Trenchless Methods

Trenchless Sewer, Water, Gas, and Electrical Conduit Installation

What Is Trenchless?

At Freedom Underground, we understand that our projects are often a disruption to our customers’ lives. Minimizing disruption and cost-effectiveness are the two top reasons that a “trenchless” installation is often the best method. Trenchless technology allows us to install underground pipes without digging an open trench along the entire length, minimizing damage to your property. Small access holes are used to insert equipment and make connections, providing a faster and more cost-effective solution for homeowners and other contractors alike.

Ready to take the next step toward a faster, more efficient solution?

If yes, call us at (408) 693-6018 or fill out our contact form to schedule an estimate so that we can understand your needs and objectives for your project. We will be happy to explain how trenchless installation may be able to save you time and money. Schedule your free estimate today!

When is Trenchless Not Possible

While we prefer trenchless methods to minimize disruption and for their cost effectiveness, there are cases where open trenching is required. City or county regulations may dictate this, especially when tapping into a new main line in the public street. Additionally, certain projects with high risks of hitting underground utilities, or those where trenchless equipment cannot be put into position, may necessitate an open trench. We evaluate each project and whenever possible recommend trenchless as the most efficient and cost-effective solution.

Benefits of Trenchless Pipe Installation

As a homeowner, remodeler, or contractor, you want the job done right, without unnecessary delays or property damage. Trenchless installation offers several key benefits:

  • Faster Completion: Trenchless repairs can be completed in one to three days, compared to traditional methods which can take weeks.
  • Minimally Invasive: Trenchless methods limit the need for major excavation, protecting your landscaping and reducing the mess on your property.
  • Lower Post-Repair Costs: With minimal disruption to your yard, you’ll avoid extra expenses related to restoring your landscape after the job is done.
  • Long-Lasting Results: By using advanced techniques like pipe bursting, we install durable materials that last up to 50 years, giving you peace of mind for the long term.
  • Cost-Effective: With faster service, minimal disruption, and longevity, trenchless methods offer excellent value for your investment, saving you time and money.

Trenchless Methods/Tools

We are experts in trenchless techniques that serve a range of projects, whether you are a homeowner upgrading your electrical service or a contractor needing efficient underground utility installations. Our methods include: Directional Drilling, Pneumatic Boring and Pipe Bursting.

These minimally invasive solutions ensure that your sewer, water, electrical, and gas lines are installed with precision, helping you avoid delays, property damage, and costly repairs.


Directional Drilling is a method to drill a non-vertical hole so we can install pipe without needing to open a trench. Our Vermeer V8x12 Drill enables us to install pipe hundreds of feet in length with minimal need for digging. Our drill is capable of creating 10″ holes which are suitable for up to 6″ pipe installs. Please see our Directional Drill Service page if you want to see more examples. For more information on directional drilling…

Example of Directional Drilling.

Pneumatic Boring is a method of drilling or boring holes using compressed air to drive a piercing tool. It is best suited for short-ish distances such as from a water meter to a home in a typical San Jose neighborhood. We dig holes at the connection points such as the water meter and the water shutoff value at the side of a home. The piercing tool is inserted and driven using a large air compressor to the other hole. The new pipe will then be pulled through the hole. For more information on pneumatic boring…

Example of Pneumatic Boring

Pipe Bursting is an economical way to replace an existing pipe that is damaged. Pipe bursting literally forces a bursting head through the old, existing pipe, breaking it up while pulling a new pipe into its place. This results is a new pipe in the same location as the original. This is often a good solution to fix a broken sewer line that still has the required slope (i.e. no bellies). For more information on pipe bursting…

Example of Pipe Bursting