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UK Moling & Directional Drilling Experts

The Fast, Cost-Effective way to install pipes, cables and ducts underground.
No need to dig messy, disruptive trenches.

Whatever type of utility you need installing underground, we can help

Electric cables

Electricity cables
installed underground

water Pipes

Water pipes
installed underground

Gas Pipes

Gas pipes
installed underground

telecoms ducts

Phone / data ducting
installed underground

other

Additional types of
underground installations

Underground Installations

Why Choose Us

Complete service from conception to completion

Safe, Cost-Effective and Innovative

Fast, Efficient and Comprehensive

Minimum Disruption

What is Trenchless Technology ?

A highly efficient method for installing pipes and ducts under the ground. Instead of digging messy trenches, Trenchless Technology just requires two neat pits to be dug that are about one metre square and one metre deep.

The mole is lowered into the entry pit and digs a narrow tunnel to the exit pit. This removes the need to cut through the surface and dig up driveways, paths or gardens.

The mole is a steel pneumatic cylinder, which uses compressed air to hammer repeatedly against the soil and create a small tunnel for the new pipe or cable to be pulled back through. It is fast with minimal disturbance to the surface making it very cost effective.

At EPS we have completed a huge range of projects on homes, roads, railways, and rivers. Therefore, we have a proven track record in all types of underground installation projects.

Whether you need new services installing underground, we can help.

EPS Trenchless Installations are a No-Dig contractor working throughout the UK

We provide a complete service to install pipes, ducting and cables underground, quickly and efficiently, with minimum disruption. This involves producing plans, carrying out searches and getting all the necessary licenses needed. Utilities are then seamlessly installed underground without any complications.

With our specialist advice you can expect a safe, cost-effective and innovative solution to whatever underground installation project you need.

As experts in trenchless technology, we work directly with domestic customers, businesses and contractors throughout the country to install underground utilities and services. 

Moling

Installation of pipes, cables and ducts underground up to 20 metre distances in a straight line. Pipe sizes from 25mm to 150mm.

diameters
25mm - 20 mm
lengths
M

directional drilling

Installation of pipes, cables and ducts underground up to 250 metre distances with ability to be steered and curved to avoid obstacles. Pipe sizes from 25mm to 355mm.

diameters
25mm - 25 mm
lengths
M

Moling vs Directional Drilling

DIRECTIONAL DRILLING FAQs

Horizontal directional drilling, often referred to as HDD or trenchless technology, is an innovative technique for laying underground utilities such as pipes, cables, ducts, and conduits without resorting to conventional trenching. Instead of creating open trenches, this method starts with a pilot hole that is drilled diagonally from the surface toward a desired endpoint. After the initial hole is made, advanced drilling equipment enlarges and steers the hole in the desired direction while underground. This seamless process provides minimal damage to the surface ground and is not as invasive as conventional methods, saving our clients money and the hassle of restoring the area after large excavation work.

Our procedure starts by drilling a pilot borehole that follows a predetermined route. We then expand the hole along the trajectory established by the pilot bore, a process referred to as back reaming. Finally, the product pipe is pulled through the enlarged passage.

The machine we will choose for your project is dependent on your site and location. For our smaller and more fragile ecological sites, we will select our smaller HDD machine to ensure that we minimise disruption to the environment and protect delicate ecosystems. This smaller HDD machine is designed to navigate tight spaces and sensitive terrain with precision and care, allowing us to complete the job while minimising impact on the surrounding area. 

For larger sites that require greater power and capacity, we have larger HDD machines equipped to handle more demanding projects, whilst still maintaining little impact at your location. These machines are capable of tackling larger bore diameters and longer distances, providing the necessary strength and efficiency to complete the job effectively. 

No matter the size or complexity of your project, we have the expertise and equipment to ensure successful horizontal directional drilling while prioritising environmental conservation and minimising disruption to sensitive areas.

Directional drilling is utilised for laying utility lines and conduits, providing a more economical and minimally invasive option compared to conventional vertical drilling methods. 

This approach provides many advantages over conventional drilling as it is possible to lay or repair utility pipes, ducts, or cables, without excavations of large amounts of ground and provides options for laying pipes in sensitive or protected areas.

