HDD is used for pressure lines when high accuracy is not required (±100mm) for installing infrastructure such as telecommunications and power cable conduits, water lines, sewer lines, gas lines, oil lines, product pipelines and environmental remediation casings.

It is used for crossing waterways, roadways, shore approaches, congested areas, environmentally-sensitive areas, and areas where other methods are costlier. It is preferred over other techniques to provide less traffic disruption, lower cost, deeper and/or longer installation, no access pit, shorter completion times, increased directional capabilities, and environmental safety.