If you’re experiencing low water pressure, unexpectedly high-water bills, discoloured water, or unusual tastes, it may point to a leak or deteriorating supply pipes—often a sign that it’s time for a water supply pipe replacement, especially if your system still contains lead or other outdated materials. These issues are common for homeowners and small businesses in Stevenage and across Hertfordshire, prompting many to search for solutions like water line repair or to consider lead pipe replacement for a more permanent fix.
Watermains replacement in Stevenage has changed in recent years, thanks to the development of modern moling and drilling machines. In a town where space is limited and streets and roads are constantly busy, traditional excavation methods are often too disruptive, slow, and impractical. Replacing or installing water mains in such a densely built and historic town requires a faster, less-disruptive, and more efficient solution.
EPS Trenchless Installations specialise in modern no-dig trenchless technology, designed to reduce surface disruption while delivering faster, long-lasting results. By using advanced moling and directional drilling techniques, we provide cleaner, more cost-effective utility installations, particularly suited to busy urban environments. As a trusted water company approved contractor, EPS Trenchless Installations delivers water infrastructure repair and replacement for both domestic homeowners and small businesses in Stevenage and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re upgrading ageing pipework or planning a new watermains connection, our moling and horizontal directional drilling technology offers reliable, professional.
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 Stevenage’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 Stevenage 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 Stevenage'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 Stevenage, 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 installations.
Impact moling has revolutionised utility installations in Stevenage and across Hertfordshire, delivering exceptional efficiency while keeping the cost competitive. The town’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 Stevenage’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 Stevenage’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 Hertfordshire and beyond.
Case Study: A recently purchased home in Stevenage was undergoing a full heating system upgrade when the homeowners discovered their original lead water supply was limiting flow and pressure. Their newly renovated concrete-printed driveway and shrub-lined front garden made the idea of trenching unacceptable. Stevenage is known for its gravelly clay subsoil, which can complicate open digging, especially around utilities.
We installed a new 25mm MDPE supply pipe using impact moling, threading it cleanly from the boundary to the stop tap without disturbing the garden or drive. The family now enjoys the full benefit of their high-performance heating and plumbing system, and their curb appeal remained completely untouched. The job was completed within the day, and the homeowners praised the “barely-there” nature of the work.
Stevenage offers a blend of historical and modern attractions. The Stevenage Museum provides insights into the town’s rich history, from prehistoric times to the present day. Fairlands Valley Park, a 120-acre Green Flag award-winning park, offers a range of outdoor activities, including sailing, canoeing, and a splash park for children. The Gordon Craig Theatre hosts a variety of performances, from plays to concerts, enriching the town’s cultural scene. Additionally, the historic St Nicholas Church, dating back to the 12th century, stands as a testament to Stevenage’s medieval heritage.
Stevenage’s origins trace back to the 7th century, with its name derived from the Old English Stith ac, meaning “strong oak”. This likely references a prominent oak tree that served as a meeting place for early settlers. The town is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Stigenace,” indicating its existence during the Norman period. In 1281, Stevenage was granted the right to hold a market twice a week and an annual fair, traditions that continue to this day. Post-World War II, in 1946, Stevenage was designated as the UK’s first New Town to accommodate London’s overspill population, leading to significant urban development while preserving its historical Old Town charm.
Situated in North Hertfordshire, Stevenage lies on a gently undulating plateau underlain by glacial drift over chalk. The area features a mix of clay soils (pelosols) and moderately free-draining brown earths, with the terrain gently falling in a southeasterly direction. These soil conditions can pose challenges for traditional excavation methods due to variability in composition and drainage characteristics. Trenchless installation techniques, such as moling and directional drilling, offer effective solutions by minimizing surface disruption and adapting to the complex subsurface conditions.
For expert services tailored to these conditions, Eps Trenchless Installations provides specialized solutions.
If you’re seeking information on water supply, wastewater services, and pipe replacement in Stevenage, the following resources may be helpful.
Stevenage’s water supply is managed by Affinity Water, whilst wastewater services are managed by Thames Water.
Skip to content
