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 Leatherhead, 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 family in Leatherhead recently moved into a 1930s semi-detached home and noticed poor water flow affecting their new bathroom extension. Their old iron mains pipe was corroded, restricting pressure, and their block-paved driveway and landscaped garden meant traditional digging would be highly disruptive. We carried out a trenchless water mains replacement using impact moling, installing a new 25mm MDPE pipe with no need for excavation in key areas. This ensured no damage to their driveway, garden, or pathways, and the improved flow now supports their new power shower and modern plumbing system. The quick, non-invasive installation was completed in less than a day, giving the family a reliable and efficient water supply for years to come.
Leatherhead is home to several historical and cultural landmarks. The Leatherhead Theatre, originally built in the 1960s, remains a vibrant hub for performing arts. Visitors can explore the scenic River Mole Nature Reserve, which offers picturesque walking trails and wildlife spotting opportunities. The Parish Church of St Mary and St Nicholas, with its Saxon origins and Norman tower, is one of the town’s oldest buildings. Just outside the town centre, Polesden Lacey, a grand Edwardian estate, attracts thousands of visitors with its stunning gardens and rich history. Leatherhead is also a gateway to the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Impact moling has revolutionized utility installations in Leatherhead, 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 Leatherhead’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 Leatherhead’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 Leatherhead and beyond.
Leatherhead is a historic market town with origins dating back to Saxon times. It was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, developing as a key crossing point on the River Mole, fostering trade and commerce. The construction of Leatherhead Bridge, which has existed in various forms for centuries, further solidified the town’s importance as a transport hub. By the 19th century, the arrival of the railway spurred growth, and Leatherhead evolved into a thriving centre for industry and business, while still retaining its historic charm and character.
Leatherhead lies in a region shaped by the River Mole and features a mix of chalk, clay, and gravel deposits. These varied soil conditions, coupled with undulating terrain, can pose challenges for traditional excavation methods, particularly in areas with high groundwater levels. Trenchless installation techniques such as moling and horizontal directional drilling (HDD) provide a practical solution, allowing underground utilities to be installed with minimal surface disruption.
Eps Trenchless Installations specialises in these methods, ensuring efficient and environmentally friendly installations that help preserve roads, pathways, and landscapes.
If you’re seeking information on water supply, quality, and pipe replacement in Leatherhead, the following resources may be helpful.
Leatherhead 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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