If you’ve noticed low water pressure, unexpectedly high-water bills, discoloured water or strange tastes, it could be a sign of a leak or failing supply pipes and mean it’s time for water supply pipe replacement – especially if your system still uses lead or other outdated materials. These problems are common for both homeowners and small businesses in Leicester. If you’re dealing with these issues, you’re likely searching online for terms like “water line repair” or exploring lead pipe replacement as a long-term solution.
Watermains replacement in Leicester has undergone big changes in recent years, thanks to modern moling and drilling machines. In a city where space is limited and streets are constantly in use, traditional excavation is no longer the most practical solution. Replacing or installing water mains in such a densely populated and historic city calls for smart, low-disruption methods. EPS Trenchless Installations uses modern trenchless “no-dig” solutions. This shift allows for faster, cleaner, and more efficient utility installations, especially in built-up areas
As a water company approved contractor, EPS Trenchless Installations is trusted in Leicester and surrounding areas for domestic and business water infrastructure repair and replacement. Whether you’re dealing with aging pipes or planning a new connection, we provide reliable solutions backed by years of expertise in moling and horizontal directional drilling.The replacement of old or leaking watermains in Leicester 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 city’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 Leicester and the surrounding areas with its water infrastructure repair and replacement in the most efficient manner possible.
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 in Leicester’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 Leicester'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 Leicester'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.
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 Leicester, 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.
Case Study: In Leicester’s dense urban environment, Eps Trenchless Installations replaced an aging water mains pipe using impact moling, avoiding disruption to underground utilities and preserving the property’s driveway. Leicester’s mixed clay and sandy soils required precision to ensure a smooth installation. Despite limited space and complex ground conditions, the new MDPE pipe was installed in under a day, restoring water pressure without the need for excavation.
Leicester is home to a wealth of historical and cultural landmarks. The magnificent Leicester Cathedral, where King Richard III was reburied, stands at the heart of the city. History enthusiasts can explore the King Richard III Visitor Centre, which details the incredible discovery of the lost king. The Guildhall, a beautifully preserved medieval building, offers a glimpse into the city’s past. For a more interactive experience, the National Space Centre is a must-visit attraction, featuring space-themed exhibitions and a planetarium. Leicester’s thriving arts scene is showcased at Curve Theatre, hosting a variety of performances throughout the year. Shoppers and food lovers can enjoy the vibrant Leicester Market, one of the largest outdoor markets in Europe, or explore the cultural hub of Belgrave Road, also known as the city’s Golden Mile, famous for its South Asian cuisine and Diwali celebrations.
Impact moling has revolutionised utility installations in Leicester, delivering exceptional efficiency while keeping the cost competitive. The city’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 Leicester’s underground development, preserving the city’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 Leicester’s vital water supply pipe infrastructure.
Leicester is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Britain, with origins tracing back to the Iron Age. It later became an important Roman settlement known as Ratae Corieltauvorum, featuring roads, baths, and a forum. During the medieval period, Leicester flourished as a market town and later played a significant role in the English Civil War. The city gained global recognition in 2012 with the discovery of King Richard III’s remains, which were reinterred at Leicester Cathedral in 2015.
Leicester sits on a diverse geological foundation, including clay, sand, gravel, and alluvial deposits from the River Soar. These soil conditions can pose challenges for traditional open-cut excavation, particularly in built-up urban areas and locations with high groundwater levels. Trenchless technologies, such as moling and horizontal directional drilling (HDD), provide effective solutions for underground installations, minimising surface disruption and reducing environmental impact.
Eps Trenchless Installations specialises in these methods, ensuring efficient and non-intrusive utility installations for residential, commercial, and municipal projects.
If you’re seeking information on water supply, quality, and pipe replacement in Leicester, the following resources may be helpful.
Leicester is primarily supplied by Severn Trent Water. Use the resources below to check your water quality and supplier.
Skip to content
