Crossing a road or driveway
HDD goes under without cutting the surface.
Trenchless Pipe Replacement
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) in Knoxville, TN
Steerable drilling that installs new pipe or conduit under roads, creeks, driveways and landscaping.
- DiggingSmall entry and exit pits
- MethodPull-through
- ResultAll-new pipe
Horizontal directional drilling, or HDD, installs new underground lines along a planned arc without trenching. A pilot bore is drilled with a steerable head, then enlarged and the new pipe pulled back through. It is the method of choice for crossings under roads, creeks, driveways, railroads and mature landscaping, and it is widely used for water, sewer force mains, conduit and utility service lines in the hilly Knoxville region.
We plan the bore with locates, depth and soil conditions, set up the rig, drill the pilot bore, ream to size and pull in the pipe. Drilling fluid keeps the bore stable and is managed carefully. We plan entry and exit points to protect your property, and we coordinate with utilities and public offices as needed. If a different method fits better, we say so.
When this is the right call
Crossing a creek or ditch
The bore passes beneath water and banks.
Protected landscaping
Mature trees and gardens can stay untouched.
New utility service
Water, sewer force main or conduit can be installed along a bore.
From first call to final video
- 01
Locate and plan
Utilities, soil and the bore path are mapped.
- 02
Pilot bore
A steerable head drills the planned arc.
- 03
Ream
The bore is enlarged to the needed size.
- 04
Pull back
The new pipe is pulled through.
- 05
Connect and restore
Connections are made and pits restored.
Drag to compare.
Benefits that show up above ground
No surface cuts
Roads, walks and lawns stay intact.
Long runs
Many crossings can be done in one bore.
Precise path
Steerable drilling follows a planned profile.
Flexible uses
Water, sewer, conduit and service lines.
Directional Drilling: answers
Is HDD messy?
Drilling fluid is managed and contained, and the footprint is small.
How deep does the bore go?
Depth is set by the crossing and the utilities, and we plan it during the estimate.
What pipes can be pulled?
HDPE and other suitable pipes, depending on the use.
Do I need permits?
Crossings may need permits. We help prepare information.
Often needed alongside this
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