Borehole Drilling, Pump Installation and Water System Commissioning

Complete borehole water system solutions

A reliable borehole water supply requires more than drilling a hole and installing a pump. The borehole must be properly assessed, the pump correctly selected, the rising main and electrical controls appropriately installed, and the complete system tested before normal operation.

Pro-Logic Technologies Limited provides technical support for borehole pump installation, water system integration, electrical controls, pump testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning. For drilling-related projects, coordination with the borehole drilling contractor is important to ensure that the finished borehole and pumping equipment work together effectively.

1. Borehole project planning and assessment

Before installing a borehole pump, establish the expected water demand, intended use, site conditions, and available borehole information. Domestic properties, apartment buildings, farms, schools, and commercial premises have different water requirements.

The planning stage should consider the borehole depth, casing diameter, static water level, expected pumping water level, available yield information, and proposed storage arrangements.

Where a new borehole is planned, the relevant permissions, hydrogeological assessment, drilling arrangements, and applicable water-resource requirements should be addressed before work begins.

A pump should not be selected solely according to the total depth of the borehole. The correct selection depends on the required flow, total dynamic head, borehole performance, and electrical supply.

2. Borehole drilling and construction considerations

Borehole construction affects the long-term reliability of the water supply. The drilling contractor should establish suitable construction details for the ground conditions and intended use.

Important considerations include casing, borehole development, sanitary protection, surface drainage, and measures to reduce the risk of contamination entering the groundwater.

After drilling, available records should be reviewed to establish the borehole's dimensions, construction details, water-level observations, and yield-test results.

The borehole should be properly developed and assessed before the permanent pumping system is commissioned. Persistent sand or sediment should be investigated rather than automatically addressed by installing a larger pump.

3. Selecting a suitable submersible borehole pump

A submersible pump operates below the water level and pushes water through the rising main to the surface. Correct selection is essential for dependable operation.

The main selection factors include:

• Required flow rate and daily water demand.
• Total dynamic head, including elevation and friction losses.
• Pumping water level under operating conditions.
• Borehole casing diameter and installation clearance.
• Motor voltage, phase, frequency, and power rating.
• Water quality and the presence of abrasive particles.
• Operating hours and control requirements.

The pump should operate within its recommended performance range and should not extract water faster than the borehole can sustainably supply.

Where demand varies throughout the day, storage tanks and appropriate control arrangements may help balance pumping with water consumption.

4. Pump installation and rising main connections

Correct installation helps reduce mechanical damage, leakage, and future maintenance problems.

Before installation, inspect the pump, motor cable, rising main, joints, valves, and lifting arrangement. Confirm that the components are compatible with the pump and expected operating conditions.

The pump should be lowered using suitable equipment and a safe handling procedure. The electrical cable must be supported and protected against damage during installation.

The rising main should be suitable for the operating pressure and properly connected. The design may include a non-return valve, isolation valves, and other fittings as required.

The pump must be installed at an appropriate depth based on borehole construction, operating water levels, manufacturer requirements, and the need to maintain adequate submergence.

5. Electrical installation and motor protection

A borehole pump depends on a suitable electrical supply and correctly configured protection equipment.

The electrical installation should be assessed for supply voltage, phase configuration, cable size, earthing, control equipment, and motor rating.

Depending on the installation, protection may be required against overload, short circuits, phase failure, abnormal voltage, and dry running. The specific arrangement should be compatible with the motor and pump manufacturer's instructions.

Control equipment may include contactors, overload relays, circuit breakers, level controllers, pressure switches, or variable-frequency drives where appropriate.

Electrical installation and testing should be carried out by a suitably qualified person. Isolate the supply and verify that equipment is de-energised before opening a control panel or handling electrical connections.

6. Water storage and distribution

The borehole pump may deliver water into a storage tank before it is distributed to the property.

Tank capacity should be based on expected demand, available borehole yield, pumping hours, and the desired reserve. A tank that is too small may not meet peak demand, while a very large tank may be unnecessary if the water supply and consumption pattern do not justify it.

Tank installation also requires a suitable foundation, protected inlet and outlet connections, safe overflow discharge, and access for inspection and cleaning.

Where gravity pressure is insufficient, a separate booster pump may be required. The booster should be selected according to the required flow and pressure at the distribution points.

7. Automatic pump controls

Automatic controls can help coordinate borehole pumping with tank levels, pressure requirements, and protective functions.

A tank-level controller may stop the borehole pump when the tank is full and request pumping when the stored water reaches a lower level. Appropriate control logic should also prevent unsuitable operation when insufficient water is available.

A pressure switch or electronic controller may be used for a booster pump. In selected applications, a variable-frequency drive may help regulate pressure by adjusting motor speed.

The control settings should be configured for the specific installation. Incorrect settings can cause frequent starting and stopping, unstable pressure, or unnecessary pump operation.

After installation, test the complete control sequence to confirm that start, stop, and protective functions operate as intended.

8. Borehole pump testing and commissioning

Commissioning confirms whether the installed system operates according to its design requirements.

