How Much Does Impact Moling Cost Per Metre in Scotland?

The cost of moling per metre can vary depending on several factors, including the location, ground conditions, pipe diameter, and the overall length of the project but prices can be higher or lower depending on the complexity of the work and local market rates.

 

When planning to replace your water supply pipe, it’s essential to understand your responsibilities as a homeowner. Typically, you are responsible for the pipework running from your internal stop tap to your property boundary.


Factors Affecting the Cost of Impact Moling
 

• Ground Conditions
  Harder ground, such as clay or rocky soil, may require more time and specialised equipment, increasing costs.
   

• Pipe Diameter
  Larger pipes may involve more labour and materials, raising the price.
   

• Length of the Project
  Longer installations may benefit from economies of scale, reducing the per-metre cost.
   

• Additional Services
  Pre-installation surveys, reinstatement of surfaces, or additional fittings may add to the overall cost.

Impact Moling: A Cutting-Edge Solution
 

We proudly employ impact moling as a revolutionary method for water supply pipe installations. This advanced technique uses a pneumatic cylinder to create a straight-line path from one pit to another, providing several key benefits:

 

• Minimal Disruption
  Fewer excavations are required, reducing the impact on your property, including concrete, tarmac, or flagged driveways.
   

• Faster Completion
  Impact moling enables quicker project completion compared to traditional trenching methods, ensuring less disruption to your home or business.
   

• Cost-Efficiency
  When ground conditions are favourable, moling significantly reduces the cost of installing new water pipes compared to traditional trench excavation, while still maintaining quality and efficiency.

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How Does Impact Moling Work?

Moling is a highly effective trenchless method for installing water supply and gas pipes. Our experienced engineers use advanced pneumatic impact moles (often called moles), powered by compressed air. These devices are launched from small excavation points, displacing soil and creating smooth boreholes in the desired direction, even in challenging ground conditions.
 

Once the boreholes are created, small-diameter pipes are carefully aligned and pulled through, eliminating the need for extensive trenching. This streamlined process ensures efficient installation of new water pipes, connecting seamlessly to the main water supply while minimising disruption to your property.

 

Reasons to Replace a Water Supply Pipe
 

For homeowners in Scotland, there are several key reasons to consider replacing a main water pipe:

 

• Lead or Iron Pipes
  Older homes may still have lead or iron pipes, which can pose health risks or cause corrosion, affecting water quality and reliability.
   

• Water Leaks
  Leaks in the water supply pipe can lead to water wastage, property damage such as subsidence, and increased water bills, making replacement a necessary solution.
   

• Insufficient Water Pressure
  Poor water pressure can disrupt daily activities and is often caused by ageing or damaged pipework, requiring an upgrade to ensure consistent flow.
   

• Poor Water Quality
  ​Pipes in poor condition can introduce impurities into your water supply, affecting both taste and safety.
   

• Home Renovations
  Projects that require relocating or upgrading the size of the water supply pipe for increased water flow provide an ideal opportunity to replace old pipes and future-proof your property.

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Why Do Lead Water Supply Pipes Need to Be Replaced?

Although lead pipes haven’t been used in over 40 years, many older properties still have lead water supply pipes. If your home is one of them, replacing these pipes with a modern water supply pipe is highly recommended to ensure safe drinking water free from lead contamination.
 

Lead water pipes pose a significant health risk because traces of lead can leach into your drinking water, leading to potential lead poisoning. Prolonged exposure to lead in drinking water has been linked to:

 

• High blood pressure

• Heart problems

• Abdominal pain

• Miscarriage or pregnancy complications

• Memory loss

• Developmental issues in children

• Low IQ

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Replacing your lead water supply pipe is a vital step in safeguarding your household’s health and ensuring compliance with modern water quality standards if you are a landlord.

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Benefits of Replacing Your Lead Water Supply Pipe

Upgrading your water supply pipe offers several advantages:
 

• Improved Energy Efficiency
  Enhanced water delivery to appliances reduces energy waste.
   

• Increased Water Flow Rates
  Flexible, modern pipes provide better flow.
   

• Better Water Quality
  Plastic pipes are non-contaminating, delivering cleaner water.
   

• Environmentally Friendly
  With safer tap water, you can reduce reliance on bottled water, cutting plastic waste.

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Replacing lead water pipes in your home is essential for protecting your health, ensuring the purity of your drinking water, and preserving the value of your property. Lead is a hazardous substance that poses serious health risks, particularly to children and pregnant women, as it can lead to developmental issues and other medical conditions with prolonged exposure. By upgrading from lead piping, you effectively minimise the potential for lead contamination in your water supply, creating a safer and healthier living environment for you and your family.

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​​​Contact ScotWater for Impact Moling Services Across Scotland
 

ScotWater is Scotland’s trusted provider of trenchless moling solutions. To learn more about how our innovative methods can benefit your property or to receive a free, no-obligation quote, contact us today at 0131 381 7770 or email us at hello@scotwater.co.uk.

For more useful help and advice see our other articles here.