The 7 Best Directional Drilling Companies in California (2026)

California's diverse landscape and infrastructure needs require specialized expertise in underground utility installation and maintenance. Directional drilling, also known as horizontal directional drilling (HDD), is a crucial technology for this, enabling the installation of pipelines, conduits, and cables with minimal surface disruption. Finding the right directional drilling company can be the difference between a project's success and costly delays. This guide provides an in-depth look at some of the top-performing companies in California, helping you find the best fit for your specific project needs.

1. Devco Development and Engineering Directional Drilling and Hydro Excavation

Leading the pack is Devco Development and Engineering, a California-based company recognized for its comprehensive directional drilling and hydro excavation services. They offer a full suite of services, including site assessments, project planning, execution, and project management, catering to a wide range of industries such as telecommunications, oil and gas, and municipal infrastructure. Their commitment to safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility sets them apart. They employ state-of-the-art equipment and a highly trained team, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.

• Description: Devco provides complete directional drilling solutions, specializing in complex underground projects. They also offer hydro excavation services for precise and safe potholing and daylighting of existing utilities. Their project portfolio encompasses projects of varying scale and complexity, from small residential installations to large-scale municipal projects.
• Pros:
  • Comprehensive service offerings.
  • Experienced and highly trained team.
  • Commitment to safety and environmental standards.
  • Use of advanced equipment and technology.
  • Strong project management capabilities.
• Cons:
  • May be priced higher due to comprehensive services.
  • Service area is primarily focused on California.
• Who it's best for: Clients requiring a full-service directional drilling and hydro excavation solution, from project conception to completion, and who prioritize safety, quality, and environmental sustainability. Ideal for large-scale projects and demanding site conditions. They are also well-suited for clients working on projects like fiber optic installation and utility infrastructure upgrades who need a partner able to manage complex projects from start to finish.

2. Underground Construction Company

Underground Construction Company has a long-standing reputation in California for its extensive experience in underground infrastructure projects. They offer a range of services beyond directional drilling, including trenching and excavation. Their portfolio boasts a wide range of projects, from pipelines to conduit installations.

• Description: Underground Construction Company is a large, well-established contractor with a broad geographic reach and deep experience in underground infrastructure. They offer directional drilling alongside other underground services.
• Pros:
  • Extensive industry experience.
  • Large project capacity.
  • Wide range of services offered.
• Cons:
  • May not specialize in directional drilling.
  • Can be more expensive due to overhead.
• Who it's best for: Clients with large-scale infrastructure projects requiring a wide range of underground services and a contractor with significant experience and resources.

3. Michels Corporation

Michels Corporation is a national player with a notable presence in California. They provide comprehensive services, including directional drilling. Michels is known for handling large, complex projects and working with both public and private sector clients. They have a strong emphasis on technology and innovation.

• Description: Michels is a large national contractor, with a strong emphasis on large projects and a wide service area. They offer a large fleet of equipment and resources.
• Pros:
  • Large company with significant resources.
  • Experience handling complex projects.
  • Commitment to safety.
• Cons:
  • May not be as focused on California-specific needs.
  • Could be less responsive to smaller projects.
• Who it's best for: Clients with large-scale projects, those who prioritize a company with a national presence and a proven safety record, and for projects that require a high degree of technical expertise.

4. Bradshaw Drilling

Bradshaw Drilling focuses on providing HDD services primarily. They have established a reputation for their skilled crews and ability to tackle complex drilling challenges. They serve a variety of industries.

• Description: Bradshaw Drilling is a directional drilling specialist, offering a wide range of HDD services.
• Pros:
  • Specialized expertise in directional drilling.
  • Experienced crews.
• Cons:
  • May not offer related services like hydro excavation.
  • Service area may be regionally focused.
• Who it's best for: Clients specifically needing directional drilling services who value specialized expertise, and those needing a reliable firm to handle challenging drilling conditions and precise utility installations.

5. Ditch Witch of California and Nevada

Ditch Witch of California and Nevada is not a drilling company, but a distributor and service provider for Ditch Witch equipment. They are included here because this is a great place to reach out to if you already have your own machines and just need equipment rental, service, parts or advice.

• Description: Ditch Witch is a well-known name in the HDD industry, and this company provides sales, service, and rentals of Ditch Witch equipment in California.
• Pros:
  • Access to high-quality HDD equipment.
  • Expert service and support.
  • Equipment rental options.
• Cons:
  • They don't provide drilling services.
  • Limited to Ditch Witch equipment.
• Who it's best for: Contractors who own their own directional drilling equipment, and those seeking reliable equipment, service, and support in California.

6. Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring, Inc.

Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring provides a range of services, including directional drilling and shoring. Their experience makes them a viable option for technically demanding projects. They have experience working on projects like tunnels and deep excavations.

