Directional Drilling & Boring FAQs

Directional drilling, also called horizontal directional drilling (HDD), is a trenchless method that lets us install pipe, conduit, or cable underground without digging up the surface. Instead of cutting a trench through asphalt, concrete, or landscape, we drill a path below the surface and pull the material through. It’s clean, precise, and great for jobs that cross roads, rivers, or active sites.

What sets this method apart is how little disruption it causes. Traditional excavation tears up the site and slows everything down. We use directional drilling when clients need the work done without shutting down roads or digging up slabs. It’s efficient, less invasive, and built for high-traffic or built-out areas.

Auger boring is a solid choice for pushing pipe or casing under highways, railroads, or embankments. It’s best used when the soil holds together well and the line needs to follow a straight, level path. We typically use this for gravity sewer runs, gas and water mains, or crossings where other trenchless methods won’t cut it.

Our team chooses auger boring when the line and grade need to stay tight and the surface can’t be disturbed. It’s often the go-to when working under pavement that can’t be removed or in high-traffic areas where open trenching would be disruptive.

Drainage boring lets us install sewer, stormwater, and wastewater lines without tearing up the surrounding area. That means less disruption to streets, landscaping, or existing infrastructure. We bore a clean path underground and set the pipe in place with little mess and no open trench.

This approach speeds up the work and protects the site. It also gives us better control of grade and depth, which is important when moving water from point A to point B. In areas where water flow matters and downtime isn’t an option, drainage boring is the way to go.

Our utility construction services cover everything underground from start to finish. We install power lines, fiber optics, joint trench systems, and manholes. We also prep and run conduit for EV charging systems and data centers. If it needs to be installed below ground and hooked up to the grid or network, we handle it.

We don’t just drill and leave. Our crew stays on the job through layout, boring, conduit pulls, terminations, and cleanup. That full-scope approach keeps timelines short and keeps the job moving without waiting on subcontractors.

Fiber blowing is a method we use to install fiber cables inside pre-laid conduit using compressed air. It lets us feed long runs of fiber without damaging the cable or pulling too hard. The process keeps the fiber intact and ensures it performs as designed once in the ground.

We use this method on telecom and data projects that demand clean installs and minimal signal loss. It’s ideal for long distances, dense networks, or when fast deployment matters. Crigger Power owns and runs our own fiber blowing equipment, so we control the job from start to finish.

We use GPRS to scan below the surface before any digging or drilling starts. It shows us where existing utilities, foundations, or unknown obstacles might be buried. That keeps the crew safe, avoids delays, and helps us plan the job right the first time.

Instead of relying on guesswork or outdated maps, GPRS gives us real-time info on what’s underground. It’s especially helpful when working in tight urban areas, older neighborhoods, or commercial zones where things may not be marked or mapped accurately.

Calling 811 is the first step before any dig. It notifies local utility companies to come out and mark lines like power, gas, water, sewer, and telecom. This keeps our crew safe and protects what’s already in the ground.

Crigger Power takes 811 seriously. It’s required by law in most states and is just common sense. No matter how small the project—mailbox post, fence, or full-scale utility run—those underground lines have to be marked before we start.

Installing EV charging stations supports the growing demand for electric vehicles on commercial and private properties. These units offer convenient access to power and help future-proof buildings and jobsites.

We handle the underground conduit work and hook everything into the power supply. This includes boring, trenching, and full infrastructure installs. EV stations are showing up at hotels, warehouses, shopping centers, and public spaces, and we’re seeing more demand every month.

We stay hands-on through every step. Our owner is often on-site, and our crew doesn’t cut corners. We drill using grade controls, real-time tracking, and the right equipment for the job, not whatever’s convenient.

Before a drill starts, we study the layout, check for utility conflicts, and adjust to the site. During the job, we monitor pressure, path, and return flows to make sure the bore stays on target. Quality for us means the install’s done clean, right depth, and without disruption above ground.

It comes down to site access, surface conditions, and what’s above and below ground. Trenchless methods like underground boring or HDD are a better choice when there’s pavement, landscaping, or structures we don’t want to disturb.

We look at soil conditions, job scope, traffic impact, and budget. If open trenching makes sense, we’ll do it. But when the job calls for a clean run under something, trenchless saves time, cost, and hassle. We make the call based on what works, not what’s easiest.

