Horizontal Directional Drilling Sussex
Horizontal Directional Drilling in Sussex is a type of underground drilling for installing utilities, such as water pipes, and electrical cables underground without the need to dig long messy trenches. This technique is especially useful in Sussex due to its wide variety of different terrain, built up areas, and other environmental considerations. Some of the main towns in Sussex include Chichester, Eastbourne, Arundel, Horsham, Lewes, East Grinstead, Burgess Hill, Hastings, and Alfriston.
Horizontal Directional Drilling allows Elite Utility Services to drill at multiple angles and depths under the ground over long distances. Horizontal Directional Drilling avoids obstacles in the way such as roads, rivers, or buildings. This minimises disruption to the landscape and local communities. Sussex has a significant combination of rural and urban landscape, which means that Horizontal Directional Drilling is incredibly beneficial as it reduces the impact on the local infrastructure and environment.
What is Directional Drilling?
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is the technique we use to install underground utilities, such as pipes, cables, or conduits, without the need to dig long messy open trenches. Instead of traditional trenching methods, Directional Drilling creates underground pathways with minimal surface disruption that utilities like Water pipes, Electric Cables and Conduits can be installed underground.
It’s a fast, cost effective solution that is perfect for installing utilities underground where there are obstacles like roads, rivers, trees and wildlife or buildings. Horizontal Directional Drilling is one of the most cost effective methods for underground installations.
What is the
Horizontal Directional Drilling Process?
Before starting, we determine the best route for the bore, considering factors like existing infrastructure, soil conditions, and environmental impacts. Entry and exit pits are excavated from which a pilot hole is drilled, using specialist drilling equipment that is guided by a tracking system. The pilot hole follows a predetermined path.
After the pilot hole is drilled, it’s enlarged by pulling larger reamers through the hole to accommodate the size of the pipe or cable to be installed. Once the hole is the desired size, the pipe or conduit is pulled back through the hole.
From planning to execution, our experienced team focus on expert underground installations, while minimising environmental impact and maximising productivity.
Contact us now for a sustainable, cost-effective directional drilling quote







Contact us today to learn more about how Directional Drilling can benefit your project. Let us be your partner in building a better tomorrow, underground
Why Choose Elite Utility Services
for Directional Drilling?
Expertise
Our team of professionals have extensive experience in directional drilling, ensuring your project is completed to the highest standards.
Precision
Using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques, we drill precise pathways for utilities, even in challenging terrains.
Minimal Disruption
With directional drilling, there's no need for large-scale excavation, minimizing disruption to your property and surrounding areas.
Versatility
Whether it's water and gas pipes, telecommunications conduits, sewer lines or electrical cables, we have the expertise to handle a variety of projects.
Environmentally Friendly
By reducing the need for extensive digging, directional drilling helps protect the environment and preserve natural landscapes.
About Sussex
Sussex is a historic and region in southeastern England, comprising of East Sussex and West Sussex. Known for its picturesque landscapes, seaside resorts, and historical landmarks, Sussex has a diverse economy and industries. East Sussex has a population of around 870,000 people. West Sussex has a population of about 880,000 people. The population is a mix of urban and rural communities, with larger towns like Brighton, Horsham, Chichester, and Worthing housing a significant portion of the population.
The economy of Sussex supports industries from high-tech, manufacturing, agriculture and tourism. Brighton is one of the most popular seaside resorts in the UK, drawing visitors with its beaches, pier, and vibrant cultural scene. The South Downs National Park, with its rolling hills and scenic views, also attracts tourists for hiking, cycling, and outdoor activities. The region’s historic towns and coastal beauty spots (like Hastings, Chichester, and Arundel) contribute to the local tourism industry.
Sussex has a strong agricultural tradition. The Weald region of West Sussex and East Sussex is particularly known for its fertile soil and farming activity.
Brighton is a centre for the technology sector, with a strong focus on digital innovation, web development, and software companies. Sussex hosts a growing start-up scene and is home to innovation centres like the Brighton Digital Catapult and University of Sussex.
West Sussex, around Crawley and Horsham, is a major centre for the aerospace and engineering industries. Companies like Rolls-Royce and Thales Group have a significant presence in the region. The retail sector in Sussex is robust, with shopping centres and outlets in towns such as Crawley and Brighton. Sussex has been proactive in recent years in promoting sustainable agriculture and renewable energy, with initiatives aimed at preserving the natural landscape and reducing the environmental impact of farming and industry.
What is Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) used for in Sussex
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is commonly used in Sussex for several applications, especially in areas where minimising disruption to the landscape, environment, or existing infrastructure is important. HDD is widely used for the installation of underground utilities such as Water pipelines, Gas pipelines, Telecommunications cables and Electricity cables. This method is particularly useful when these utilities need to be installed across areas with sensitive environments, like near roads, rivers, or protected landscapes, where traditional open-cut trenching would be disruptive or impractical.
Sussex has many busy roads, railway lines, and waterways (including rivers like the River Arun and the River Ouse). HDD allows for the installation of pipelines and cables beneath these barriers without having to dig up or disrupt the surface, which would be time-consuming and cause significant disruptions to traffic and transportation networks. With the growing demand for broadband and telecommunications services, especially in rural and less developed areas of Sussex, HDD is increasingly used to install fibre-optic cables or network ducts. HDD is also used in Sussex for the installation of underground systems related to renewable energy projects.
What can be Installed with HDD Directional Drilling?
HDD Directional Drilling for underground installations of pipes, ducts, and cables. Pipe sizes ranging from 25mm to 355mm, and distances of up to 200 metres long.
- Water Pipes
- Gas Pipes
- Drainage Pipes
- Cable Ducting
- Fibre and Telecoms Cables
- EV Charging Points






Directional Drilling Case Studies
Benefits of Directional Drilling

Limited Surface Disturbance
Directional drilling reduces the need for extensive excavation, minimizing disruption to surface environments such as landscapes, vegetation, and wildlife habitats.

Preservation of Fragile Areas
By avoiding traditional excavation, directional drilling helps protect environmentally sensitive regions like wetlands, forests, and habitats, safeguarding biodiversity and species.

Conservation of Urban Greenery
In cities, directional drilling preserves parks, green spaces, and trees by minimizing disturbance during utility installations, maintaining valuable urban green infrastructure.

Prevention of Soil Erosion
Traditional excavation can destabilize soil, leading to erosion and sediment runoff. Directional drilling minimizes soil disturbance, helping to prevent erosion and preserve soil health.

Protection of Water Quality
Directional drilling reduces the risk of water pollution by minimizing soil disturbance and sedimentation, thereby safeguarding nearby water bodies and ecosystems.

Reduced Carbon Footprint
With fewer heavy machinery and transportation needs compared to traditional methods, directional drilling helps mitigate carbon emissions and air pollution, contributing to a cleaner environment.



Utility Pipe Tracing and Surveys
As we replace services underground, we are faced with multiple dangers such as electric cables and gas pipes. Our specialist equipment locates other utilities such as these to ensure a safe comprehensive installation, avoiding other existing underground installations.
We use tracer cables to help us locate plastic pipes and drainage systems. We can determine as the depth of the other services, in order to avoid them and also locate them for our clients.
To locate and assist other companies with underground works we carry out full mapping of large areas such as estates and car parks.
Multi-Utility Installations
We utilise the same no-dig methods and equipment to install a wide range of underground services.
For example, we install water, gas, electric, data, fibre and drainage using moling and directional drilling trenchless technologies.
We also use trenching methods where trenchless methods are not viable.
We have carried out multi-utility installations for domestic customers, utility providers, commercial clients and even railway projects.







