It's Not 'Just a Bore' It's a Process: How to Avoid Costly Job Mistakes

July 9th, 2024

Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is a powerful tool for trenchless construction, offering a minimally invasive way to install underground utilities. But even the most skilled drillers can face hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface. 

It's important to remember that the national call-before-you-dig service, 811, only locates public utilities (only up to the meter-no auxiliary lines) like gas, water, electric, sewer, and telecommunications lines. Private utilities, which can include street lights, septic systems, security cameras, security gates, and landscape lighting - to name a few - are not included in the 811 service. To identify these private lines, you'll need to consult with the property owner, review any available property plans, or consider adding private utility locating and/or hydro excavation to your job costing.

While customers are responsible for informing and providing location info about their private utilities to the contractor, experienced HDD Estimators can easily identify when certain private utilities are present. If private utilities are present but their location is unknown, these utilities must be located prior to performing a bore. Skipping private locates and hydro excavation can turn a cost-saving measure into a financial and logistical nightmare. Here's why investing in these crucial steps is essential for a successful HDD project:

The Hidden Costs of Skipping Locates:

• Damages: Imagine striking a vital gas line or electrical cable. The resulting repairs, public service commission fines, local municipality fines, and potential lawsuits can easily dwarf the cost of private locates.

• Lost Time: Hitting an unexpected utility brings your project to a screeching halt. Delays in locating and repairing the damage can push back completion dates and cost you valuable time.

• Project Shutdowns: Serious utility damage can force a complete shutdown of your project while investigations and repairs take place. This can lead to lost productivity and strained relationships with clients.

• Environmental Impact: Damaging oil pipelines, sewer lines, or environmentally sensitive areas can result in hefty fines and costly cleanup operations.

The Dangers of Blind Drilling:

Relying solely on generic utility maps is a gamble. Underground infrastructure can be outdated, inaccurately mapped, or simply undocumented. Hydro excavation provides a safe and efficient way to precisely locate buried utilities before drilling begins. This minimizes the risk of:

• Worker Accidents: Accidental contact with live wires or gas lines can have devastating consequences. 

• Equipment Damage: Striking a buried pipe or conduit can damage your expensive drilling equipment, leading to costly repairs and downtime.

Hydro excavation helps prevent these dangers.

Investing in Peace of Mind:

Private locates and hydro excavation are not just about saving money in the long run – they're about peace of mind. By knowing exactly where utilities are located, you can:

• Plan your drill path accurately: This ensures a smooth operation and minimizes the risk of encountering unforeseen obstacles.

• Protect your workers: A safe work environment is paramount. Locates and hydro excavation help prevent accidents and injuries.

• Maintain your reputation: Completing projects on time and within budget builds trust with clients. A reputation for safety and reliability is invaluable.

Other Costs to Consider in your Next Drilling Project:

Beyond the potential disasters of damaging utilities, there are additional costs to consider when planning an HDD project. 

Traffic control might be necessary to minimize project disruptions, avoid fines, and to ensure the safety of drilling crews, especially if your drilling site is located near a road or public space. These costs can vary depending on the complexity of traffic flow and the duration of the project.

Mud management and cleanup are also crucial. Drilling generates slurry, a mixture of water and excavated soil. Improper disposal of this slurry can lead to fines from the Environmental Protection Agency or even road closures if it spills onto public streets. Factoring in the cost of proper mud containment, treatment, and disposal is essential for a responsible and budget-conscious HDD project.

The Bottom Line:

While private locates, hydro excavation, traffic control,  may seem like added expenses, they are essential investments in the success and safety of your HDD project. Skipping these steps can lead to a cascade of costly issues. Drill smart, drill safe, and drill with confidence by prioritizing these crucial procedures.