Directional drilling is a versatile method of non-vertical drilling that is used across various industries. It’s heavily used in the field of construction and is a preferred method for accessing natural resources like oil and gas that are deep underground. Directional drilling is most widely known though for its effectiveness and the many benefits it provides plumbers when conducting commercial and residential sewer line repairs or replacement.
So what is the advantage or benefit of directional drilling? Directional drilling offers a few key benefits and advantages for residential and commercial properties when compared to more traditional methods of drilling.
1. Minimal impact
Directional drilling is advantageous because it minimally impacts the ground and nearby surroundings. This makes it particularly useful when placing underground utilities or repairing damaged sewer lines that are in less-than-ideal spots like beneath sidewalks, roadways, or under buildings. Prior to directional drilling, plumbers would dig a trench deep into the ground, often disturbing more than just the immediate area of construction. If a water line was leaking in your yard and needed to be replaced, whole segments might be dug up during the process, leaving your manicured yard in shambles. With directional drilling, technicians are able to bypass that step, instead digging under and around most obstacles and leaving your landscaping intact.
2. Faster and More Efficient Installation
Directional drilling is often a quicker and more efficient process. Because less digging is required, that means that less dirt and earth are disturbed. This not only makes cleaning up after installation faster, but it also reduces the time needed to replace the disturbed dirt and put everything back in place.
3. Safe Alternative
When the weather is less than ideal, plumbing work is at risk of being stopped or delayed when traditional trenching is used. Too much rain or heavy snow can impede progress by loosening soil or could lead to possible flooding. While these conditions would be considered unsafe working conditions, they pose little risk with directional drilling. Directional drilling methods are “…suitable for soft to hard clays, wet soils, and environmentally sensitive areas.” The accuracy that can be achieved with this method of drilling means that workers can pinpoint exactly the best place to access your sewer or water line with minimal risk to themselves.
4. Versatility
Directional drilling grants plumbers ease of access to underground pipes and it gives them the luxury of time. After conducting a proper inspection and mapping out the best place to begin, the work can be conducted quickly and efficiently. Once the work begins, the powerful drills are capable of digging through all types of soil, clay, and even rock. Its ability to maneuver underground while avoiding important infrastructure makes directional drilling absolutely vital for sewer repairs and replacement.
Trusted Plumbing and Heating are directional drilling experts in Renton, Seattle, and other areas of King County. They provide directional drilling services for residential and commercial plumbing issues and they even provide these services to other plumbing professionals in the area. If you’re in need of exceptional and reliable directional drilling, you can always call on Trusted Plumbing & Heating. Call us today at (206) 231-5153 and get a quote for our services!