Moling Services
No-dig pipe installation across Bristol and the South West. Fastfix install new underground pipes and utilities with minimal digging, fixed prices and no call-out charges.
For efficient and cost-effective underground utility installations, trust Fastfix Drainage & Plumbing. Contact us today to learn more about our moling services.
Professional Moling Services in Bristol and the South West
Moling, also known as trenchless technology, is an advanced method used in plumbing and drainage projects to install underground pipes without the need for extensive excavation. Moling allows plumbers and drainage companies to efficiently and effectively install or repair underground utilities with minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
This technique involves using a pneumatic piercing tool, commonly referred to as a mole, to create a tunnel through the soil. Moling is highly valued for its ability to minimise surface disruption, reduce project time, and lower costs compared to traditional trench-digging methods. It is particularly useful in urban areas, where preserving existing infrastructure and landscaping is a priority.
Types of Moling Services
Fastfix are experienced moling contractors offering three types of moling: domestic moling for homes, commercial moling for businesses and larger sites, and impact moling, which drives a pneumatic mole through the ground for new pipe runs. Moling is for installing new pipes, including water pipe installations and installing underground utilities such as electric cables, as well as gas lines and electric feeds, making it suitable for a wide range of job types. Where an existing pipe is damaged instead, our drain lining and drain repair services repair it from the inside.
Moling vs Traditional Trenching
| Factor | Moling | Traditional trenching |
|---|---|---|
| Surface disruption | Small entry and exit pits only | Open trench along the full run |
| Cost | About £100 per metre for water pipes, lower due to less excavation and more efficient reinstatement | About £200 per metre, with higher labour and surface reinstatement |
| Speed | Faster, often a single visit | Slower, more groundwork |
| Landscaping | Established garden and paved driveway left intact | Often dug up and reinstated |
Moling suits a wide range of jobs, including water pipes, gas lines, electrical conduits and communication cables. Impact moling creates a tunnel for pipes without digging trenches, helping keep disruption to a minimum compared with traditional excavation methods.
Contact us for more Moling advice, or get a FREE drainage & plumbing quote
Answer a few simple questions about your home or commercial property and we will recommend the best course of action. Following this you will receive expert advice and a free, no obligation quote. It is worth getting multiple quotes to ensure competitive pricing. Before booking, check customer satisfaction through reviews or testimonials.
The Moling Process:
- Assessment and planning: we survey the site, map existing underground utilities, and design the route to avoid obstacles.
- Preparation: we set up the equipment and dig small entry and exit holes, often positioned to avoid disturbing key surfaces near the property boundary.
- Moling and pipe installation: using moling technology, the mole displaces the soil to create a tunnel without extensive digging, which we inspect, then pull through the new water supply pipe or other pipework and align it.
- Connection and testing: we connect the new pipe to the existing system and water supply, then test for leaks, blockages and proper flow.
- Site restoration and cleanup: we backfill the pits, reinstate any disturbed landscaping or paving, and pack away all tools.
- Final inspection and documentation: we carry out a final inspection and hand over plans, permits and test results.
Why Choose Fastfix Drainage & Plumbing
Expert Team: Our trained technicians have extensive experience in impact moling, ensuring precise and reliable installations.
Advanced Equipment: We use state-of-the-art moling equipment to deliver top-quality results for every project.
Comprehensive Service: From planning to execution, we manage the entire process, ensuring a seamless experience for our clients.
Why Choose Fastfix for Moling
Why choose Fastfix and choose moling: for a trenchless installation with less disruption, faster completion, and dependable results.
Expert team: our trained technicians are specialists with extensive experience in impact moling, and they have completed moling impact training and relevant certifications for precise and reliable installations.
Modern equipment: we use well maintained moling equipment to deliver high-quality results on every project.
Complete service: from planning to execution, we manage the whole process for a smooth, hassle-free experience, with transparent pricing from the outset.
Approved contractors by WIAPS and WaterSafe: when choosing a moling company, check industry-specific approvals and public liability insurance before hiring.
Areas We Serve
Fastfix carry out moling across Bristol, Bath, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, Cardiff and South Wales, Exeter, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Dorset and Hampshire, and cover regional water services work where needed.
How Much Does Moling Cost?
You may be wondering, how much does moling cost? It depends on pipe length, ground conditions, and whether the job is a new installation or pipe replacement. As a guide, moling for water pipes often costs about £100 per metre, although every job varies. Because moling needs only small entry and exit pits rather than a full trench, it is often faster and more cost effective than traditional digging because it avoids major reinstatement.
We carry out a free site survey first to support an accurate fixed, no-obligation quote. There are no call-out charges, and you can request a free quote before deciding.
Key Takeaways
- Moling installs new underground pipes, utilities and water mains without digging a full trench.
- It needs only small entry and exit pits, so driveways, gardens and paving stay intact.
- It is usually faster and cheaper than traditional trenching, with less restoration and minimal disruption.
- Suitable for water pipes, gas lines, electrical conduits and communication cables.
- Fastfix cover Bristol, Bath and the South West, with fixed prices and no call-out charges.
Approved Contractors by WIAPS and Watersafe
Moling FAQs
What types of projects can benefit from moling?
Moling is ideal for installing water pipes, gas lines, electrical conduits, and drainage systems, especially in urban or landscaped areas.
Is moling suitable for all soil types?
Moling is effective in many soil types, including clay, sand, and loam, but may be less effective in rocky or heavily compacted soils.
Is moling environmentally friendly?
Yes, impact moling is considered environmentally friendly because it is a non invasive method that minimises landscape disruption and reduces the need for extensive excavation, so established gardens and paved driveways are usually left intact.
What is the cost comparison between moling and traditional trenching?
Moling is often more cost-effective than traditional trenching due to reduced labour, shorter project times, and less restoration work.
Can moling be used in residential areas?
Yes, moling is particularly useful in residential areas to avoid disrupting driveways, gardens, and lawns. It is often used to replace old lead pipes or leaking mains water connections without excavating the whole area, and it is also preferable for replacing old lead or iron pipes with new materials. Upgrading an old supply line can also help with low water pressure.
Do you need permits for moling projects?
Permits may be required, depending on local regulations and the scope of the project. It is important to check with local authorities before starting. Here at Fastfix, we will do this before starting the project.
Is moling noisy?
Moling generates some noise, primarily from the air compressor and the mole’s operation, but it is generally less disruptive than traditional trenching.
Can moling be used for repairs, or is it only for new installations?
Moling can be used for both new installations and repairs of existing underground utilities, including planned pipe replacement as well as some repair work. For a burst pipe, moling may be used to replace the damaged section of the water supply pipe with less excavation where conditions allow.
Book Your Moling Project Today
Planning a new pipe run or utility connection? Moling gets it done with minimal mess and disruption. Fastfix carry out moling across Bristol and the South West, with fixed prices and no call-out charges. Visit our homepage for the full range of services, or contact our team for free advice and a quote.
Hear From Our Happy Customers
Why Choose Fastfix Drainage & Plumbing?
We gained a fantastic reputation in Bristol, Bath, and the surrounding areas. We provide our customers with high-quality work and professional and reliable service.
Here are a few reasons why you should choose us:
- Fully insured £2m public liability
- Local Business with 35 years of experience serving Bristol since 1989
- Trusted drainage company with a team of industry professionals
- Comprehensive range of drain services
- Tidy and clean
- Transparent pricing and service options
- Guide you with as much information you need
- Great customer reviews 4.9★ on Google & Reviews.io