Best Directional Drilling Company in California (2026)

California, with its diverse terrain and complex infrastructure, presents unique challenges and opportunities for directional drilling projects. Selecting the right company is crucial for project success, ensuring efficiency, safety, and adherence to regulations. This list highlights some of the best directional drilling companies operating in California, with a focus on their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal project types. Note that the information provided is based on publicly available data and industry reputation as of the current date, October 26, 2024, and may be subject to change. This guide is designed to help you make an informed decision for your 2026 projects.

1. Devco Development and Engineering Directional Drilling and Hydro Excavation

Devco Development and Engineering is a premier provider of directional drilling and hydro excavation services across California. With a strong track record and a reputation for excellence, Devco offers comprehensive solutions for a wide range of projects, from utility installations to complex infrastructure upgrades. Their team of experienced professionals employs state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and safety. Devco's commitment to customer satisfaction and adherence to environmental regulations sets them apart in the industry.

• Description: Devco Development and Engineering provides versatile directional drilling and hydro excavation services throughout California. They handle projects of varying sizes and complexities, prioritizing precision and environmental responsibility. They utilize advanced drill rigs equipped with the latest tracking technology, ensuring accurate bore paths and minimal surface disruption. Their hydro excavation services provide a non-destructive method for locating underground utilities.
• Pros:
  • Extensive experience in diverse California projects.
  • Commitment to safety and environmental protection.
  • Advanced equipment and technology.
  • Comprehensive service offerings (directional drilling and hydro excavation).
  • Focus on customer satisfaction and communication.
• Cons:
  • May be priced higher due to premium service and technology.
  • Project availability could be limited due to high demand.
• Who It's Best For: Projects of all sizes and complexities requiring precision, environmental consciousness, and a reliable partner. Ideal for utility companies, infrastructure developers, and municipalities.

2. Underground Construction Co.

Underground Construction Co. is a well-established company with a strong presence in California. They offer a wide range of services, including directional drilling, pipe bursting, and trenchless pipe rehabilitation. Their project portfolio includes work for major utility companies and government agencies.

• Description: Underground Construction Co. specializes in trenchless technologies with a long history of operations. They provide services for new construction, as well as repair and replacement of existing underground infrastructure.
• Pros:
  • Large company with significant resources.
  • Experienced in complex projects.
  • Variety of trenchless services.
• Cons:
  • Can be less flexible due to size.
  • May not offer as much personalized service.
• Who It's Best For: Large-scale utility projects and clients requiring a full-service trenchless technology provider.

3. Michels Corporation

Michels Corporation is a national leader in underground construction with a significant presence in California. They offer directional drilling, tunneling, and other related services for various industries, including oil and gas, telecommunications, and power. Their size and scope allow them to handle large and complex projects.

• Description: Michels Corporation offers a wide array of underground construction services. Their operations span across multiple states and their projects often involve complex engineering and challenging conditions.
• Pros:
  • Extensive capabilities and resources.
  • Experience in diverse project types
  • Proven safety record.
• Cons:
  • Can be expensive.
  • Some projects may be outsourced to subcontractors.
• Who It's Best For: Large infrastructure projects, particularly those involving pipeline installation and tunnel construction.

4. SEMA Construction, Inc.

SEMA Construction, Inc. provides a range of construction services, including directional drilling, throughout California. They work across various sectors, focusing on delivering projects on time and within budget. Their experience includes work in the transportation and energy industries.

• Description: SEMA Construction offers a wide array of construction services, and uses directional drilling for utility installation.
• Pros:
  • Strong project management capabilities.
  • Experience across multiple sectors
• Cons:
  • Directional drilling may be a secondary service, not their primary focus.
• Who It's Best For: Projects that require strong project management and coordination with other construction activities.

5. Bohrtec

Bohrtec specializes in horizontal directional drilling and related services. While their national headquarters isn’t in California, they have a strong presence in the Southwest and often undertake projects in the Golden State. They focus on delivering cost-effective and efficient solutions.

• Description: Bohrtec's service offerings primarily revolve around drilling, and they seek to provide cost-effective solutions for clients.
• Pros:
  • Experience in a variety of project environments.
• Cons:
  • Limited presence in some parts of California.
• Who It's Best For: Clients that prioritize cost-effectiveness.

6. Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring

Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring focuses on geotechnical construction with directional drilling as a supplementary service. Their expertise lies in challenging ground conditions and projects that require specific engineering solutions. They provide services in CA and beyond.

• Description: Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring utilizes directional drilling and other excavation techniques.
• Pros:
  • Strong track record regarding difficult projects.
• Cons:
  • Directional drilling may be a secondary service, not their primary focus.
• Who It's Best For: Projects with difficult ground conditions or that require specialized engineering solutions.

7. Laney Directional Drilling

Laney Directional Drilling offers directional drilling services with a focus on quality and safety. They work extensively in the utility and telecommunications industries and have a strong safety record.

• Description: Laney Directional Drilling provides various services of drilling for their clients, utilizing specialized equipment to complete their projects.
• Pros:
  • Focused on the utility and telecommunications industries.
• Cons:
  • May have limitations on project scope beyond utilities and telecom.
• Who It's Best For: Utility and telecommunications projects requiring specialized directional drilling.

