Most borehole problems show up as no water, weak pressure, or a pump that switches on and off too often. Some causes are simple to check yourself. Anything involving the pump down the hole needs a borehole company.
No water at all
- Power: check the borehole's breaker in the distribution board and the isolator at the control box. Reset once only. If it trips again, there's a fault.
- Control box or float switch: if water goes to a tank, check that the float switch isn't stuck.
- Dry-running protection: many systems switch the pump off when the water level drops. This often happens late in a dry winter. Wait a few hours for the borehole to recover, then try again.
Low pressure
- Clogged filters: sand and sediment filters block up over time. Clean or replace the cartridges.
- Pressure tank: a pressure vessel that has lost its air charge makes the pressure surge and drop. A borehole technician can recharge it.
- A leak in the pipe between the borehole and the house.
Pump keeps switching on and off
Short cycling usually points to a pressure tank problem or a faulty pressure switch. Get it fixed quickly, because constant starting wears out the pump motor.
Sandy or cloudy water
Sand in the water can mean the pump is set too deep, the casing is damaged, or the borehole needs flushing. Sand also damages the pump, so have it checked rather than just adding filters.
When to call a borehole company
If the breaker keeps tripping, the pump runs but delivers no water, or you suspect the borehole is drying up, call a specialist. They can test the yield, check the pump and decide whether it can be repaired. See borehole pump installation and repair.