While many water line issues can be repaired with trenchless techniques like pipe lining, sometimes the location of the line needs to be changed, or an entirely new line needs to be installed (such as with new construction). Whenever possible, Best Plumbing uses a technique called horizontal directional drilling or HDD. Also known as directional boring, this method can be used in a variety of conditions and has minimal impact on the surrounding area, making it a great fit for installing new lines in urban areas.
How It Works
Before starting, the drilling operator will need to gather
complete information about all the existing utilities and structures in the
area so they can plan a route. A major benefit of directional drilling is that
operators are able to change the direction of the drill in order to avoid
obstructions.
Once the route is planned, the operator digs a small hole at
the predetermined entry and exit points for the new line. The drill is inserted
at one end and is used to bore a pilot tunnel for the new pipe. Once the drill
head reaches the exit hole, the new line is attached and dragged back through
the newly drilled tunnel — eliminating the need for open excavation.
Benefits of Directional Drilling
Directional drilling helps preserve the surrounding
environment by cutting down the amount of digging needed to install a line. It
also allows operators to more easily avoid preexisting utilities or unexpected
obstacles (such as buried rocks or large tree roots). Because it doesn’t
require as much manual labor, directional drilling is a much quicker process
than conventional trenching methods and saves you time and money.
Contact Best Plumbing today if you have any questions about directional drilling and if it might be suitable for your sewer or water line project. We are trusted local experts, serving the greater Seattle area since 1968.
