Directional drilling or directional boring has recently become a popular method for installing main water lines. Unlike traditional trenching methods, directional drilling minimizes earth surface disturbance and allows for installing pipes beneath obstacles such as roads, buildings, and environmentally sensitive areas. It is also a cost-effective and time-saving method, as it requires less labor and equipment, and can be completed in a shorter amount of time, reducing disruption to surrounding areas.
What is Directional Drilling and How Does It Work?
Directional drilling installation is a modern technique for installing underground infrastructure, such as underground pipes, cables, and conduits, by drilling a small pilot hole at an angle and gradually enlarging it to accommodate the infrastructure. It involves the use of specialized equipment, including a drill head and a drill string, which can change the drill’s direction as it advances underground.
- Directional drilling installation begins by drilling a small pilot hole using a guidance system to ensure the hole is drilled in the right direction.
- Then, a reaming tool enlarges the pilot hole to the desired size.
- Finally, the pipe or infrastructure is pulled through the hole and connected to the existing network.
Flexible Location Site
Directional drilling can be used to install infrastructure beneath obstacles such as buildings, roads, and rivers. This allows for more flexible routing options and avoids costly and disruptive excavation. From loam to sand and from soil to rock to clay, these rigs have the proven ability to persevere through any type of earth.
A Safer Trenchless Method from Trench Digging
Working in trenches can be dangerous, with potential injuries from falls or being crushed in collapsing walls. However, specifying that there isn’t an open pit and no walls to collapse inside the trench, this significantly enhances safety for workers and the public. The lack of these hazards eliminates injury-causing possibilities, significantly increasing safety at job sites involving trenches.
Only have to Drill in One Spot
Directional drilling is an efficient and cost-effective method of laying a pipeline. Its single entry point requires less time and effort to complete since there is no need to create multiple holes in the ground or dig an elaborate trench. This also means that soil disturbance can be reduced, as directional drilling doesn’t require any soil removal from the surface above. While it requires more advanced preparation work, with surveying and 3D modeling, for example, the result is a more efficient method of burying pipelines without much disruption to the surrounding area.
Reduces Soil Dig Up
The directional drilling method has minimal disturbance on surfaces, reducing the need for excavation and preserving the surrounding environment. This fundamentally green approach requires no roads to be closed, earth to be displaced, and eliminates the risk of soil contamination. It also offers the advantage of a quiet service, although it does get noisy during certain parts, which is particularly beneficial when working in populated urban areas. By using this technology, regional bushland can remain undisturbed by excavation works. Compared to trench digging, the resulting reduced noise pollution and CO2 emissions provide further sustainability benefits. Horizontal directional drilling is an efficient way to complete giant construction projects with minimal environmental impact.
Lower Cost
Horizontal directional drilling offers significant savings in costs, time and manpower. As horizontal directional drilling requires fewer operators than open-cut drilling, fewer labor hours are incurred. Since there’s less dirt displaced and replaced, it cuts down on the time needed to complete a project. Additionally, because horizontal directional drilling does not rely on backhoes and other heavy equipment rentals to complete projects, the costs associated are significantly lower than for open-cut drilling.
Faster Installation Process
Horizontal directional drilling is one of the most efficient methods for installing water and sewer pipes or utility lines without causing too much disruption or damage to property or nearby roadway. Performing the work horizontally, instead of digging down and then across, as is done with open-cut drilling, vastly reduces the time needed to get the job done. In addition to a quicker installation schedule, there are other advantages, such as less dirt displaced and less material for reburial and disposal, thus further streamlining operations.
Fewer Permits Needed
Horizontal directional drilling is a popular and efficient tool for many different kinds of residential and commercial activities because of its similarity to traditional drilling concerning the amount of work required and waste created. As a result, obtaining permission for horizontal directional drilling is now much less time-consuming than it used to be. Companies can now have their projects approved quickly with fewer resources, allowing them to move forward faster and cost-effectively. It’s an important development for any organization looking for reliable and convenient engineering solutions.
Superior Underground Does Directional Drilling for All Types of Underground Installations
Superior Underground is the leading provider of directional drilling services for main water line installation, repair, and replacement. Our team of excavation specialists is dedicated to using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques for directional drilling technology to accurately and efficiently tackle any residential or commercial project. The technique of directional drilling eliminates mess and requires little cleaning after the job is complete, offering a hassle-free resolution to your plumbing needs that you can trust. Whether you need a main water line installed in an unconventional location, a sewage system replaced without creating a large mess, or general plumbing repairs, contact Superior Underground today in the Portland metro area to get in contact with our directional drilling contractors!
Trenchless directional drilling projects we can do:
- Main Water Lines
- Gas Lines
- Sewer Lines
- Electrical Conduits
- Driveway Sleeves
Other plumbing services we provide:
- Camera Sewer Installations
- Sewer Repair and Replacement
- Drainage
- Excavation Services
- Water Line Repair
Visit our About Us page for more information about our company.