There are many advantages to employing horizontal and directional drilling. These are, minimal disturbances to surfaces, reduced environmental impact, cost savings, enhanced safety, and provides minimal disruption to utilities.

This is entirely dependent on the machine used for your location and ground conditions and/or obstructions. We will conduct a site visit and discuss the plan of action. Pipes from 25mm to 355mm diameters can be installed over distances of up to 200 metres in a single shot. Ducting, cables, and pipework can also be installed in either straight or curved lines.

No, it won’t. Our methods and trenchless technology will minimise disturbance in your location. Our approach ensures that we can carry out our work efficiently and effectively while keeping the impact on your surroundings to an absolute minimum. We will conduct a site visit before work takes place, talk through your requirements and we will evaluate the area to identify any obstacles or obstructions that may be present.

If you require work in protected or specialist areas, we can provide minimal disruption to the natural environment, ensure compliance with any relevant regulations or restrictions, and respect the integrity of the site.

We provide many trenchless solutions such as guided auger boring, moling, pipe bursting, pipe ramming, small footprint drilling, s50works, and fire hydrant testing.

We provide our expert trenchless solutions across a span of industries in the UK. Our industries include environmental remediation, water management, utility services, civil engineering and construction, and more.

Advantages of HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING

The drilling process is carefully planned and carried out by our qualified engineers who ensure accuracy and efficiency throughout. All our clients can expect the following benefits from our Horizontal Directional Drilling services:

No need to dig deep inconvenient, unsightly excavations

Small carbon footprint, environmentally friendly methods

No need for inconvenient and unnecessary road closures

No need for restricted working hours or premium rates

Operations are not bound by Section 58 road restrictions

Fast, efficient and timely project installation timescales

Unaffected by surface obstacles such as buildings or trees

No disruption to infrastructure, services or the surface

HDD can also be used for gravity gradient installations

Minimal road closures and disruption to the public

What is Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) used for in Dartford?

In Dartford, Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is used for a variety of infrastructure projects, particularly for installing underground utilities and pipelines. Given Dartford’s proximity to London, HDD offers a way to carry out projects with minimal disruption to surface-level activities, which is especially important.

HDD is commonly used to install new water mains, sewage pipelines, and other underground infrastructure. This is particularly valuable in urban areas of Dartford where digging up roads and disrupting traffic would be costly and impractical.

With the growing demand for high-speed internet, HDD is frequently used to install fibre optic cables or telecoms in areas of Dartford where surface disruption would be undesirable. This is particularly relevant for providing internet access to both urban and suburban areas in Dartford.

Dartford’s proximity to the River Thames means that HDD is an ideal technique for installing utilities and pipelines beneath the river, such as water or sewage pipes, without having to disrupt the riverbed or waterway. HDD can be used to avoid excavation in sensitive water environments.

HDD is used to install utilities under busy roads or railways to avoid traffic disruptions or costly road closures. This is particularly important near major transportation routes, where excavation and construction work can cause significant disruptions.

In more eco-conscious projects, HDD can be used to install geothermal systems or other underground infrastructure intended to support green energy initiatives. This might include the installation of energy lines or environmentally friendly heating and cooling systems that require underground piping.

Our Complete Horizontal Directional Drilling Process

1. SURVEYING

We start with conducting a detailed survey, a site visit, and the use of online technology to check geological information

2. PLANNING

From conception to completion, EPS will work in partnership with you, planning and advising you on the best way to complete your project

3. DRILLING

The directional drilling process is handled professionally and meticulously by our fully qualified engineers from start to finish

4. COMPLETION

We leave your site clean and clear of all materials and debris, providing an end-to-end service and complete reinstatement and site clearance.

Ground Conditions in Dartford for Directional Drilling

The ground conditions in Dartford for Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) can vary based on the specific location within the town and its surrounding areas. However, in general, the geology of Dartford features a mix of soft and hard ground conditions that can impact HDD projects.

Much of Dartford, especially around the town centre and river corridors, is likely to have deposits of alluvial clay, silt, and sand. These soft soils can be relatively easy to drill through but may present challenges with maintaining borehole stability, especially in high-water table areas or near the River Thames. Dartford is located near the northern edge of the London Clay Formation, which is prevalent across much of southeast London and parts of Kent. London Clay is a dense, stiff clay that can be difficult to drill through. While it provides good hole stability once penetrated, it can cause challenges due to its cohesive nature, which can make it sticky and harder on drill bits.

