3 Tips for Successful Basement Drilling

When you want to run conduit pipes or cabling through your basement to the house, you will need to carry out some drilling. However, you need to be careful when undertaking the project. Use of the wrong techniques in basement drilling can upset your home's foundation or increase the risk of basement flooding. You will be faced with a bigger problem at hand if your basement starts to leak and develop mould. That's why you need to follow these guidelines to ensure a successful basement drilling project that will not result in problems with your home's structure.

Adopt a non-invasive technique

Various techniques are available for drilling through the ground. However, it is a good idea to go for non-invasive methods that won't disturb the earth too much or cause problems with your foundation. One of such techniques is horizontal directional drilling. This is a trenchless method of installing underground pipes, cables, and other products. The technique utilises a drilling rig, and it leads to minimal or zero disruption to the surrounding area. A non-invasive procedure like horizontal directional drilling will allow you to install your product without causing damage to your basement walls.

Take note of existing cabling

In most homes, electric wiring, telephone and internet cabling, and HVAC cables usually pass through the basement and crawl spaces. When drilling the basement, take note of the location of such cables and other utility pipes so that you don't end up damaging them in the process. Pull out the building plans and locate all the utilities that are installed below the ground. This way, you can plan the drilling path correctly and avoid cutting through existing wiring. In this light, make sure that you have switched off power to the house to prevent electrical hazards during the project.

Work with a professional

Basement drilling is not your typical DIY project. It requires adequate planning and proper consideration of the structure's stability. You also need equipment such as a horizontal direction drill which requires an expert to operate. The machine is also quite costly, and it would not be viable to purchase one for a one-time project. Additionally, you need specialised techniques to perform a successful pullback when installing the conduit pipes or cables. Work with a professional contractor who has completed basement drilling projects before and is aware of the inherent risks and how to manage them.

Follow these tips to ensure a successful basement drilling project. However, do not attempt to drill your basement or install pipes on your own if you lack the required expertise. Work with a professional to guarantee the success of the project.


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