Trenchless technology enabling Horizontal Drilling underground, with the ability to steer to avoid obstacles in the ground.
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.
Select your installation type and pinpoint your exact start and end locations on our interactive map to get started!
Trenchless technology enabling Horizontal Drilling underground, with the ability to steer to avoid obstacles in the ground.
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.
dependent on the required diameter and the ground conditions
(subject to pipe size and ground conditions)
ground dependent
Sevenoaks is located in Kent, in southeast England, and it’s about 21 miles southeast of central London. It’s a charming town known for its blend of historic sites, natural beauty, and proximity to London, making it popular with commuters. Sevenoaks has a rich history, with roots going back to the Saxon era. One of the most notable historical sites is Knole House, a grand country house dating back to the 15th century. The house is set within a large park and is a popular spot for visitors. The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside, including parts of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Sevenoaks is close to places like Emmetts Garden, a National Trust property with stunning views of the Weald of Kent, and Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve. Sevenoaks is well connected to London, with direct train services to London Bridge, Charing Cross, and Cannon Street. The journey to London takes around 30 to 40 minutes, making it a great location for people who work in the city. The town high street has a variety of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Sevenoaks is well-connected by both road and rail, making it an ideal location for commuters traveling to London or other areas in the southeast of England. Sevenoaks benefits from excellent train connections to London and other nearby towns. The town’s main train station, Sevenoaks Station, is situated just outside the town centre. Trains connect Sevenoaks to towns such as Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, and Redhill.
Sevenoaks is conveniently located for road access, particularly for those traveling by car. The town is close to major motorways, which makes it easy to reach other parts of Kent or London. Sevenoaks is located near Junction 5 of the M25, which connects to London and offers access to other parts of the southeast. This is one of the key routes for those heading toward the wider London area or airports like Gatwick and Heathrow. The A21 road runs from the M25 through Sevenoaks, heading south toward Hastings and the coast. It’s a primary route for traveling toward the southern parts of Kent. The A225 runs through Sevenoaks and connects to other local towns and villages, providing easy access to places like Dartford and Tonbridge.
Directional drilling in Sevenoaks is dependent on the specific ground conditions, which can vary depending on the location and the depth of drilling. The geological conditions of Sevenoaks and its surroundings have a few general features that are important for directional drilling projects.
Sevenoaks, being in Kent, is part of the Weald area, which is characterised by geological formations like Wealden Clay, sandstone, and chalk. Chalk beds can be common in the area. Chalk is relatively soft and can be challenging for drilling because it can be prone to collapse, but it is generally workable with proper equipment. Other areas in and around Sevenoaks may have layers of sandstone or siltstone, which are harder and more stable but might require more advanced tools for directional drilling. Groundwater in Sevenoaks is relatively shallow in some places, depending on proximity to rivers or local aquifers. Drilling through water-saturated soil or rock can complicate directional drilling. The presence of groundwater may also be a consideration when drilling near sensitive water sources, as it could require additional measures to protect water quality.
Sevenoaks is situated within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), meaning the area has undulating terrain and possibly hilly or uneven surfaces. While the hills themselves are usually soft in terms of geology (chalky and clay), their slopes could impact the feasibility of certain drilling techniques or equipment. Given Sevenoaks’ location in a protected natural area, environmental regulations would need to be considered for directional drilling projects. Local authorities may have specific guidelines or restrictions in place to minimise disruption to the landscape, flora, and fauna, particularly near nature reserves or historical sites like Knole House.
If drilling is being conducted for utility installation (such as for gas, water, or electricity), existing infrastructure (like underground utilities) in Sevenoaks must be considered. The proximity to built-up areas, such as the town centre, require careful planning to avoid existing underground services or historical infrastructure.
We start with conducting a detailed survey, a site visit, and the use of online technology to check geological information
From conception to completion, EPS will work in partnership with you, planning and advising you on the best way to complete your project
The directional drilling process is handled professionally and meticulously by our fully qualified engineers from start to finish
We leave your site clean and clear of all materials and debris, providing an end-to-end service and complete reinstatement and site clearance.
In Sevenoaks HDD is used for a range of applications, especially given the town’s rural and residential nature, as well as its proximity to London. Horizontal Directional Drilling is often used to install new water mains and sewer lines beneath roads, buildings, or environmentally sensitive areas. In Sevenoaks, this method is especially useful in areas where traditional trenching would disrupt local infrastructure or natural beauty, such as the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Horizontal Directional Drilling is used for installation of gas pipes, particularly where digging trenches would be disruptive or hazardous. As a growing commuter town, Sevenoaks requires installation of new power lines or communication cables (such as fibre optic cables). HDD is an ideal method for minimising surface disruption when installing these cables beneath streets or natural landscapes.
In Sevenoaks, there are several local watercourses, including the River Darent and small streams. Horizontal Directional Drilling is used to install pipes, cables, or utilities underneath rivers or streams without disturbing the water or the surrounding environment. For areas near the Sevenoaks Railway Station, HDD is a good method for crossing under railways without requiring surface disruption, which can be more expensive and time-consuming.
Sevenoaks is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which includes protected woodlands, wildlife reserves, and historical sites. Horizontal Directional Drilling is ideal for minimising environmental impact because it doesn’t require large surface-level excavations. Sevenoaks has several large estates and private properties. HDD is an excellent choice for property owners looking to install new services (like water or gas lines) beneath their land without creating visual disruption or damaging gardens, lawns, or other aesthetic features.
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:
Small carbon footprint, environmentally friendly methods
No need for inconvenient and unnecessary road closures
No need for restricted working hours or premium rates
No disruption to infrastructure, services or the surface
HDD can also be used for gravity gradient installations
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.
Select your installation type and pinpoint your exact start and end locations on our interactive map to get started!
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