Impact Moling

Impact moling is a trenchless way to lay a new pipe without digging up the surface above it. A pneumatic 'mole' hammers itself horizontally through the ground between two small pits, pulling a new water pipe behind it — no open trench across lawns, patios or tarmac.

It's the default method for supply pipe renewals and new installations wherever ground conditions allow, and a big part of why modern pipe replacement is far less disruptive than people fear.

Post your impact moling job — free

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What the work involves

• Launch and reception pits at each end of the run
• A pneumatic mole driven along the planned line and depth
• New MDPE pipe drawn through in the same pass
• Pit reinstatement — the surface between them untouched

When you need it

• Replacing a supply under a driveway, path or established garden
• Crossing where excavation would be slow or expensive to reinstate
• Runs up to ~20m per shot in suitable soils
• Any job where the surface above must not be disturbed

Impact Moling — common questions

What ground suits moling?

Clay and most firm, settled ground mole well. Very loose sand, waterlogged ground or heavy rubble/rock can deflect the mole — your contractor assesses on survey.

How deep does the mole run?

Set to the required 750mm cover for water pipe, checked at both pits before firing.

Can it damage other services?

Routes are checked against utility plans and scanned first; safe clearances from gas, power and drains are part of the method statement.

Ready to get quotes?

Post the job free — approved contractors across the UK see it straight away.