underground utilitieshorizontal directional drilling

For a quicker and lower-cost installation, with the flexibility to work without disrupting everyday traffic, look no further than directional drilling technology.

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what is hdd?


Directional boring, also referred to as horizontal directional drilling (HDD), is a minimal impact trenchless method of installing underground utilities such as pipe, conduit, or cables along a predetermined underground path using a surface-launched drilling rig.

how it works


The technique is used when conventional trenching or excavating is not practical or when minimal surface disturbance is required. This method can be utilized with various pipe materials such as PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, ductile iron, and steel provided that the pipe's properties enable it to be both installed and operated under acceptable stress limits.

Horizontal Directional Drill Truck

less time, less moneythe benefits


Directional drilling offers significant environmental advantages over traditional cut and cover pipeline/utility installations. The process keeps trenched materials out of landfills, reduces emissions due to hauling, and allows native materials to remain in place during the installation process, reducing unwanted erosion.  This method can be utilized to cross any number of surface obstacles including roadways, railroads, wetlands, and water bodies of varying sizes/depths, proving its flexibility and durability. 

Cost Savings

Of upwards of 60% to 75%

less disruption

To traffic and the public

Faster & Safer

Installation method

3 principle phases


  • phase 1

    First, a small diameter pilot hole is drilled along a directional path from one surface point to another. The path of the pilot head is monitored using ground penetrating sonar technology and manipulated using an angled surface to choose the direction in which the rods travel underground.

  • phase 2

    Next, the bore created during pilot hole drilling is enlarged to a diameter that will facilitate installation of the desired pipeline.

  • phase 3

    Lastly, the pipeline is pulled into the enlarged hole, thus creating a continuous segment of pipe underground and exposed only at the two initial end points.

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