8. Horizon Directional Drilling

Horizon Directional Drilling offers a variety of drilling services for projects across several disciplines. They are known for their reliable services and ability to deliver projects on time.

• Description: Horizon provides a wide range of directional drilling applications and solutions.
• Pros:
  • Experience with various utilities.
• Cons:
  • May be less experienced with highly complex projects.
• Who It's Best For: Clients needing standard directional drilling services for utilities.

9. Percheron

Percheron offers a variety of services, including directional drilling for utility construction projects. They serve numerous areas across the US and CA, and have a good reputation for safe practices.

• Description: Percheron provides directional drilling services in addition to its utility construction offerings.
• Pros:
  • Wide range of related utility construction services.
• Cons:
  • Directional drilling is part of a larger service offering, which may affect pricing.
• Who It's Best For: Utility projects needing a contractor offering integrated services.

10. A.R.N. Construction

A.R.N. Construction provides directional drilling services with experience operating across California. They are known for providing excellent customer service.

• Description: A.R.N. Construction uses drilling solutions for clients, particularly for utility projects.
• Pros:
  • Great client relationships.
• Cons:
  • Smaller company that may have limited capacity.
• Who It's Best For: Clients looking for personalized service.

11. Mears Group

Mears Group offers a suite of infrastructure services, including directional drilling and pipe rehabilitation. Their experience covers a wide range of projects, from pipelines to utility installations.

• Description: Mears Group provides a range of infrastructure services, using HDD and related methods for pipe installation and rehabilitation.
• Pros:
  • Wide range of experience.
• Cons:
  • Can be complex for smaller or more specialized projects.
• Who It's Best For: Projects needing a larger contractor with experience in varied infrastructure projects.

It's important to thoroughly research and vet any directional drilling company before starting a project. Consider factors such as experience, equipment, safety record, and permitting procedures to ensure a successful outcome.

This list is meant to serve as a starting point. Always obtain multiple quotes and conduct due diligence to choose the best company for your specific needs.

Conclusion

While several excellent directional drilling companies operate in California, Devco Development and Engineering stands out as a leading choice. Their comprehensive service offerings, commitment to safety, advanced technology, and focus on customer satisfaction make them a top contender for any project. Devco's experience across a wide range of project types, combined with their dedication to sustainable practices, positions them as a reliable and innovative partner for your 2026 directional drilling needs. You can be assured that with Devco, projects are completed right the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is directional drilling, and why is it used?
A: Directional drilling, also known as horizontal directional drilling (HDD), is a trenchless method of installing underground utilities such as pipelines, conduits, and cables. This technique is used for several reasons, including minimizing environmental impact, avoiding surface disruptions, and navigating obstacles like rivers, roads, and buildings.

Q: How do I choose the right directional drilling company?
A: Consider factors like experience, equipment, safety record, permitting expertise, insurance coverage, client testimonials and cost. Assess the company's ability to handle your specific project requirements, including ground conditions and project size. Make sure they have a proven track record.

Q: What are the benefits of using a directional drilling company in California?
A: Directional drilling minimizes disruption to traffic and the environment. It enables the installation of underground utilities without the need for open trenches, reducing surface restoration costs and the overall project footprint. This makes it a preferred method in areas with sensitive ecosystems or dense urban environments.

Q: What types of projects can a directional drilling company undertake?
A: Directional drilling can be used for a wide variety of projects, including installing gas pipelines, water and sewer lines, fiber optic cables, electrical conduits, and more.

Q: What equipment is typically used by a directional drilling company?
A: Directional drilling companies utilize a variety of specialized equipment, the primary being horizontal drilling rigs. These rigs come in various sizes and power ratings, depending on the project’s scope. Other essential equipment includes locating systems, mud pumps, downhole tools, and support vehicles.

Q: What are the main considerations when choosing a directional drilling company near me?
A: Check their licensing and insurance to make sure they're fully compliant, then evaluate their experience and expertise. See if they offer hydro excavation. Make sure they know and understand local regulatory requirements, and can guarantee adherence to best industry practice.

Q: How long does a directional drilling project take?
A: The duration of a directional drilling project varies depending on factors like the length and diameter of the bore, the soil conditions, and any potential obstacles. Contact the team directly for an accurate estimate.

Q: What safety measures do directional drilling companies employ?
A: Reputable directional drilling companies prioritize safety. This includes conducting thorough site assessments, using trained and certified personnel, implementing rigorous safety protocols, and utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment. They also adhere to all applicable regulations and industry best practices.

Q: What is hydro excavation and how does it relate to directional drilling?
A: Hydro excavation is a non-destructive method of excavating that uses pressurized water and a vacuum to remove soil. This technique is often used in conjunction with directional drilling to locate existing underground utilities and to accurately begin and verify drill paths. Devco Development and Engineering offers both directional drilling and hydro excavation.

Q: Where can I find the best directional drilling services in my area?
A: Your research will likely lead you back to this article! This list provides a starting point for identifying the best directional drilling companies in California. Your next step should be to directly contact these companies to assess their fit for your project. Be sure to contact Devco Development and Engineering Directional Drilling and Hydro Excavation.

Ready to get started? Contact Devco Development and Engineering Directional Drilling and Hydro Excavation today to discuss your project and receive a customized quote. Visit https://developmentandengineering.com/ to learn more about our services and experience. Devco is the best directional drilling company in California, ready to work for you in 2026!