Directional Drilling Watford

Directional Drilling Services by Atlas Gas

Our Services

What does it involve?

Directional drilling is a trenchless technique used to install new pipes and cables without the need for extensive open trenches. At Atlas Gas, we use compact, fluid-assisted drilling equipment to guide services precisely beneath the ground, helping to keep surface disruption to a minimum.

Whether you need a new utility connection, a replacement for an existing line, or a short run beneath an obstruction, our directional drilling service offers a tidy and well-controlled solution, with noticeably less mess and disruption compared to traditional excavation methods.

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What is Directional Drilling?

Directional drilling, sometimes known as horizontal directional drilling, is a method used to install pipes and ducts along a planned underground path. The process begins with a small launch pit, followed by a guided pilot bore along the intended route. Once complete, the new pipe is pulled back through the bore and set into position.

Modern compact drilling rigs are well suited to property connections and smaller diameter utility services, including gas, water, electricity, fibre broadband and pressurised drainage lines. The technique allows the bore to curve, adjust depth and work around existing underground services where necessary.

Our Trenchless Drilling Capability

Atlas Gas uses a compact, highly manoeuvrable directional drilling rig that is well suited to tight urban spaces and areas where minimising environmental impact is important. This equipment is particularly effective for:

  • Trenchless house connections for gas, water, power, fibre optics and sewage pressure systems
  • Parallel bores installed alongside roads, footpaths and waterways
  • Short crossings beneath roads, driveways, gardens, rail embankments and small watercourses

As the equipment operates from small entry and exit pits, often no larger than a section of pavement or a garden area, the amount of excavation required is kept to a minimum. This helps speed up reinstatement and makes it possible to carry out work in locations where larger machinery would struggle.

Our drilling process uses carefully managed fluids, such as water, polymer blends or bentonite. These help stabilise the bore, carry away spoil and reduce friction during installation, supporting a consistent and controlled result even in more difficult ground conditions.

Typical Applications for Directional Drilling

Our Watford directional drilling services are made for:

  • New domestic and commercial utility connections
  • Replacement or upsizing of existing small diameter services
  • Installing services beneath roads without full road closures
  • Crossing under driveways, patios, landscaped areas and trees
  • Installing services along footpaths or verges where trenching would cause disruption
  • Working in difficult ground conditions, sloping sites or areas with dense existing service networks

Depending on ground conditions, short to medium length bores can be achieved, including straight runs of up to around 100 metres for suitable pipe sizes.

How Our Directional Drilling Process Works

1. Survey and planning

We assess the proposed route, identify existing buried services and review surface constraints. From this, we design the bore profile and select the most suitable equipment setup.

2. Launch and reception pits

Small pits are excavated at the start and finish points, or at intermediate locations if required. These are positioned to minimise impact and ensure safe operation.

3. Guided pilot bore

The drilling rig creates a steerable pilot bore along the planned route. A locating system tracks the drill head position and depth, allowing constant adjustment to maintain accuracy and avoid existing utilities.

4. Bore enlargement

Where larger pipe diameters are required, reaming tools are used to enlarge the pilot bore. Drilling fluid is circulated to remove spoil and stabilise the bore.

5. Pipe installation

The new pipe, duct or protective sleeve is connected to the drill string and drawn smoothly back through the bore into its final position.

6. Connection and reinstatement

Once installed, the service is connected, tested and commissioned. All pits are reinstated to a high standard, leaving the surface clean and tidy.

Need Advice?

If you are unsure whether testing, purging or decommissioning is needed for your project in Watford, feel free to get in touch. We are always happy to discuss your requirements and guide you towards the safest and most suitable approach.

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