Testing may include:

1. Inspecting the pump, rising main, fittings, and electrical installation.
2. Confirming that the control panel and protective devices are correctly configured.
3. Measuring delivered flow rate and pressure.
4. Checking operating voltage and motor current.
5. Inspecting for leaks, abnormal noise, and excessive vibration.
6. Testing tank-level and pressure controls.
7. Monitoring the pumping water level where measurement is available.
8. Checking that the system operates without repeated unexplained trips.
9. Recording relevant operating readings.
10. Documenting any outstanding faults or maintenance recommendations.

If the pump delivers little water or the pumping water level falls excessively, stop and investigate. Possible causes include insufficient borehole yield, incorrect pump selection, pipe leakage, restrictions, or a pump fault.

A successful startup alone does not establish that the pump is operating efficiently or that the borehole can sustain the required demand.

9. Common problems in newly installed borehole systems

Low water output

Possible causes include an unsuitable pump, excessive head, a restricted pipe, leakage, or inadequate borehole yield. Flow and water-level measurements help distinguish between these problems.

The pump repeatedly trips

Investigate the supply, motor current, cable, control panel, protective settings, and possible mechanical faults. Repeatedly resetting a tripping device without diagnosis is unsafe.

The tank does not fill

Check the pump's operating condition, tank-level controls, delivery pipe, valves, and water availability in the borehole.

Water contains sand or sediment

Investigate borehole development, the pumping rate, the pump's installation position, and the condition of the borehole. Persistent sediment can damage pumping equipment and may require a separate borehole assessment.

Water pressure is weak

Check whether the issue is caused by insufficient pump head, pipe friction, leaks, the storage arrangement, or a distribution booster that is not operating correctly.

10. Borehole maintenance after commissioning

A maintenance programme helps identify developing faults and monitor changes in performance.

Maintenance activities may include checking the control panel, reviewing motor current, inspecting accessible pipework, testing automatic controls, and recording changes in flow and pressure.

Where possible, maintain records of the pump model, motor rating, installation depth, cable details, commissioning readings, repair history, and water-level observations.

The maintenance schedule should reflect the manufacturer's recommendations, water quality, operating hours, and site conditions.

If the water supply changes suddenly, investigate the cause rather than assuming that the pump needs immediate replacement.

11. Borehole water quality and storage hygiene

Water intended for drinking requires appropriate quality assessment. Clear water is not necessarily safe to consume.

Testing should be selected according to the intended use and possible contamination risks. Depending on the circumstances, it may include microbiological parameters, turbidity, pH, dissolved minerals, and relevant chemical contaminants.

Storage tanks should have suitable covers and protected openings. The tank, overflow, and connected pipework should be maintained to reduce contamination risks.

Where treatment is required, select equipment based on laboratory results and verify that the treatment process meets the applicable requirements.

12. Borehole systems for homes, farms, and commercial premises

Residential properties: Plan for household consumption, tank capacity, suitable pump performance, and reliable automatic controls.

Apartment buildings: Consider peak demand, multiple storage tanks, distribution pressure, and maintenance access.

Farms: Match pumping and storage arrangements to irrigation schedules, livestock requirements, and sustainable borehole yield.

Schools and institutions: Consider daily consumption, water storage, automatic operation, and continuity of supply.

Commercial facilities: Assess operating demand, control requirements, pressure needs, and the consequences of water-supply interruptions.

Every project should be assessed individually because water demand, geology, borehole yield, electrical supply, and installation conditions differ.

Frequently asked questions

Does every borehole need a submersible pump?

No. Pump selection depends on the water source, water level, required delivery head, and application. A submersible pump is common for deep boreholes, but the appropriate equipment should be determined from the actual site conditions.

How do I know whether a borehole can supply enough water?

A suitable yield assessment or pumping test can help establish the borehole's performance. The sustainable pumping rate should be considered when selecting the pump and planning daily demand.

Should the pump be installed immediately after drilling?

The borehole should first be assessed and prepared for pumping. Construction records, development, water-level information, and relevant testing should inform the installation and commissioning process.

Why is commissioning necessary?

Commissioning helps confirm that the pump, electrical protection, pipework, and automatic controls operate correctly. It also provides baseline measurements for future maintenance.

Can a larger pump solve all borehole water problems?

No. A larger pump may not improve delivery if the cause is inadequate borehole yield, a leaking pipe, incorrect controls, or another system fault. Pump selection must match the actual hydraulic conditions.

How can I improve the reliability of my borehole water supply?

Use suitable equipment, commission the complete system, monitor flow and pressure, maintain electrical protection, keep storage tanks clean, and investigate changes in performance promptly.

Contact Pro-Logic Technologies Limited

For borehole pump installation support, electrical controls, pump testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and water system maintenance, contact Pro-Logic Technologies Limited.

Phone: 0723763173

Website: https://prologictecnologies.co.ke

When requesting an assessment, provide the borehole depth, pump model, motor rating, available yield information, storage tank capacity, and details of the problem.

A dependable borehole water system combines suitable borehole construction, correct pump selection, safe electrical installation, and verified commissioning.