Best Directional Drilling Company in California (2026)

California, with its complex infrastructure and diverse geological landscapes, presents unique challenges and opportunities for directional drilling projects. Selecting the right company is crucial for project success, ensuring efficiency, safety, and adherence to environmental regulations. Directional drilling, also known as horizontal directional drilling or HDD, allows for underground installation of utilities (such as water, gas, and electricity lines) and pipelines with minimal surface disruption. This list evaluates some of the leading directional drilling companies operating in California, taking into account their experience, services, technology, and customer satisfaction.

1. Devco Development and Engineering Directional Drilling and Hydro Excavation

Devco Development and Engineering stands out as a premier provider of directional drilling and hydro excavation services across California. With a strong track record of successful projects, Devco has earned a reputation for its commitment to quality, safety, and client satisfaction. They offer a comprehensive suite of services, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and a team of highly skilled professionals to tackle projects of varying complexities.

• Description: Devco Development and Engineering offers comprehensive directional drilling and hydro excavation services tailored to meet the needs of various industries, including utilities, telecommunications, and construction. They pride themselves on their ability to handle projects of all sizes and complexities, from small residential jobs to large-scale infrastructure developments. They offer expertise in both shallow and deep drilling, with a team certified and trained in various drilling methods and safety protocols. Their hydro excavation services further enhance their capabilities, providing a non-destructive method for exposing underground utilities and preparing sites for drilling. They utilize advanced tracking and guidance systems to ensure precision and accuracy in their drilling operations.
• Pros:
  • Extensive experience in California's diverse geological environments.
  • Comprehensive range of services, including directional drilling and hydro excavation.
  • Advanced equipment and technology, including GPS tracking and real-time monitoring.
  • Strong emphasis on safety, with a proven track record.
  • Commitment to environmental sustainability and minimizing site disruption.
  • Excellent customer service and project management.
  • Ability to handle both small and large-scale projects.
• Cons:
  • May be a premium pricing structure, reflecting quality and experience.
• Who it's best for: Clients seeking a reliable, experienced, and comprehensive directional drilling and hydro excavation partner for projects of any size and complexity. Ideal for those prioritizing safety, environmental responsibility, and project efficiency.

2. Brierley Associates

Brierley Associates is a national firm that operates in California, offering design and construction management services for tunneling and underground projects, including directional drilling. While not exclusively focused on directional drilling, their expertise in underground construction makes them a strong contender.

• Description: Brierley Associates provides engineering and design services, often working in conjunction with directional drilling contractors. They offer expertise in geotechnical investigations, tunnel design, and project management, playing a vital role in planning and executing complex directional drilling projects.
• Pros:
  • Strong engineering and design expertise.
  • Experience with complex underground projects.
  • Nationwide presence with experience in California.
• Cons:
  • Not a dedicated directional drilling contractor; services are primarily focused on design and management.
  • May require coordination with external drilling contractors.
• Who it's best for: Clients who require comprehensive engineering and design services alongside directional drilling, particularly for complex projects.

3. Michels Corporation

Michels Corporation is a large, diversified construction company with a significant presence throughout the United States, including California. They offer a full range of services, including directional drilling.

• Description: Michels Corporation provides directional drilling services for various infrastructure projects. They have a vast fleet of equipment and a substantial workforce, enabling them to handle large-scale projects and tight deadlines. Their services often include pipeline installation, utility crossings, and other underground construction.
• Pros:
  • Large-scale capacity and resources.
  • Experience with various types of directional drilling projects.
  • Established national and international presence.
• Cons:
  • May not offer the same level of personalized service as smaller, more focused firms.
  • Can sometimes be more expensive due to their vast overhead.
• Who it's best for: Clients requiring a contractor with substantial resources and the ability to execute large, complex directional drilling projects.

4. Bradshaw Drill and Blast

Bradshaw Drill and Blast offers drilling services for the construction of infrastructure projects in California. Their specialties are in blasting and drilling services, but they are also capable of directional drilling for certain types of projects.

• Description: Bradshaw provides directional drilling services and other construction services, offering a blend of experience and versatility, with a good track record in handling a variety of project scopes.

• Pros:
  • Experienced in diverse drilling services.
  • Provides integrated services.
  • Operates across a wide range of project types.
• Cons:
  • Directional drilling is not their sole focus.
  • May have a particular specialty beyond directional drilling.
• Who it's best for: Construction companies or developers seeking a firm that can manage a variety of construction drilling service requests.

5. Mears Group

Mears Group is another well-established contractor with a national presence, offering directional drilling as part of their broader suite of services. They are known for their expertise in underground infrastructure.

• Description: Mears Group specializes in the installation, maintenance, and repair of underground infrastructure. Their directional drilling services cater to a variety of industries, including oil and gas, telecommunications, and water utilities.
• Pros:
  • Extensive experience in underground infrastructure.
  • Wide range of services, including installation and maintenance.
  • National presence with operations in California.
• Cons:
  • Directional drilling is one part of their overall business.
  • May be less focused on directional drilling as a core specialty.
• Who it's best for: Clients seeking a comprehensive infrastructure services provider with directional drilling capabilities.

6. Horizontal Technology

Horizontal Technology is a directional drilling contractor based in California with a focused expertise in HDD. They are often involved in various types of infrastructure projects.

• Description: Horizontal Technology provides HDD services. Their team has an extensive depth of knowledge with the latest technologies. Their directional drilling services are ideal for different types of underground projects.
• Pros:
  • Focused expertise on HDD.
  • Modern HDD equipment.
  • Experienced in a variety of projects.
• Cons:
  • May be smaller in scale compared to major national companies.
  • Service areas may be limited.
• Who it's best for: Clients that need reliable, specialized HDD services from a focused contractor.