Areas close to the River Thames or Dartford Creek might have more variable soil conditions, including gravel or sand deposits. These materials may be easier to drill through than clays, but they could be more prone to collapse in some cases, requiring careful management of drilling fluids and stabilizing techniques.

Dartford’s location near the River Thames means that the water table may be high in certain areas. HDD projects near the river may face challenges with groundwater inflows, particularly in low-lying areas. High groundwater levels could complicate the drilling process and require dewatering techniques or specialized drilling fluids to maintain borehole stability and prevent collapse.

Dartford is a developed town with significant infrastructure in place. HDD projects in the urban area may need to navigate or avoid existing utilities, such as water pipes, sewage systems, gas lines, and telecommunications cables. Detailed site surveys and utility mapping are essential for HDD to avoid damaging existing underground networks.

The topography of Dartford is relatively flat, which is beneficial for HDD projects. The lack of steep inclines or difficult slopes makes the drilling process easier compared to areas with more rugged terrain. In areas of Dartford that are more built-up, ground conditions may include compacted soils or a mix of construction debris beneath the surface.

About Dartford

Dartford is a town located in the northwestern part of Kent, in the southeast of England. It is part of the Thames Gateway, an area that has seen significant development and regeneration in recent times. With close proximity to London and its historical significance, Dartford has become an important for industry and residents.

Dartford is located approximately 16 miles east of central London, making it a prime location for commuters working in the capital. It sits just outside the M25 ring road, with excellent road and rail links to London and other parts of Kent. Dartford has easy access to the M25 motorway and is also connected to London via the Southeastern Railway. The Dartford Crossing (which consists of the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and the tunnels under the Thames) links Dartford with Essex, making the town important for transport/ Dartford station offers regular train services to London (Charing Cross and London Bridge) in about 40 minutes, making it a popular area for commuters.

Historically, Dartford grew as an industrial town, with the development of the local docks and industries such as cement production, paper manufacturing, and chemicals.  Today, Dartford has seen significant economic growth and regeneration, especially in retail and logistics. The Bluewater Shopping Centre, one of the largest in the UK, is located nearby in Greenhithe, which attracts shoppers from all over the region. Dartford is a growing and evolving town that offers a mix of suburban living, excellent transport connections, and a range of amenities. With its historical roots, excellent infrastructure, and proximity to both London and the Kent countryside, Dartford is seen as an attractive place to live and work.

Installation sizes and rates

INSTALLATION RATES

Metres/day
1

dependent on the required diameter and the ground conditions

distances

Metre pipe lengths
1

(subject to pipe size and ground conditions)

ACCURACY

+/- mm
1

ground dependent

Horizontal Drilling Services in Dartford

Trenchless technology enabling Horizontal Drilling underground, with the ability to steer to avoid obstacles in the ground.

What is Horizontal Directional Drilling?

Directional Drilling is a technique for installing utilities such as Water pipes, Electric Cables and Gas pipes underground along distances up to 250 metres. State of the art Directional Drilling equipment can be steered deeper underground or around obstructions blocking its path.

This removes the need to dig long, unsightly, messy trenches to lay pipes and cables. Directional Drilling creates neat accurate bore holes under the ground, which utilities can be pulled back through.

The whole process is fast, cost effective, and kind to the environment, with minimal surface damage.

Turnkey Horizontal Drilling Services Dartford

EPS provide underground utility installation that is fast, efficient and environmentally friendly. Our streamlined process requires minimal space which avoids unnecessary disruption and inconvenience. There is no need for extensive surface cutting or digging long trenches. ‘No-dig’ techniques are very adaptable to various soil conditions and protected locations.

This technique provides accurate utility installation, which also protects wildlife and any ecologically sensitive locations. It is an incredibly cost-effective method of replacing old utility systems or installing new utilities.

Get a price
for Horizontal Drilling in Dartford with an online survey

Select your installation type and pinpoint your exact start and end locations on our interactive map to get started!

Horizontal Directional Drilling Dartford

Trenchless technology enabling Horizontal Drilling underground, with the ability to steer to avoid obstacles in the ground.

Get a price
with an online survey

Select your installation type and pinpoint your exact start and end locations on our interactive map to get started!