Wessex Water Approved
Water Safe Certified
Trenchless Technology Specialists
Domestic & Commercial
Wessex Water Approved
Water Safe Certified
Trenchless Technology Specialists
Domestic & Commercial
Sherborne Utilities

Trenchless Technology — Impact Moling

Pneumatic impact moling to install pipes underground without digging. Ideal for crossing driveways, paths, roads and gardens. Fast, cost-effective and no disruption to the surface.

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What is Impact Moling?

Impact moling — also known as pipe moling or ground moling — is a trenchless technology that allows new pipes to be installed underground without the need to excavate a continuous open trench. A pneumatically powered torpedo-shaped tool is driven through the ground, displacing the soil to create a bore along the desired route. The new pipe is then pulled or pushed through this bore to complete the installation.

Sherborne Utilities specialises in impact moling for water supply pipe installations and renewals across Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Devon. This technique is particularly valuable where a pipe route crosses an existing surface that would be very costly or disruptive to excavate and reinstate — such as a block-paved driveway, tarmac path, decorative garden, road crossing or established lawn.

The only excavations required are small entry and exit pits at either end of the moled section, typically no larger than a square metre each. The entire surface between these pits remains completely undisturbed, preserving the appearance and value of your property and eliminating the cost of extensive reinstatement.

Impact moling is suitable for most soil types and can be used to install MDPE water supply pipe, duct for electrical cables, drainage pipe and other utilities. Our experienced engineers assess ground conditions, check for existing underground services and plan every moling installation carefully to ensure safe, accurate and successful results.

Why Choose Trenchless Moling?

Minimal disruption, maximum efficiency. Impact moling is the smart choice for pipe installations under hard surfaces and valuable ground.

No Excavation Required

Impact moling installs pipes underground without the need to dig open trenches, preserving driveways, lawns, paths and paved areas.

Faster Installation

Moling is significantly faster than conventional open-cut trenching, particularly for longer runs under hard surfaces, reducing overall project time.

Cost Effective

By eliminating the need for extensive excavation and reinstatement of hard surfaces, trenchless moling typically delivers significant cost savings over open-cut methods.

No Disruption to Surface

Existing driveways, block paving, tarmac, lawns and decorative surfaces remain completely undisturbed, maintaining the appearance and value of your property.

How Impact Moling Works

A well-planned, efficient process that delivers results with minimal impact on your property.

01

Site Assessment

We assess the proposed pipe route, check for any existing underground services that could conflict with the moling path, and confirm the suitability of ground conditions for the technique.

02

Entry & Exit Pits

Small excavations are made at either end of the moling run — typically no more than a square metre each — to provide the entry point for the mole and the exit point for connection.

03

Moling

The pneumatic impact mole is driven through the ground along the planned route, creating a bore through which the new pipe is pulled or pushed. The process is rapid and highly accurate.

04

Pipe Installation & Reinstatement

The pipe is installed through the bore, connections are made at both ends, and the small entry and exit pits are reinstated. The surface above the pipe route is left completely undisturbed.

Common Applications for Impact Moling

Crossing a block-paved or tarmac driveway
Crossing a garden path or patio
Crossing a road or footpath (with permits)
Passing under an established lawn
Passing under a wall or building foundation
New water supply pipe installations
Rising main replacement routes
Duct installation for other services

Service Areas

Trenchless impact moling services across Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Devon. Sherborne Utilities provides trenchless pipe installation throughout the South West from our base in Sherborne.

Need a Pipe Installed Without Digging?

Call Sherborne Utilities for professional impact moling and trenchless pipe installation across Dorset and the South West.

01963 23200