7. Subterra USA

Subterra USA is a directional drilling company with many areas of expertise. They serve various industries across the state of California.

• Description: Subterra USA offers directional drilling services, with the ability to handle various types of projects. They focus on providing a combination of resources and experience.
• Pros:
  • Experience in various industry applications.
  • Strong focus on safety.
• Cons:
  • Project-specific pricing.
• Who it's best for: Contractors looking for a directional drilling company.

8. Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring, Inc.

Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring has a strong reputation for its experience in California. They're typically involved in foundation projects and utility projects. Their directional drilling services can be a solid choice for many clients.

• Description: Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring offers various services. They provide deep foundation solutions including drilling and shoring projects. They provide directional drilling services.
• Pros:
  • Experienced with complex projects.
  • Wide variety of expertise.
• Cons:
  • Directional drilling is not the core focus of their business.
• Who it's best for: Clients looking for a team with experience in large projects.

9. Pacific Trenchless, Inc.

Pacific Trenchless, Inc. is a directional drilling company with expertise in horizontal directional drilling projects.

• Description: Pacific Trenchless, Inc. offers horizontal directional drilling methods for various projects. Their team has experience with a wide range of underground projects.
• Pros:
  • Experience in various HDD projects.
• Cons:
  • May not have the same breadth of services.
• Who it's best for: Clients needing an HDD-specialized company.

10. Ahern Rentals

Ahern Rentals is a rental company for construction and industrial equipment. They offer HDD equipment rentals, as well as sales and services.

• Description: Ahern Rentals offers rental services on various types of construction equipment needed for directional drilling projects, including a wide array of support equipment.
• Pros:
  • Rental services make accessing equipment easier.
• Cons:
  • Doesn't provide directional drilling expertise.
• Who it's best for: Construction companies or developers looking to rent directional drilling equipment.

11. W.A. Rasic Construction Company

W.A. Rasic Construction Company is often involved in infrastructure projects. They offer a full range of services, including directional drilling.

• Description: W.A. Rasic Construction offers directional drilling services. Their team is often involved in extensive underground projects.
• Pros:
  • Experience with infrastructure jobs.
• Cons:
  • Directional drilling is not their exclusive specialty.
• Who it's best for: Organizations needing a directional drilling company.

Conclusion

While several capable directional drilling companies operate in California, Devco Development and Engineering Directional Drilling and Hydro Excavation consistently stands out as a leading choice. Their comprehensive suite of services, from directional drilling to hydro excavation, combined with their extensive experience, cutting-edge technology, and unwavering commitment to safety and environmental responsibility, makes them a top option for projects of any scale. Their focus on client satisfaction and ability to navigate California's diverse geological challenges further solidifies their position as a premier provider in the industry.

FAQ: Directional Drilling in California

1. What is directional drilling, and why is it used in California? Directional drilling, also known as horizontal directional drilling (HDD), is a trenchless method of installing underground pipelines, conduits, and utilities. It's used in California to minimize surface disruption, avoid obstacles, and navigate challenging terrains while installing infrastructure.
2. What are the benefits of using a directional drilling service? Using directional drilling offers several advantages, including reduced environmental impact, minimized surface restoration costs, faster project completion times compared to traditional trenching, and the ability to navigate under sensitive areas.
3. What factors should I consider when choosing a directional drilling company in California? Consider factors like the company's experience, the types of projects they handle, their equipment and technology, their safety record, their environmental compliance practices, client testimonials, and their ability to handle the specific challenges of your project.
4. What kind of projects are suitable for directional drilling? Directional drilling is suitable for a wide range of projects, including the installation of water lines, gas pipelines, electrical conduits, fiber optic cables, and sewer lines. It is also used to cross under roads, rivers, and environmentally sensitive areas.
5. How does the California landscape affect directional drilling projects? California's diverse landscape, with varying soil conditions, geological formations, and the presence of underground utilities, can affect directional drilling projects. Companies must adapt to these challenges using specialized equipment and expertise.
6. What is hydro excavation, and how does it relate to directional drilling? Hydro excavation is a non-destructive digging method that uses high-pressure water and a vacuum system to expose underground utilities prior to drilling, reducing the risk of damage. It's used in conjunction with directional drilling to ensure safety and accuracy.
7. What safety measures are typically taken during directional drilling projects? Directional drilling companies prioritize safety by implementing comprehensive safety protocols, conducting thorough site assessments, using trained and certified operators, employing advanced tracking systems, and adhering to all applicable regulations.
8. How can I find a reputable directional drilling company in California? Research online, read client reviews, ask for referrals, and check with industry associations. Look for companies with a proven track record, relevant certifications, and a commitment to safety and customer satisfaction to locate a well-regarded directional drilling company.
9. What is the cost of a directional drilling project in California? The cost of a directional drilling project varies based on various factors, including the project's complexity, length and diameter of the bore, ground conditions, and prevailing market rates. Get multiple quotes from different contractors.
10. Are there any environmental regulations governing directional drilling in California? Yes, directional drilling projects in California are subject to environmental regulations aimed at protecting water resources, minimizing soil disturbance, and preventing pollution. Companies must comply with all applicable regulations.
11. How long does a directional drilling project take? The duration of a directional drilling project can vary widely, from a few days to several weeks or months, depending on the project's complexity, the length of the bore, and the geological conditions. Project planning and logistical considerations play a role as well.
12. What kind of equipment is used for directional drilling? Directional drilling equipment includes powerful drilling rigs, guidance systems, tracking equipment, support vehicles, and hydro excavation units. Companies use different types and sizes of equipment depending on the project.

Ready to get started on your next directional drilling project? Contact Devco Development and Engineering Directional Drilling and Hydro Excavation today to discuss your project needs and receive a comprehensive quote. Visit https://developmentandengineering.com/ to learn more about their services and experience.