When it comes to installing underground utilities, there’s a more advanced and efficient method that has been gaining traction: boring. Also known as horizontal directional drilling (HDD) or directional boring, this technique is a more advanced method of installing underground utilities. It used for a number of applications, including installing drainage and sewer systems and drilling under sensitive ecosystems, It’s faster, less disruptive, and, in many cases, more cost-effective than traditional methods like trenching. But what exactly is boring, and why has become such a popular choice for utility contractors? What Is Boring? Boring is a specialized method used to install utilities beneath the earth’s surface. Instead of digging up large sections of ground or concrete, like traditional trenching methods, boring uses specialized drilling equipment to create underground pathways. The beauty of boring lies in its precision and efficiency. It’s particularly useful in areas where traditional trenching would be difficult or environmentally damaging. The contractor drills a series of boreholes along a planned route, allowing utility lines to be installed without the need for extensive excavation or surface disruption. However, the first step in the process is to locate existing utilities before the pilot hole is drilled. Next, the reamer is pulled through the hole to widen it out to the correct size. Once completed, the pipe (HDPE pipe) can be pulled through the hole to the end point. After the installation is done, site cleanup and restoration are performed. Advantages of Boring Boring offers distinct benefits that make it an ideal solution for specific projects. Here’s why more utility contractors are choosing boring over conventional methods: 1. Potential for Lower Costs One of the most significant advantages of boring is the potential for cost savings. Traditional trenching often requires demolition of existing structures, such as sidewalks, buildings, and roads. In contrast, boring requires minimal surface disruption, reducing the need for expensive restoration work. By avoiding the need to dig large trenches or destroy existing infrastructure, contractors can keep project costs down, making boring a more budget-friendly option in many cases. 2. Ideal for Complex Properties Properties with complex landscapes, such as steep hills, rocky terrain, or dense vegetation, are perfect candidates for boring. Trenching in these types of environments can be challenging, expensive, and time-consuming. With boring, contractors can drill through obstacles like boulders, hills, and difficult slopes without the need for extensive excavation or time-consuming trenching work. 3. Better for the Environment Another major advantage of boring is its minimal environmental impact. Unlike trenching, which can disturb large sections of land, boring enables utility installation beneath trees, streams, ponds, and wetlands without environmental damage. The technique can also avoid disruption to lawns and gardens, reducing the need for costly surface restoration after the project is completed. 4. Lower Risks Safety is always a top priority in construction, and boring has several inherent safety advantages over traditional trenching. Trenching can pose significant risks, such as cave-ins, flooding, and groundwater contamination. These risks are drastically reduced with boring, which is a safer and more reliable method, especially in specific circumstances. Boring or Horizontal directional drilling is transforming how utilities are installed. With its ability to reduce costs, minimize environmental impact, and offer safer and more efficient solutions in complex environments, it’s no wonder that this method is becoming more popular among utility contractors. So, if you’re planning a utility installation project and need a solution that’s cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and reliable, boring is the perfect choice. At DVUC, we have the experience and equipment to provide quick and efficient boring for a variety of projects. Contact us today learn how we can help make your project run smoothly!

It’s hard to believe it’s the end of 2024! We are grateful for another great year. There have been many projects was involved

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, employees of Empire Group eagerly gear up for one of the highlights of the season: the Annual Fishing Rodeo and Picnic. This beloved tradition brings together staff and their families for a day filled with fun, laughter, and community spirit. This year’s event was held on Saturday, October 12th at the picturesque farm of Todd and Karen O’Neill, and truly captured the essence of camaraderie and enjoyment making it a memorable outing for all involved.