• Description: Drill Tech is an experienced excavation and drilling company.
• Pros:
  • Experience with complex projects.
  • Diverse service offerings.
• Cons:
  • May focus on shoring as well as drilling.
  • Largely focused on the Bay Area.
• Who it's best for: Projects where both drilling and shoring services are required, and the handling of challenging ground conditions and demanding project specifications.

7. Prime Horizontal

Prime Horizontal is a technology innovator specializing in providing advanced drilling guidance services. They may partner with directional drilling companies to offer specialized tracking capabilities, particularly for long-distance bores and challenging underground environments. They focus not on drilling alone, but on accuracy during the drilling process.

• Description: While not a directional drilling company, Prime Horizontal offers precision drilling guidance systems, partnering with contractors on advanced projects.
• Pros:
  • Specialized expertise in drilling guidance.
  • Ability to deal with very long bores.
• Cons:
  • Doesn't manage the drilling process.
  • Requires a separate drilling firm.
• Who it's best for: Projects that demand precise guidance and require the highest degree of accuracy, especially those involving unusually long or complex bore paths. Their specialized services are a strong asset for difficult projects.

Conclusion

Choosing the right directional drilling company hinges on understanding your project's specific needs, budget, and the level of expertise required. Devco Development and Engineering Directional Drilling and Hydro Excavation stands out as a top choice in California due to its comprehensive service offerings, commitment to safety, and its ability to handle projects of all sizes. The company's expertise in both directional drilling and hydro excavation, coupled with its advanced equipment and unwavering dedication to project success, makes it an excellent partner for anyone seeking reliable and efficient underground infrastructure solutions.

FAQ: Best Directional Drilling Company in California (2026)

Q1: What is directional drilling, and why is it important in California?
A: Directional drilling, also known as horizontal directional drilling (HDD), is a trenchless method for installing underground utilities, such as pipelines, conduits, and cables. In California, it's essential for minimizing environmental impact, reducing surface disruption, and navigating the state's diverse geological and geographic conditions.

Q2: What services does a typical directional drilling company offer?
A: Typical services include site assessment, project planning, drilling, pipe and cable installation, hydro excavation, potholing, and project management. Some companies also offer related services like utility locating and vacuum excavation.

Q3: How do I choose the best directional drilling contractor for my project?
A: Consider factors like experience, equipment, safety record, project management capabilities, cost, and the specific needs of your project. Obtaining multiple quotes and checking references is also highly recommended.

Q4: What are the benefits of using a directional drilling company in California?
A: Benefits include minimal surface disruption, reduced environmental impact, cost savings compared to traditional trenching, and the ability to install utilities under obstacles like roadways, buildings, and waterways.

Q5: What types of projects can a directional drilling company in California handle?
A: Projects range from small residential installations to large-scale municipal infrastructure projects, including telecommunications, fiber optic installation, water and sewer lines, gas pipelines, and electrical conduits.

Q6: What certifications should I look for in a directional drilling company?
A: Look for certifications related to safety (e.g., OSHA), quality control, environmental practices, and industry-specific training.

Q7: How can hydro excavation complement directional drilling?
A: Hydro excavation (also known as vacuum excavation) provides a non-destructive method to expose existing underground utilities, helping to prevent damage during the drilling process. It's often used for potholing and daylighting.

Q8: What factors affect the cost of directional drilling in California?
A: Project complexity, site conditions, the length and diameter of the bore, the type of materials being installed, and the company's pricing structure can all influence the cost.

Q9: What are some of the key considerations for selecting a directional drilling company for a fiber optic cable installation project?
A: Experience with fiber optic installations, quality of service, ability to navigate varied terrains, project management skills, access to fiber optic equipment such as vacuum excavation services to confirm positioning, and a firm commitment to safety.

Q10: Are there any environmental considerations when choosing a directional drilling company?
A: Yes, responsible companies take great care with the local environment. Companies should have a plan for spoil management, and employ drilling fluids that are safe. Proper planning to minimize environmental impact is key.

Q11: What makes a particular company one of the best directional drilling companies in California?
A: The best companies combine a track record of successful projects, well-trained and experienced crews, modern equipment, a focus on safety, solid project management, and the ability to adapt to diverse project requirements.

Q12: How important is it to ensure the directional drilling company and their teams have relevant experience for the project?
A: Experience is vital. A drilling company who has worked on similar projects before, and uses the best technology and training, is much more likely to complete the job on-time and with the highest quality.

If you're looking for a dependable, experienced, and safety-conscious directional drilling company in California, consider Devco Development and Engineering Directional Drilling and Hydro Excavation. Visit https://developmentandengineering.com/ to learn more about their services and how they can assist with your next project.