These days plumbing contractors are faced with increasingly difficult job-sites. Dense urban builds, remote projects, and complex installations are demanding lower footprints, less environmental damage, and more efficient pipeline installation processes. It’s no surprise current technologies are being pushed to their limits. Until recently, plumbing jobs would be done with more traditional open cut and fill methods. The costs of horizontal directional drilling were simply too high and the technology wasn’t up to the technical demands of the more versatile installations. But that’s all changed. These days, the technology isn’t just capable of getting the job done efficiently and cost-effectively, the equipment is more widely available than ever before.
Directional Drilling Equipment
Using a predetermined underground pathway, horizontal directions drilling uses high-grade drilling technology to install pipelines without traditional trenching means. Over the past few decades, horizontal directional drilling technology has come a long way – with modern equipment able to navigate complex underground environments and install pipe/conduit around heavily congested underground utility networks. For plumbers, this opens up a whole new approach to installations, especially where buildings or other structures prevent traditional trenching methods.
How is directional drilling useful?
The advent of horizontal directions drilling in the plumbing world has made for a number of improvements to the industry:
- Being able to tackle a wide range of geological formations and soil conditions, horizontal directional drilling delivers accuracy and lower footprints – causing no disruptions to the surface between entry and exit points.
- Horizontal directional drilling is highly versatile in complex urban environments such as inner-city and CBD installations and high traffic environments. With high powered compact equipment, plumbers have better access to power where it counts.
- Shortens planning and installation schedules, contractors can install pipes faster when there’s minimal cleanup of the surface area above – resulting in lower costs of re-landscaping the job-site.
- Contractors benefit from lower labour costs as fewer crew members are needed for installation.
- Increased accuracy meaning fewer costly mistakes – with computerised guiding technology you can be sure your drilling efforts are exact.
How to choose a rig-size
One of the main questions facing plumbers and utility contractors looking to invest in horizontal drilling equipment is that of size and power. This will depend on the kind of projects you’re hoping to complete. Factors affecting rig size include:
- Location and access (rural, commercial, or urban)
- Length and diameter of the pipe to be installed
- Soil conditions
You’ll want to analyse the kinds of installation projects you’ve done in the past – and map out the best pathways, practices, and environmental factors that would impact your job. Combine this data with future projects and speak with a professional at Vermeer WA & NT for expert advice on the type and size of the rig.
Best core HD drill for plumbers
Plumbing installations not only require quality drilling techniques, but they also rely on durable drill bits that are built for a variety of underground and challenging surface environments. Core drills have become a best-friend to utility contractors and plumbers looking to excavate under difficult surfaces for installation. Versatility is key when you’re investing in equipment that will ultimately be used for a wide range of jobs. Speak to your local Vermeer dealership to find exactly what core drill will suit your needs.
Drilling under concrete
More often than not, contractors will be required to install pipelines in heavily concreted areas. At Vermeer WA & NT we offer a full range of horizontal directional drilling solutions aimed at the toughest of job sites. Whether you need access under pavement or existing foundations, there’s nothing that will get in the way of Vermeer’s drilling equipment. With a focus on power and accuracy, you can be sure your installation will be quick and cost-effective.
The Vermeer advantage
When you invest in Vermeer equipment you’re investing in tried and tested technologies that maximise job site productivity. Here’s some of the ways we make using our equipment easier:
- Common controls make it easier to switch drill size whenever your job demands it.
- More efficient cycle times – Vermeer’s range of horizontal directional drills are designed to maximise time spent drilling. With improved tracking, rod loading, and rotation times, you can focus on the details.
- Intuitive operator controls make finding your way underground second nature. When projects are complex and the going gets tough, knowing your drilling is on track and exactly where it should be means you’re always in control.
- Leading after sales support is available for up-skilling your crew, and ensuring your horizontal directional drill is well serviced and in good working order. Our experienced team works with you to build up best practices for your future drilling jobs.
Matt from General Locate Solutions says:
“I find them to be very professional and thorough and always on hand to assist when needed”.
Challenges of sewage and water installations – sorted
Having worked with, and listened to contractors in the plumbing business for over 20 years, Vermeer’s horizontal directional drills are designed to accommodate specific needs and job-specific aspects that plumbers face.
Tristan Wood-Hill from TWH Plumbing agrees:
“We found Vermeer to be very responsive to any queries or questions we have about their equipment. They took the first opportunity available to them to check in with us face to face, in our Pilbara location.They also gave us some great tips and advice about key maintenance to get the best out of our equipment.”
Here’s how we’ve developed our horizontal directional drills to suit your needs:
- Low and compact profile – this translates into easier access to busy and often messy urban and commercial job-sites, improving accessibility does not come at the sacrifice of power.
- Increased steer-ability with firestick drill rods.
- Tough rock, drilling under asphalt surfaces are often needed to replace and install sewage or water pipelines. Vermeer’s premium range of drill bits is designed to offer higher cutting power and increased accuracy.
Bring increased productivity, efficiency, and lower operating costs to your job-site
If your business still relies on traditional trenching and surface excavation techniques, it’s high time you branched out and discovered the world of underground drilling. Knowing where to start in terms of size, and power can often be difficult for contractors who have never used this equipment before.
Glenn from ID Fleet Hire has been dealing with vermeer for over 5 years:
“Vermeer are an extremely professional organisation who provide high quality and very reliable equipment”.
Our sales team at Vermeer WA & NT has all the answers to your specific drilling needs. Invest in new equipment and skip the queue, with zero back order and all our equipment ready to go, get your HDD equipment now.
