Watermains in Reigate: Revolutionising Utility Installations

Watermains Replacement

The replacement of old or leaking watermains in Reigate 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 Reigate and the surrounding areas with its water infrastructure repair and replacement in the most efficient manner possible.

What is Impact Moling?

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.

Benefits of Impact Moling for Water Mains Replacement

Installing or replacing water mains in Reigate’s urban and suburban landscapes has traditionally presented significant challenges. Impact moling, as part of comprehensive moling services, offers several key advantages:

Minimal Surface Disruption

The trenchless nature of impact moling preserves surface infrastructure, particularly crucial in Reigate'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.

Cost-Effective

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.

Time Efficiency

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.

Environmental Preservation

By avoiding extensive excavation, impact moling helps protect Reigate'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.

Applications and Process

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.

Addressing Water Supply Issues

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.

Pipe Materials and Sizes

When it comes to water pipe replacement, various materials have been used in Reigate, 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.

Moling vs Directional Drilling

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.

Water Mains Pipe Replacement for a 1930s home in Reigate

Case Study:

A 1930s detached home in Reigate needed a lead pipe replacement before a kitchen renovation. The homeowners wanted a fast, trenchless option to avoid disrupting their newly landscaped front lawn. We installed a new MDPE water supply in under one working day, ensuring better water pressure and compliance with modern plumbing standards. The upgrade also future-proofed the home’s new kitchen extension.

Important Buildings & Tourist Attractions

Reigate is home to several historic landmarks and scenic attractions. The Reigate Castle ruins and the mysterious Reigate Caves offer a glimpse into the town’s medieval past. Priory Park, once part of a medieval monastery, is now a popular green space with lakes, gardens, and a playground. The grand Reigate Priory, a former monastery turned school, is a key architectural site. Visitors can also explore the charming high street, filled with independent shops, cafes, and historic coaching inns like The White Hart. For nature lovers, Colley Hill and Reigate Hill offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the South Downs.

Conclusion

Impact moling has revolutionized utility installations in Reigate, 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 Reigate’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 Reigate’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 Reigate and beyond.

Reigate History

Reigate is a historic market town with origins dating back to the medieval period. It grew around Reigate Castle, built in the 11th century by the de Warenne family, who played a key role in Norman England. The town became a hub for trade and commerce, particularly in brewing, milling, and later, the production of Reigate Stone, which was used in famous structures such as Westminster Abbey. By the 18th and 19th centuries, Reigate had developed into a prosperous town with coaching inns, elegant architecture, and a strong community presence, blending its rich history with modern growth.

Geography

Reigate is known for its varied geology, including chalk, sandstone, and clay soils, which influence construction and infrastructure projects. The presence of Reigate Stone, a type of soft greensand, makes traditional excavation challenging due to its susceptibility to erosion and instability. Trenchless technologies such as moling and horizontal directional drilling (HDD) are highly beneficial in these conditions, as they reduce surface disruption and minimise the risk of ground collapse.

Eps Trenchless Installations specialises in these advanced methods, ensuring efficient and cost-effective underground utility installations while preserving the town’s historical character and reducing environmental impact.

Useful Links for Water and Lead Pipe Replacement in Reigate and Surrounding Areas

If you’re seeking information on water supply, quality, and pipe replacement in Reigate, the following resources may be helpful.

Local Water Suppliers & Water Quality Information

Reigate 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.

Water Main & Lead Pipe Replacement

Trenchless Installation & Pipe Replacement Services