Yes. We’re built for big jobs. Our crew has installed full trench systems, power and fiber conduit, and critical infrastructure across jobsites that stretch for miles. We work with general contractors, developers, and site planners to get complex projects done fast and without drama.

Our equipment can handle long runs and tough ground. We’re also flexible, we can coordinate multiple crews, stage materials, and adjust to tight deadlines. No project’s too large, and no site is too difficult to figure out.

Before we ever touch the ground, we run full site checks, mark hazards, and follow 811 procedures. Once on-site, our crews stay in communication, wear full PPE, and follow strict safety protocols to protect each other and anyone nearby.

We also manage our jobsites to avoid utility strikes, equipment issues, or cross-trade confusion. Clean sites, tight controls, and no shortcuts—that’s how we keep safety locked in from start to finish.

We start by asking the right questions. Every job begins with reviewing the layout, studying site access, and checking for existing utilities. Once we understand what the job needs, we map out the work, line up our equipment, and schedule around what matters most—getting it done right.

During the build, we adjust fast. If conditions change or crews run into something unexpected, we don’t stall; we figure it out and keep moving. Our team stays focused and doesn’t waste time.

Clients can request a quote through our online contact form, by calling our direct line, or by sending blueprints to our designated project inquiry email. We review submissions quickly and follow up with clear next steps.

Our team handles all quote requests in-house to ensure accurate pricing, timelines, and feasibility for the job. If we need more detail, we’ll reach out directly to clarify scope before moving forward.

Crigger Power meets all regulatory standards required to perform directional drilling, boring, and underground utility work in the regions we serve. Our crews are trained on current industry practices, and we maintain up-to-date documentation for safety, compliance, and operational procedures.

We ensure our team knows how to handle equipment correctly and adjust to changing jobsite demands. Certifications vary by location, and we stay current with what’s needed to keep projects moving without delays.

We provide directional drilling and underground utility services across a wide range of industries. Each project requires a different approach based on site layout, infrastructure, and timeline. Our team adjusts accordingly and gets the job done.

• Agriculture & Irrigation: Run water lines, power, and data conduits across farmland without disturbing crops or livestock
• Cold Storage: We’re one of only two U.S. contractors drilling under cold storage buildings to protect thermal integrity and system layout
• Construction (General Contractors): Partner with GCs for joint trench, conduit, or full builds on commercial, municipal, and industrial sites
• Drinkable Water: Install underground lines for potable water service, with precision boring that protects pipe alignment and safety
• Electric: Drill and install underground power conduit in both urban and rural settings, including primary and secondary lines
• Military: Work on secure bases to install utilities in strict accordance with clearance, access, and layout requirements
• Municipalities: Complete sewer, water, power, and broadband projects for towns and cities—on time and within code
• Oil & Gas: Bore paths for utility and pipeline installations in petroleum, natural gas, and other energy-focused environments
• Sewer & Drain (Plumbing): Bore sewer laterals, drainage lines, and tie-ins with clean exits and no surface trenching
• Telecommunications: Set conduit paths and blow fiber lines for major telecom providers and private broadband projects

No matter the industry, Crigger Power brings the same hands-on approach and field-tested experience to every job. If it needs to go underground, we know how to drill it, lay it, and get it done without excuses.

Yes, we offer follow-up maintenance and inspection work on systems we’ve installed. Our team can check conduit integrity, address shifting soil, re-bore misaligned segments, or inspect access points like manholes and junctions.

Ongoing support depends on project type and scope, but if a client needs us back on-site, we’re ready to return with a crew that already knows the job.

We’re based in the Southeast, but our crew operates across the country. Crigger Power has completed jobs in Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Alabama, and beyond.

While our strongest presence is in the South and Midwest, we mobilize nationwide for the right project. Cold storage builds, telecom upgrades, and long-haul utility jobs often take us across state lines.

If you have a site that needs underground work, chances are we’ve drilled there, or we can.

We stay on top of new gear, field techniques, and regulatory changes by doing the work, not just reading about it. Our owner is on-site for most jobs, learning what works and adjusting what doesn’t.

We also stay in contact with contractors, vendors, and utility clients to keep up with demand shifts and tech improvements. Our process is grounded in hands-on experience, not trends.