Tag: water supply pipe installation

Here at Watermains and Drains, we understand more than anyone how important it is for you to get general maintenance done with as little hassle as possible. That is why we have our own moling equipment which makes it easier than ever for us to install a new watermain without having to excavate your lawn or your driveway. If you want to find out more about trenchless moling, and moling in general, then take a look below.

What is Moling and Trenchless Moling?

Moling, and trenchless moling is a technique that is used to lay down pipes without having to worry about building trenches. It is a very efficient method of installing pipes and you won’t have to worry about your garden being dug up either. Moling is one of the least invasive installation techniques out there and our team have the ability to bore under lawns, driveways, obstacles and more. If you want to find out more about moling or our service, then simply take a look below.

What are the Benefits of Moling?

Some of the benefits of moling include the fact that it is environmentally friendly. It requires minimal excavation, and it doesn’t cause any disruption either. It provides minimal disruption and barely any road closures. Moling reduces the amount of time that it takes to install water pipes and it also saves a considerable amount of time, not to mention that it is a brilliant way to reduce human resources too.

How does Moling Work?

During the process, we will use a machine known as a mole. This will force its way through the soil. To start the process, we will dig a hole that is around 2 metres deep. A hole this deep can be dug without the use of machinery. We will then dig a destination hole, and this is where the mole will come out of the other side. So why is a moling machine named as such? The mole itself was named after the activities of a mole, as they burrow into the soil. Pulsing, compressed air causes the mole to hammer against the soil, digging a tunnel. When the mole has passed the designated route, the pipe can then be pulled, right through to the destination.

Ensuring a Successful Completion

To ensure that the moling is completed successfully, we will first make sure that you have an appropriate soil type. We are very experienced when it comes to moling and we know that the soil type can have a huge impact on whether or not the moling process goes well. This is why we will always assess the soil first before moving ahead with the process.

If you want to find out more about our moling process or if you want to see how we can help you then please get in touch today. We would love to help you and we can also give you a free quote for any of our moling services too. We can’t wait to hear from you.

Whether you are building your dream property, renovating an existing house, or you have issues with your current water supply, you may be considering water supply pipe installation. In this guide, Watermains & Drains UK will reveal everything you need to know.

Considerations for water supply pipe installation

There is a lot that needs to be considered when it comes to laying new water supply pipes. This is why it is important to work with professional plumbers for a task like this.

All of the fittings and materials used must comply with the 1999 Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations.

Here are some of the different elements that need to be carefully considered:

• Trenches – Ideally, the trench needs to be lined and the pipes should be covered with soft earth or sand – not sharp rubble. There should not be any open ends left to stop the ingress of contaminants. All of the pipework also needs to be laid in the trench and installed by a WaterSafe approved contractor before the backfilling, otherwise, you won’t get the approval that is needed to connect.
• Choosing suitable materials – Next, it is vital that you assess the ground conditions before water supply pipe materials are selected. After all, the overall environment is going to play a huge role in determining which pipes are the most suitable Medium Density Polyethene (MDPE) is one of the most commonly used pipe materials, and it complies with BS6572. Nevertheless, some chemicals like creosote, petrol, or oil can permeate MDPE supply pipes, which poses a risk in terms of the quality of the water. So-called ‘barrier’ pipes and suitable fittings need to be used if the ground is contaminated with these chemicals via spillage or storage.
• Pressure testing – It is best practice to ensure the private supply pipe is laid in a manner that avoids joints. Where such joints are unavoidable, the installation needs to be a pressure test and it also needs to be disinfected before there is any connection to the water mains. For both external and internal pipework, the test pressure for any pipe needs to be 1.5 times the maximum working pressure that any fitting or pipe is subjected to. After any pressure test, you must disinfect the pipes, and analytical testing needs to be used to support this. Again, this all shows why it is imperative to work with seasoned and approved professionals when it comes to this.
• Barrier pipe – A barrier pipe is a pipe that has been reinforced for the purpose of protecting water supplies against other kinds of contaminants that can permeate standard MDPE pipes and put our water supply at great risk. There are a number of different kinds of barrier pipes available for people, including multi-layer plastic with a metal layer, plastic-coated copper, and ductile iron. It is imperative to make sure that the barrier pipe is compliant with BS 8588.

As you can see, there is a lot that needs to be considered when it comes to water supply pipe installation. We hope that this has helped you to get a better understanding of the key areas of consideration when it comes to installing water supply pipes at any property.

Why should you change old water supply pipes?

If the plumbing in your building is old, it probably has water pipes that have been made from iron or lead. If the latter is the case, they definitely need to be replaced.

Lead pipes have highly corrosive and toxic elements that leak into the drinking water system of the property, which can have a negative impact on your health and potentially even result in death. So, if you have lead pipes on your property, replacement is something that is required urgently.

In terms of iron pipes, as time goes on, they will rust and corrode, minimizing their effectiveness, which is why a replacement should also be considered.

Final words on water supply pipes installation

So there you have it: everything that you need to know about water supply pipes installation. We hope that this has helped you to get a better understanding of the process of installing new pipes and changing ones that no longer serve their purpose effectively. If you have any queries or you are ready to make the most of this service, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Watermains & Drains UK today.