A borehole pump works out of sight, so most owners only think about it when it stops. A few regular checks catch problems early, protect the pump and keep your water clean.
Monthly: checks you can do yourself
- Listen to the booster pump. It should start, run and stop cleanly. Rapid clicking on and off usually means a waterlogged pressure vessel or a leak.
- Look at the water. Note any sand, cloudiness, colour or smell. See borehole water smell or colour.
- Check the tank level and float switch. The tank should fill and the borehole pump should stop when it's full.
- Clean the sediment filter if you have one, more often if it clogs quickly.
- Walk the pipes and sprinkler lines for wet patches and leaks.
Yearly: a service by a borehole company
- Water level and yield check, to see whether your borehole is producing less than before. See borehole yield tests.
- Electrical check of the pump control box, cables and protection (dry-run and surge protection).
- Pressure vessel check and recharge.
- Water test if you use the water in the house or for pets. See borehole water testing.
Late winter, before the summer watering season, is a good time to book.
Every few years
- Pull and inspect the pump if output has dropped or the pump is getting old. Worn impellers lose flow gradually.
- Clean or rehabilitate the borehole if sand or silt keeps building up.
- Replace corroded pipes, cables or fittings while the pump is out.
Warning signs to act on now
| Sign | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Pump runs but little or no water | Water level has dropped below the pump, or a worn or blocked pump |
| Sand or mud in the water | Pump set too low, damaged screen, or the borehole is collapsing |
| Breaker or earth leakage trips when the pump starts | Electrical fault in the cable or motor |
| Electricity bill jumps | Pump running non-stop because of a leak or failed control |
More detail: borehole pump problems. For servicing and repairs, compare borehole pump installation and repair in Benoni.