Skip to main content

Moling

When you’re dealing with hidden water supply pipe issues in Hampshire, Surrey or nearby, disruptive open-trenching needn’t be your only option. At Leak Detection South, we offer advanced moling (trenchless horizontal boring) installations and repairs to replace or install pipes underground with minimal disturbance to your home, garden or driveway.

Moling Specialists

Moling — also known as directional/impact boring — involves drilling a small entry and exit pit (typically no more than 1 metre square) and threading new or replacement pipe through the created bore using a steel “mole” mechanism propelled by compressed air. The result: a fast, cost-effective, and far less disruptive alternative to open-trench digging.

Unlike traditional trench digging, moling preserves lawn, driveways and landscaping, avoids lengthy reinstatement works and keeps your disruption to a minimum.

This technology, also known as trenchless digging, removes the need to dig large trenches, which can be highly damaging and disruptive for customers.

Leak Detection South specialise in moling services for water supply pipes and are happy to advise on any concerns you may have regarding the process.

 




    I am interested in:

    Attach a photo (optional):

    Why Moling?

    • Minimal disruption – no lengthy trenches across your property, no piles of spoil, and far fewer reinstatement costs.

    • Speed – many installations or replacements can be completed within hours rather than days.

    • Cost-effective in the long run – fewer reinstatement works and less downtime mean you save on the total project cost.

    • Preserves finishes & surfaces – keep your driveway, garden, patios or other finishes intact.

    • Ideal for hard-to-reach locations – if your site is constrained (e.g., underneath patio slabs, landscaped gardens, or tight urban plots) moling offers an accessible solution.

    Moling Process

    • Site Inspection & Fault Diagnostic – One of our experienced engineers visits your property to inspect the existing pipework, locate any hidden faults, and advise whether moling is the right approach.

    • Entry & Exit Point Design – We identify optimal entry and exit points for minimal disruption and confirm access with you.

    • Drilling & Pipe Pull-through – Our team uses specialised moling equipment to safely drill the bore and pull/recover the new or repaired pipe through with minimal surface impact.

    • Connection & Testing – Once the pipe is installed, we connect it to your existing infrastructure, pressure-test the system and ensure everything is fully watertight and compliant.

    • Reinstatement & Clean-up – We refill and compact the entry/exit pits, reinstate surface finishes (e.g., turf, slab paving or driveway), and remove all spoil so you’re left with a neat, tidy result.

    Why Work With Us?

    • Over 20 years of specialist experience in leak detection, water-pipe repair & installation.

    • Dedicated team of engineers trained in trenchless technologies.

    • Fully insured and committed to high workmanship standards.

    • Transparent quotes, rapid response, and no unnecessary disruption.

    • Clear communication and peace of mind from start to finish.

    Client Reviews

    “

    When our old supply pipe began leaking underneath the patio, we were facing the nightmare of having the entire paved area broken up. Leak Detection South inspected, recommended the moling option and carried out the work within 24 hours. The driveway was reinstated beautifully and there was hardly any disruption to our garden. From the initial call to completion was seamless — highly recommended.

    Emma & JamesSouthampton
    “

    As facilities manager for a block of flats, we had an inaccessible underground pipe failure and were dreading the damage and cost of open trenching. The team at Leak Detection South quickly scoped the job, used their moling kit to install a new line, and within a day everything was up and running again. Superb professionalism and minimal impact on our residents.

    Mark T.Southampton
    “

    We contacted Leak Detection South after repeated mysterious bursts in our older property. They found the culprit pipe under the slab, used their trenchless moling method and replaced it without having to tear up the finished floor or garden. Very impressed by the speed, tidiness and value for money.

    Sally Davies-HillerSouthampton
    “

    Having detected a leak we were told we needed a moling specialist and contacted Leak Detection South who found the problem and used their moling equipment to fix it. Brilliant.

    Mr Z. FaheySouthampton, Hampshire
    “

    Fantastc moling company who went above and beyond to make sure our leaks were fixed promptly. No problems since.

    Lucinda BrowneSouthampton
    “

    Superb moling specialist that came out to my property within just a few hours. All my leaks were found and fixed within 24 hours of my initial call.

    Darryl Hollande-JonesSouthampton

    Areas Covered

    We operate across the South of England, covering Southampton, Portsmouth, Basingstoke, Guildford, Brighton, Woking, Epsom, Crawley, Slough, Reading, Hampshire, Berkshire, West Sussex, Surrey, Greater London, Kent and beyond. If you don’t see your town listed, just get in touch — we often travel further afield for bespoke projects.
    • Hampshire
    • Berkshire
    • West Sussex
    • Surrey
    • South London
    • East London
    • West London
    • North London
    • Greater London
    • Kent
    LEAK DETECTION AREAS COVERED MAP

    Moling FAQ’s

    What length of pipe can you replace via moling?

    The length depends on ground conditions and equipment access. We routinely install or replace pipelines up to 10 metres between entry and exit holes. For longer runs we will discuss directional drilling as an alternative.

    Will this method damage my garden or driveway?

    No. Only two small access holes are required (typically less than 1 metre square each). The rest of the surface remains untouched, avoiding big trenches or spoil heaps.

    How much disruption should I expect?

    Very little. We remove furniture or obstructions from the entry/exit zones, complete the drilling and pipe pull-through, reconnect and test the system, then reinstate the area. Many jobs are done in a day.

    What types of pipe material can you handle?

    We work with a variety of pipe materials including copper, MDPE, PEX and other plastics. We’ll assess the best option for your site.

    Do you need planning permission?

    Generally not for domestic moling work that is internal to the property boundary. If you’re beneath a public highway or major shared access then we’ll check and advise.

    Are your engineers fully qualified & insured?

    Yes. Our team are trained in trenchless pipe technologies, regularly updated on safety standards and fully insured for peace of mind.

    What happens after the works are complete?

    We carry out a pressure test on the new installation, check for any issues, tidy the site up, reinstate surfaces and leave you with full certification and advice on how to maintain the system.

    Leak Detection South Accreditations

    Accreditations

    Moling Experts have various certificates and awards that are industry related. We have displayed some of them here for your peace of mind. We want you to know that you are in safe hands.