Instant
01 · Ask
Ask the AI a follow-up
Got more questions about ground Source Heat Pump Trench? Describe the bit you're unsure about — the AI explains options, sequencing and what to ask the groundworks.
Dig GSHP ground loop.
Horizontal trench or vertical borehole for ground-source heat pump — sized to building heat demand.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
20,000+UK homeowners
50,000Quotes sent
Keep going
Hire a groundworker. Deep enough, drained right.
You've read the brief on ground Source Heat Pump Trench. Now lean on us to find the right groundworks — and stay in control of the job.
Free
02 · Read the brief
Walk in informed
Costs, timelines, pitfalls and the right questions to ask before any groundworks starts on ground Source Heat Pump Trench.
60 seconds
03 · Compare
Compare 3 groundworks quotes
Itemised quotes from up to 3 local groundworkss on ground Source Heat Pump Trench — so you can compare like-for-like, not lump sums.
✦
Get groundworks quotes Ready when you are
Enter your postcode and get free quotes from local pros.
Top tips
Hiring a groundworks, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Garden too small for horizontal
100m+ trench per 6kW heating capacity. Most UK gardens too small.
Drilling complications
Vertical bore may hit unexpected geology. Add £000s.
Wrong loop sizing
Heat-loss calc essential. Wrong sizing = inadequate heating.
Disruption to garden
Massive earthworks. Garden takes months to recover.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Trench excavation per metrePlus loop pipe
£15–£40
PEX loop pipe per metreMaterial only
£5–£15
Antifreeze brine fillPer loop
£200–£800
Standard GSHP horizontal loop (200m)For 8 kW heat pump
£4k–£10k
Deeper vertical bore alternativePer 100m bore
£4k–£10k
Garden reinstatementRe-turfing etc
£1k–£5k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
Infographic · VideoThe Groundworks briefing.
Infographic
Groundworks quick-view
Video guide
Groundworks explained
Ground source heat pump (GSHP) horizontal loops require extensive trenching in garden. Significant earthworks for off-grid heating. Expect to pay £15–£40 per metre for UK GSHP trench, plus loop pipe.
What Does the Work Involve?
Specialist designs loop length for heat pump capacity. Excavate trench 1.2-1.5m deep × 300mm wide. PEX pipe laid in coil pattern, filled with antifreeze brine. Backfilled. Multiple trenches if length insufficient. Loops 100-200m+ per heat pump.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trench excavation per metre | 15 | 40 | Plus loop pipe |
| PEX loop pipe per metre | 5 | 15 | Material only |
| Antifreeze brine fill | 200 | 800 | Per loop |
| Standard GSHP horizontal loop (200m) | 4,000 | 10,000 | For 8 kW heat pump |
| Deeper vertical bore alternative | 4,000 | 10,000 | Per 100m bore |
| Garden reinstatement | 1,000 | 5,000 | Re-turfing etc |
| Whole GSHP install (loops + heat pump) | 16,000 | 40,000 | Before grant |
How Long Does It Take?
Trenching: 1-2 weeks. Plus loop pipe install and backfill. Major garden disruption.
DIY or Professional?
Specialist GSHP installer. MCS-certified for grant eligibility.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
MCS-certified GSHP installer. Specialist piling contractor for vertical bores. NFB or FMB member.
UK Regulations
MCS certification for BUS grant. Building Regs Part L (thermal). Permitted development for boreholes usually. Listed buildings need consent.
Common Problems
- Garden too small for horizontal: 100m+ trench per 6kW heating capacity. Most UK gardens too small.
- Drilling complications: Vertical bore may hit unexpected geology. Add £000s.
- Wrong loop sizing: Heat-loss calc essential. Wrong sizing = inadequate heating.
- Disruption to garden: Massive earthworks. Garden takes months to recover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Horizontal or vertical loop?
Horizontal: needs garden 100m+ long, cheaper. Vertical bore: smaller footprint, more expensive drilling. Most UK choose vertical for tight gardens.
Loop length needed?
~30-50m of loop per 1 kW heat pump capacity. 8 kW heat pump: 200-400m loop total.
Garden recovery time?
1-2 months for grass to regrow. Mature plants disturbed need replacement.
Cost vs ASHP?
GSHP install: £20,000-£40,000. ASHP: £10,000-£20,000. ASHP cheaper install. GSHP more efficient long-term.
How long does loop last?
PEX pipe: 50+ years. Effectively permanent. Heat pump unit replaced eventually.
Will trenching damage trees?
Yes if within root zone. Tree survey before digging. Trees may need protection or removal.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
NEWAI Trade Assistant
Got more questions
about groundworks?
Ask follow-ups in plain English. The AI explains options, sequencing and what to ask the groundworks — so you walk in informed.
I'm planning a job. Should I be looking for a groundworks?
Sounds like a job for groundworks. Tell me what you're trying to do — I'll walk you through costs, timeline and what to ask before they start.
FREE QUOTES60 SECONDS
Keep reading
VIEW ALL GROUNDWORKS GUIDES →More groundworks guides.
Guide
Foundation Support Cost & Work Guide
Foundation issues are among the most significant concerns for UK homeowners. Whether caused by subsidence, heave, or historical poor construction, ensuring your...
READ GUIDE →GuideEmergency Stabilisation Works Guide
Emergency stabilisation works are the critical first response to sudden structural failure or ground instability. Whether caused by extreme weather, a burst wat...
READ GUIDE →GuideTopsoil delivery and laying
Quality topsoil is the biological engine of any healthy UK garden. Whether you are preparing for a new lawn, building raised beds, or levelling a tired landscap...
READ GUIDE →GuideUnderpinning Work Cost & Guide
Underpinning is a critical structural intervention used to strengthen and stabilise a property's foundations. It is most commonly required when a building’s ori...
READ GUIDE →GuideKitchen Sink Leak Repair Guide
A leaking kitchen sink is one of the most common domestic headaches for UK homeowners. While a small drip might seem minor, it can quickly lead to blown kitchen...
READ GUIDE →GuideUnderpinning Process Guide
Underpinning is a critical structural intervention used to strengthen and stabilise the foundations of a property. For UK homeowners, this is typically necessar...
READ GUIDE →