Trenchless Line Replacement Services in Bakersfield, CA, and Nearby Areas

How Horizontal Pipeline Boring Works

Horizontal auger boring is truly an innovative alternative to trenching when it comes to utility installation. The trenchless horizontal auger boring method, sometimes also referred to as “boring and jacking,” is preferable in many casing to pipe ramming or pipe jacking methods.

The advantages of horizontal auger boring (HAB) are that it eliminates damage to previously existing road or railroad embankments and requires limited traffic disruptions; therefore it is the preferred method for installing utility pipelines under roads, highways, or railroads. The HAB method is a very economical choice as well. HAB trenchless techniques can be used to install pipelines up to 72 inches in diameter in a cost-effective manner.

Call 661-491-7154 Schedule An Appointment Today!

Machines used to perform horizontal borings can be equipped with cutting heads to drill holes ranging from 8 to 80 inches in diameter. The first step in performing a HAB installation is to acquire a geotechnical site survey. This geotechnical site survey will provide necessary information about soil and groundwater conditions as well as expected obstructions and will allow the drilling company to effectively plan the HAB operation in cooperation with project engineers.

Before installation begins, the site should also be cleared for underground utilities, something that is readily accomplished in most states by calling a “one-call” hotline. Next, the crew will prepare a drive pit at one end of the planned pipeline. This is where the crew will operate from during the boring. Then, a drilling machine is brought on-site that includes lengths of auger, casing, and a cutting bit suited to the soil conditions at the site.

During pipeline installation, drill cuttings exit the casing in the drive pit and can be excavated from there. Once the casing pipe is in place, the carrier pipe, or the pipeline being installed, can be pushed or pulled through the casing as it is assembled. The final steps of the installation include preparing as-built drawings, grouting voids created during drilling, and hook-up of the installed pipeline. Overall, HAB methods provide a great chance of success for difficult installation projects.

We Also Specialize in Pipe Bursting

Trenchless pipe bursting is a highly effective method for replacing damaged or outdated sewer lines without the need for extensive excavation. The process involves pulling a bursting head through the existing pipe, breaking it apart while simultaneously installing a new pipe in its place. This method is ideal for minimizing surface disruption, making it a preferred solution for residential and commercial properties with landscaping, driveways, or sidewalks that homeowners want to preserve. By opting for trenchless pipe bursting, property owners can avoid the costly and time-consuming aspects of traditional dig-and-replace methods.

The Plumbing Doc specializes in this innovative approach, offering our clients a faster, cleaner, and more efficient way to replace failing sewer lines. The new pipe that is installed is typically made of durable, long-lasting materials such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), ensuring improved performance and fewer problems in the future. With less downtime and disruption, trenchless pipe bursting is not only a cost-effective solution but also an environmentally friendly choice that reduces the need for large-scale excavation.