Directional drilling offers a faster, cleaner alternative to traditional excavation—but how long does the process actually take? Whether you're installing a new water line, gas conduit, or fiber optic system, understanding the project timeline helps you plan, budget, and avoid surprises.
At Pinpoint Directional Drilling Inc., we’ve completed hundreds of trenchless installations across Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, and South Bend. In this guide, we’ll break down typical timeframes, what factors affect them, and how to ensure your directional drilling project stays on schedule.
Average Timeline for a Directional Drilling Project
For most residential or small commercial projects, the average directional drilling job takes 1 to 3 days, with larger or more complex jobs ranging from 1 to 2 weeks.
Example Timeframes:
- Residential water/sewer line install: 1–2 days
- Grinder pump with force main: 2–3 days
- Fiber conduit for multi-building campus: 3–5 days
- Municipal roadway bore or large diameter install: 5–10+ days
These durations include prep, drilling, installation, testing, and restoration of entry/exit pits.
Project Phases and Time Breakdown
1. Site Assessment & Planning (1–5 days)
- Site walk-through or remote evaluation
- Review of blueprints and utility maps
- Permitting and municipal approvals
- Utility locating (via 811 and ground-penetrating radar if needed)
Permit approval can vary depending on municipality—some approvals take hours, others several days.
2. Mobilization (0.5–1 day)
- Crew and equipment arrival
- Drilling rig setup
- Safety perimeter establishment
3. Pilot Bore (Few hours to 1 day)
- Bore path drilled using GPS-guided head
- Real-time tracking for depth, angle, and path adjustments
4. Reaming (If needed, 1–2 hours per pass)
- Enlarges the borehole to fit the pipe or conduit
- Number of reaming passes depends on pipe diameter
5. Product Pullback (1–4 hours)
- Final utility pipe is pulled into the bore path
- Requires precision to avoid kinks or alignment issues
6. Final Testing & Connection (0.5–1 day)
- Pressure testing (water/gas lines)
- Camera inspection (sewer lines)
- Electrical or data conduit integrity testing
7. Backfill & Restoration (Same day or next)
- Entry and exit pits restored
- Surface (grass, mulch, concrete) replaced if needed
Key Factors That Affect Project Duration
1. Length of Bore Path
A 50-foot water line is faster to install than a 500-foot fiber conduit. Longer paths may require additional reaming or staging points.
2. Soil Conditions
Clay, sandy soil, and gravel all affect bore speed. Rocky terrain or groundwater increases drilling time and tooling wear.
3. Urban vs. Rural Settings
Urban bores often require more planning due to existing utilities and tight spaces. Rural jobs may involve longer bore paths and fewer obstacles.
4. Utility Conflicts
Time is needed to avoid gas, electric, sewer, and telecom lines. In high-density corridors, bore path changes may occur.
5. Season & Weather
Winter drilling in Indiana is possible, but may take longer due to frozen ground and weather delays. Heavy rain or flooding may delay reaming or restoration.
6. Permit Turnaround
Some cities issue permits same-day; others take several days or more. Fast-tracked permitting available in emergencies (sewer failures, gas repairs).
How We Keep Your Project on Schedule
At Pinpoint Directional Drilling Inc., our Indiana crews work efficiently to minimize delays. Here’s how we ensure timely completion:
- Pre-job site evaluations to identify risks early
- Permitting assistance with local city/county offices
- Modern HDD equipment with real-time bore tracking
- Experienced technicians trained in trenchless best practices
- Full project transparency so you always know what’s next
We also provide backup plans for bad weather, access restrictions, or sudden utility conflicts.
Sample Timeline – Fort Wayne Residential Sewer Installation