When we think of utility repair, we think of a bursting water main at a busy intersection. While utility companies do repair them, they also do a lot more. You can find a utility crew installing an electric service, repairing a gas line, fusing a pipe or replacing a sewer pipe. DVUC tackles these jobs at a variety of job sites, especially residential developments. At these job sites, minimal disruption to properties and traffic flow is crucial to a successful project. Let's take a look at few of them. Giving a Boost to a Senior Residential Development Discover how DVUC transforms utility installation for developments! Recently, our skilled New Jersey crew installed 343 feet of 35kv 1/0 primary wire in a senior residential development in Manchester, New Jersey. Check out the photos below showcasing our team in action. At left, a team member uses a locator to ensure the drill underground is at the correct depth avoiding any underground utilities. At right, a team member watches the rod go through the catch hole as it drills through the ground towards the final destination.

In the modern world, it's easy to take the utilities industry for granted. Yet, behind the scenes, there lies a complex network fraught with dangers that often go unnoticed by the average consumer. From electrical hazards to environmental risks, the utilities sector presents a myriad of challenges that demand attention and action. Let’s take a look at the top four jobsite risks and hazards in the utilities industry.

It's hard to believe that spring is here! DVUC completed a variety of utility projects this winter in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Each one required a strategic solution to achieve successful results. Let’s take a look at some project highlights from our New Jersey team. Installing an Electric Service Our skilled technicians can take care of any pipe or cable installation quickly and efficiently with minimal disruption to the surrounding area. We recently installed a new electric service in a rural development. Our crew utilized F5 locating equipment to ensure accuracy and the horizontal directional drill to bore a path to the determined location.

It’s hard to believe it’s the end of 2023! We are grateful for another great year. There have been many projects we have been involved in, and we are proud of the services we have provided to our customers. Below are some project highlights from this year.

Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) has gained popularity across many industries allowing greater durability and accuracy. Costs are reduced since there is no need for large crews, road closures, multiple machines, and restoration. HDD offers the flexibility needed for today’s utility projects, especially when pipes must be run under a driveway, road, culvert, sidewalk, river or wetlands. We recently installed a sanitary force main for a new apartment complex in Manchester, New Jersey, where the pipe ran along the shoulder of a road.

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) has revolutionized the way underground utility installations and other drilling projects are carried out. As technology continues to advance, the future of HDD holds great promise for increased efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced project outcomes. Let’s take a look at the top four emerging trends and developments shaping the future of HDD. Increased Automation: One of the significant trends in HDD is the growing integration of automation technology into drilling operations. Automated steering systems, using real-time data and advanced algorithms, allow for more precise control and guidance of the drill head during the drilling process. This automation not only improves accuracy but also reduces the need for constant manual intervention, leading to increased efficiency and productivity. Enhanced Drilling Fluids: Drilling fluids, also known as drilling mud, play a crucial role in HDD projects by lubricating the drill string, carrying cuttings to the surface, and stabilizing the borehole. The future of HDD includes the development of enhanced drilling fluids with improved environmental properties. These fluids will be designed to minimize their ecological impact while maintaining their effectiveness in providing stability, cooling, and lubrication during drilling. Advancements in Drilling Rig Technology: Drilling rigs are at the heart of HDD operations, and technological advancements in this area are set to reshape the future of HDD. Future drilling rigs will likely incorporate more advanced telemetry systems, allowing real-time monitoring and control of drilling parameters. Additionally, compact and lightweight rigs equipped with improved power efficiency will provide easier access to confined spaces and reduce overall project costs. Remote Monitoring and Diagnostics: As connectivity continues to improve, remote monitoring and diagnostics will become more prevalent in the HDD industry. This technology enables project managers and technicians to remotely access and analyze critical data from the drilling site, providing valuable insights into drilling performance, equipment health, and operational efficiency. This real-time monitoring capability allows for proactive maintenance, timely troubleshooting, and data-driven decision-making. As the HDD industry continues to evolve, embracing these emerging trends and developments will lead to more sustainable and successful drilling projects. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements, HDD professionals can seize the opportunities presented by the future of HDD and unlock new levels of efficiency and innovation in underground drilling operations. At DVUC, our experienced technicians utilize this trenchless method to provide smooth installations. Contact us today to learn more!