Directional Drilling FAQ
Common questions about directional drilling, horizontal boring, and trenchless pipe services.
About Directional Drilling & Boring
What is directional drilling?
Directional drilling (also called horizontal directional drilling or HDD) is a trenchless method of installing underground pipe, conduit, or cable along a planned bore path. A pilot hole is drilled from the surface at a controlled angle, then enlarged through reaming passes, and the product pipe is pulled back through the bore. HDD allows underground installation without open-cut trenching.
What is directional boring?
Directional boring is another term for horizontal directional drilling (HDD). The terms are used interchangeably in the industry. Both refer to the same trenchless process of steering a drill bit underground along a planned path to install pipe, conduit, or cable.
What is the difference between directional drilling and traditional trenching?
Traditional trenching requires excavating an open trench along the full length of the pipe run, which disrupts roads, landscaping, and existing infrastructure. Directional drilling installs pipe underground from two small access points — an entry pit and an exit pit — with no open trench. HDD is faster, less disruptive, and typically less expensive when the pipe run crosses roads, waterways, or developed areas.
When is directional boring used?
Directional boring is used when underground pipe or conduit must be installed under obstacles that cannot be trenched — roads, highways, railways, rivers, streams, wetlands, environmentally sensitive areas, or existing infrastructure. It is also used when surface disruption must be minimized in developed areas.
What REDD Trenchless Can Install
What utilities can be installed using directional drilling?
REDD Trenchless installs oil and gas pipelines, water lines, sewer lines, electrical conduit, power lines, fiber optic conduit, and communication duct using horizontal directional drilling. We handle pipe sizes from 2 inches to 48 inches in diameter.
What pipe sizes does REDD handle?
REDD Trenchless handles pipe sizes from 2 inches to 48 inches in diameter for directional drilling projects. For CIPP pipe rehabilitation, we work on pipes from 2 inches to 120 inches in diameter.
Can you drill through rock?
Yes. REDD Trenchless has experience drilling in all types of rock and alluvial soils. Rock drilling requires specialized tooling and is priced accordingly — if rock, gravel, or cobble is encountered during a bore, pricing adjusts to the rock rate listed in the estimate.
Getting a Quote
How do I request a directional drilling quote?
Call REDD Trenchless at (701) 204-0404 to discuss your project. We will review your bore length, pipe size, soil conditions, site access, and timeline to prepare a bid.
What information is needed for a boring estimate?
To prepare an accurate bid, it helps to have the bore length and depth, pipe size and material, soil conditions or geotechnical data if available, site access details, location of any conflicting underground utilities, and the project schedule. The more detail you can provide, the more accurate the estimate.
How are HDD projects priced?
HDD projects are typically priced per linear foot of bore, based on pipe size, soil conditions, bore depth, and site complexity. Mobilization and demobilization are included in REDD's bid pricing unless otherwise stated. Rock drilling, unforeseen geological conditions, and standby time are priced separately.
Service Area & Scheduling
What areas does REDD Trenchless serve?
REDD Trenchless is based in Bismarck, North Dakota and serves projects across North Dakota. Call (701) 204-0404 to discuss your project location.
How far in advance should I schedule a directional drilling project?
Work is contingent upon rig availability. Sufficient notice is required for scheduling. Contact REDD Trenchless as early as possible in your project planning to confirm availability and get on the schedule.
Ready to Request a Boring Quote?
Call REDD Trenchless to discuss your project. We serve North Dakota and are ready to review your bore requirements.