Moling company near me

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  • Services & skills
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    Water Mains Specialist (Pipe Replacement, Moling and Lead Pipes)
    Water Pumps Installation
    Blocked Toilets
    Blocked Baths
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  • H2O Services Logo

    H2O Services

    10.00

    (8 reviews)
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    Plumber
    Water Mains Specialist (Pipe Replacement, Moling and Lead Pipes)
    Plumbing Merchants
    General Plumbing
    Emergency Plumber Service
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  • Rapid Drainage and Plumbing Logo

    Rapid Drainage and Plumbing

    10.00

    (264 reviews)
    Services & skills
    Plumber
    Water Mains Specialist (Pipe Replacement, Moling and Lead Pipes)
    Blocked Baths
    Blocked Toilets
    Blocked Sinks
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  • MJ Plumbing and Heating Logo

    MJ Plumbing and Heating

    10.00

    (40 reviews)
    Services & skills
    Plumber
    Water Mains Specialist (Pipe Replacement, Moling and Lead Pipes)
    Water Leak Detection
    Water Supply Pipe Repairs
    Radiator Thermostat Valve Installation
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  • Platinum Plumbers

    10.00

    (94 reviews)
    Services & skills
    Plumber
    Water Mains Specialist (Pipe Replacement, Moling and Lead Pipes)
    Power Flushing
    General Plumbing
    Pipe Fitter
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  • Plumbing Circle Logo

    Plumbing Circle

    10.00

    (182 reviews)
    Services & skills
    Plumber
    Water Mains Specialist (Pipe Replacement, Moling and Lead Pipes)
    Water Supply Pipe Repairs
    Thermal Dynamics
    Blocked Toilets
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What does a moling company do?

A moling company installs or replaces underground pipes and cables using trenchless technology, boring a path through the soil instead of digging a trench.

It's the go-to option when you need new pipework or a repair without tearing up your garden, driveway or drive.

When is moling used?

Moling works well for replacing old water supply pipes, running new pipework to an outbuilding, or laying ducting for cables. It's also a good fit when a trench isn't practical, for example under a driveway, a patio, or mature landscaping you don't want to disturb.

If your stopcock keeps leaking rather than the supply pipe itself, check out how to fix a leaking stopcock first. It might solve the problem without any digging or moling at all.

broken-pipe-leaking-in-trench

How to find a moling company near me

Checkatrade lists checked moling contractors near you, so you can compare profiles and quotes before you book anyone. There are three simple ways to find one:

  • Use the Checkatrade app - Search by trade and postcode to see moling contractors working in your area.

  • Fill in a quote request form - Tell us what you need done and we'll match you with contractors who can help.

  • Search by postcode on the website - Browse profiles, reviews and past jobs for moling companies near you.

Find a plumber near you

Once you've got a shortlist, check their reviews and read their profiles before you get in touch.

Look at the jobs they've done that are similar to yours, then compare a selection of quotes from checked contractors before you decide.

For more general tips on choosing a plumbing tradesperson, see how to find a good local plumber.

excavated-trench-with-underground-pipe

What to look for in a moling contractor

Look for a contractor with proven moling experience, not just general plumbing or groundwork experience.

Moling needs specific equipment and know-how, so ask how many similar jobs they've completed and whether they can show you photos or references from past work.

  • Check reviews from other homeowners

  • Look for consistent feedback on tidiness, timekeeping and communication

  • Confirm the contractor holds public liability insurance

  • Ask about any relevant certifications for the pipework or utilities involved, especially if the job is near a gas or electricity supply

  • Get a clear, itemised price before work starts, covering the pit excavation, the moling itself, reinstatement of your garden or driveway, and any waste disposal

For larger or commercial jobs, some providers use horizontal directional drilling (HDD) rather than standard moling.

HDD can steer around obstacles over longer distances, so ask a contractor which method suits your job before you compare quotes.

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moling-machine-installing-underground-pipe

How much does moling cost near me?

A full main water pipe replacement over 20 metres of pipework costs £3,000 on average.

Moling itself typically costs around £100/m per metre, compared with around £200/m per metre for a dug trench, so moling usually works out cheaper as well as less disruptive.

Your final price depends on ground conditions, pipe length and how easy access is to both ends of the run. For a full breakdown of costs by pipe length and material, see our full water pipe replacement costs guide.

If you only need a repair rather than a full replacement, check water supply pipe repair costs instead, since repairs are usually cheaper than a full run of new pipe.

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Find a moling company in these UK locations:

Moling FAQs

  • Moling creates far less disruption than digging a trench: a small pit goes in at each end, then the pipe or cable is pulled through underground. Your garden, driveway or drive stays largely untouched, and reinstatement work afterwards is minimal. It's usually quicker than trenching too, since there's no need to dig up and refill a long open channel.

  • Moling typically costs around £100 per metre, compared with around £200 per metre for a dug trench, though your final price depends on ground conditions and pipe length. Rocky or heavily compacted ground can push the price up, so always get a site visit before you accept a quote.

  • Lead pipe replacement costs around £600 on average, and it's worth doing sooner rather than later if your home still has original lead pipework. Lead pipes can affect water quality over time, and a checked contractor can confirm whether your supply pipe needs replacing.

  • Moling equipment needs training and experience to use safely, so most homeowners are better off hiring a checked contractor rather than a DIY machine hire. Getting the depth, angle or ground assessment wrong can damage existing pipes, cables or your property. A contractor will also carry the right insurance if anything goes wrong.

  • If the leak is on the supply pipe between the property boundary and your home, it's usually your responsibility; anything before the boundary sits with your water company. Check your property boundary and contact your water company first if you're not sure where the leak sits, so you don't pay for a repair that isn't yours to fix.

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