The Main Reasons Why Horizontal Directional Drilling is the Ideal Solution for Pipe and Cable Work

Horizontal directional drilling may be a relatively new drilling technology and process, but it has already been able to far outperform other traditional processes and procedures that cause more disruption (and even damage) to the environment when it comes to the laying and installation of cables and pipes. The process of horizontal directional drilling, or HDD, involves the use of specialised machinery, which can be controlled by a specialist aboveground while it does its work underground, and it’s a flexible and more accurate process and reduces the need for a big workforce. Horizontal directional drilling allows companies and entities to avoid closures of the road and other complications associated with standard and open-cut drilling and installation. But why else is horizontal directional digging the ideal solution for pipe and cable work? Here are the top reasons why it can be the best solution for your needs.

1. Enhanced durability

The horizontal directional drilling process offers enhanced accuracy, which leads to better durability of materials as well. Since the accuracy in the placement of materials is much better, this can prevent damage during the installation process. In the past, the laying and installation of pipes and cables would sometimes be done underneath bridges, and this led to more exposure to the elements, which resulted in more wear and tear. But horizontal directional drilling allows for much easier installation across waterways and rivers, in sensitive environments such as parks and driveways, and more. Since lines and pipes are adequately and efficiently buried underground, this makes them much more durable and long-lasting.

2. A quicker process of installation

One of the more obvious reasons why horizontal directional drilling is more in use today is the quicker process of installation. Since the process involves drilling in a horizontal way below the ground, and it doesn’t require you to dig down and across, the work required will be done in a much faster manner. What’s more, there is less dirt displacement, which means less dirt that needs to be reburied and less dirt to dispose of as well. Just imagine the time you can save with horizontal directional drilling compared to traditional drilling and digging, whether you are drilling for a utility line, a sewer line, or a water line.

3. A more budget-friendly option

Since horizontal directional drilling is a much faster process, this means more savings. You don’t have to deal with a sizable work crew as manual labour is minimal, and since less dirt is displaced, you can save more time and labour costs as well. Horizontal directional drilling does not rely on the rental of heavy equipment like backhoes, and this will further reduce the costs of your project. Many directional drilling companies also specialise in other services such as mole ploughing and trenching, which means that you need not rely on more than one company to do the work you need – and this can result in bigger savings and discounts, too.

4. More flexibility in terms of location

Horizontal directional drilling allows for more flexibility in terms of location, as you can still install utilities, sewer and water lines, and cables where the usual obstacles may be a problem. For example, if you need to install utilities or a line underneath a driveway, road, river, or culvert, HDD can offer the best solution without damage or disruption to the environment.