Core Drilling for UK Trade Contractors

Trade-specific core drilling guides for plumbers, HVAC engineers, electricians, construction contractors, and utility teams — correct hole sizes, bit selection, and regulatory requirements by trade.

Plumber core drilling a 117mm soil stack entry through an external brick wall

Plumbing

Core Drilling for Plumbers

Hole sizes for boiler flues (107mm), soil stacks (117mm), waste pipes (52mm), and water services. Material requirements, Party Wall Act obligations, and fire stopping for pipe penetrations.

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Electrician using a core drill for cable entry penetrations through masonry

Electrical

Core Drilling for Electricians

Cable entry sizes (20–52mm), pre-scan requirements before drilling, EV charger cable penetrations, and fire stopping obligations for cable runs through compartment floors.

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Diamond core drilling large-diameter penetration through reinforced concrete structural slab

Construction

Core Drilling for Construction Contractors

Structural service penetrations in reinforced and post-tensioned concrete, large-diameter drilling (200–600mm), CDM 2015 obligations, GPR scanning protocols, and M-Class dust extraction on commercial sites.

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Utility contractor core drilling through highway slab for duct entry

Utilities

Core Drilling for Utility Contractors

Duct entry hole sizes for telecoms, power, and drainage; highway slab coring protocols; PAS 128 buried service scanning; NRSWA licence requirements; and post-tensioned highway structure drilling.

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Common Core Drill Sizes by Trade

ApplicationTradeHole DiameterTypical Material
Boiler flue (concentric)Plumbing / Gas107mmExternal cavity brick/block
Soil stack entryPlumbing117mmExternal/party wall
40mm waste pipePlumbing52mmExternal wall or concrete floor
Extractor fan ductHVAC107mm or 133mmExternal cavity wall
MVHR spigot / supply airHVAC133–160mmExternal wall
Single cable entryElectrical20–25mmExternal wall
Multi-cable / containmentElectrical38–52mmExternal wall or concrete
EV charger cableElectrical25–38mmExternal wall, sometimes concrete

For full equipment and bit selection guidance, see the diamond core drill bits guide and the bit sizes and size chart.

Not Sure Which Core Drill or Bit to Buy?

Practical guides, sizing charts, and product picks for UK core drilling trade.

Best Picks for 2026 Core Drill Bit Size Chart