Month: August 2025

For many homes, farms, and businesses in Zimbabwe, a borehole is more than just a water source — it’s a lifeline. However, even the best boreholes are only as good as the pumps that bring water to the surface. When a borehole pump breaks down, the frustration is immediate: no water for drinking, irrigation, livestock, or business operations.

At Ragnarock Drilling, we’ve seen how borehole pump breakdowns can disrupt lives and cost clients money. In this article, we explain why borehole pumps fail, how to prevent breakdowns, and the reliable solutions we provide.

1. Why Borehole Pump Breakdowns Happen

Several issues contribute to pump failure, and understanding them helps you take proactive steps.

a) Poor Installation

Incorrect installation is one of the leading causes of pump failure. If the pump is set at the wrong depth or poorly aligned, it strains the motor and wears out faster.

b) Power Supply Problems

Zimbabwe experiences frequent power cuts and voltage fluctuations. These can burn out the motor or damage electrical components of the pump.

c) Low Water Levels

If the borehole yield is low or seasonal, running the pump when water levels drop can cause it to overheat and break down.

d) Wear and Tear

Like all machines, pumps have moving parts that wear out over time. Sand, silt, and other debris in water accelerate this process.

e) Poor-Quality Pumps

Some clients opt for cheap pumps to cut costs. Unfortunately, low-quality pumps often fail within months, leading to repeated expenses.

2. Signs Your Borehole Pump Is About to Fail

Before a pump stops working completely, there are usually warning signs:

• Water flow is weaker than normal.
• Pump runs but no water comes out.
• Strange noises during operation.
• Higher electricity bills (pump running longer than necessary).
• Frequent tripping of the breaker switch.

Ignoring these signs often results in a costly breakdown.

3. The Real Cost of Pump Breakdowns

Pump failures are not just an inconvenience — they can have serious consequences:

• Households are left without drinking water and sanitation.
• Farmers risk losing crops or livestock during critical periods.
• Businesses face downtime, especially those in construction, hospitality, or manufacturing.

In many cases, the cost of emergency repairs far exceeds regular maintenance.

4. How to Prevent Borehole Pump Breakdowns

The good news is that most pump breakdowns are preventable. Here’s how:

✔ Proper Installation – Work with professionals who understand pump placement, depth, and electrical setup.
✔ Regular Maintenance – Annual servicing keeps pumps in good condition.
✔ Water Level Monitoring – Avoid running the pump dry; invest in sensors.
✔ Quality Equipment – Buy pumps that are durable and backed by warranties.
✔ Surge Protection – Protect pumps from power surges and outages.

5. How Ragnarock Drilling Helps

At Ragnarock Drilling, we don’t just drill boreholes — we provide end-to-end water solutions.

Here’s how we protect clients from pump breakdowns:

• Expert Installation: Our technicians ensure pumps are set correctly for long-lasting performance.
• High-Quality Equipment: We source durable, tested pumps designed for Zimbabwean conditions.
• Maintenance Support: We advise clients on servicing schedules and offer professional inspections.
• Water Testing & Flushing: We reduce silt and sand in boreholes to protect pumps.
• Reliable Power Solutions: We recommend backup systems and surge protectors to safeguard against ZESA outages.

By choosing Ragnarock, you’re choosing a drilling partner that looks beyond the borehole — ensuring your pump delivers reliable water for years to come.

Conclusion

A borehole pump breakdown can be frustrating, expensive, and disruptive. But with the right installation, maintenance, and equipment, it can be avoided.

At Ragnarock Drilling, we combine expertise, quality, and transparency to ensure every borehole we drill provides not just water, but peace of mind.

👉 Don’t wait for your pump to fail. Partner with Ragnarock Drilling for sustainable, reliable water solutions.

📞 Call us today: +263 773 170 592

Drilling a borehole is one of the smartest investments for homes, farms, and businesses in Zimbabwe. With unreliable municipal water supplies and frequent shortages, having your own water source offers independence and long-term security.

However, one of the biggest challenges many people face is the high cost of borehole drilling. Before you start, it’s important to understand what drives these costs, why they can seem so expensive, and how you can make the process more affordable without sacrificing quality.

1. What Makes Borehole Drilling Expensive?

Several factors contribute to the overall cost of drilling a borehole:

a) Geological Conditions

The type of ground (rocky, sandy, clay, or mixed soils) can affect drilling costs. Harder rock requires heavier equipment, more time, and more fuel, which increases expenses.

b) Depth of Drilling

The deeper the borehole, the more expensive it becomes. In some areas of Zimbabwe, reliable aquifers can be as deep as 80–150 metres, which significantly increases the cost compared to shallow boreholes.

c) Equipment and Technology

Modern rigs, such as track-mounted RC drilling machines, come with advanced technology for precision and efficiency. While they ensure better results, the investment in equipment means drilling companies must charge accordingly.

d) Fuel and Logistics

Transporting rigs, staff, and equipment to remote locations adds to costs. Rising fuel prices in Zimbabwe also make mobilisation more expensive.

e) Permits and Compliance

In some cases, local councils or water authorities require permits and compliance paperwork, which add to overall project costs.

f) Labour and Expertise

Skilled drillers, hydrogeologists, and technicians are required to ensure proper site surveys, drilling accuracy, and pump installation. Expertise comes at a price but reduces the risk of borehole failure.

2. Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

Unfortunately, not all drilling companies are transparent about pricing. Some lure clients with low upfront quotes but add hidden fees later. Common hidden costs include:

• Extra charges for casing and lining.
• Unexpected fuel surcharges.
• Additional pump and piping costs.
• Post-drilling flushing and testing fees.

This is why working with a reputable company that provides all-inclusive quotes is essential.

3. The True Cost of Choosing Cheap Drilling

While everyone wants to save money, cutting corners in borehole drilling can be disastrous. Cheap drilling often means:

• No proper geological survey.
• Poor-quality casing and materials.
• Incomplete or shallow boreholes.
• Low or unreliable water yield.

In the long run, this means spending more money to fix or redo the borehole.

4. How to Manage Borehole Drilling Costs

Even though borehole drilling is expensive, there are ways to manage costs wisely:

✔ Choose Transparent Drilling Companies

Work with drillers who provide a full, itemised quote upfront with no hidden fees.

✔ Do a Hydrogeological Survey

A proper survey reduces the risk of drilling in the wrong location and increases the chance of hitting a high-yield aquifer.

✔ Select the Right Borehole Depth

Avoid drilling deeper than necessary. Professionals can guide you on the average depths for your area.

✔ Invest in Quality Pumps and Equipment

Durable pumps may be costly upfront but save money long-term by reducing breakdowns.

✔ Plan for the Long Term

A borehole is a 20–30 year investment. Spending more upfront on reliable drilling ensures consistent water supply and reduces future expenses.

5. How Ragnarock Drilling Provides Affordable, Reliable Solutions

At Ragnarock Drilling, we understand the financial burden of drilling. That’s why we provide:

• Transparent, all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees.
• Hydrogeological surveys before drilling to increase success rates.
• Modern rigs and skilled drillers for efficient, accurate work.
• End-to-end service, including pump installation and borehole flushing.
• Long-term value, ensuring your borehole is sustainable and cost-effective.

Conclusion

Yes, borehole drilling in Zimbabwe can be costly — but it’s also one of the best long-term investments you can make for water security. By understanding what drives costs and choosing a reliable drilling partner, you can protect your investment, avoid hidden expenses, and ensure a sustainable water source for decades.

When it comes to drilling, cheap is expensive. Choose transparency, expertise, and reliability.

👉 Contact Ragnarock Drilling today for affordable, professional borehole solutions.

📞 +263 773 170 592

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Drilling a borehole is one of the most important investments for homes, farms, and businesses in Zimbabwe. It promises independence from unreliable municipal water supply and ensures access to clean water. However, one of the most frustrating challenges borehole owners face is unreliable water yield.

What is Borehole Yield?

Borehole yield refers to the amount of water that can be sustainably drawn from a borehole over time. A high-yield borehole provides enough water to meet household or agricultural needs, while a low-yield borehole struggles to keep up, forcing owners to ration water or seek alternatives.

Why Do Some Boreholes Have Low or Unreliable Yields?

1. Poor Geological Surveying – Without proper hydrogeological studies, drilling is often guesswork. Some drillers dig blindly, which increases the risk of striking a weak aquifer.
2. Seasonal Variations – Groundwater levels fluctuate, especially during droughts, reducing output in certain regions.
3. Over-pumping – Drawing water too quickly can reduce pressure in the aquifer, lowering yield.
4. Poor Drilling Practices – Inadequate casing, wrong depth, or poor finishing can affect water flow.

The Impact on Borehole Owners

For homeowners, a borehole with unreliable yield means:

• Constant frustration with trickling taps.
• High costs in pumping with little return.
• Dependency on water deliveries during shortages.
• Reduced property value, since water security is a key selling point.

How to Avoid This Problem

• Work with professional drillers who conduct geological surveys before drilling.
• Drill to the correct depth based on the area’s water table.
• Invest in yield testing to confirm sustainable water flow.
• Choose a reputable company with a proven track record, like Ragnarock Drilling, which ensures scientific surveys and reliable drilling practices.

Conclusion

While borehole drilling is a smart investment, ignoring geological assessments can lead to disappointment. Protect your investment by choosing experts who guarantee not just a borehole, but a reliable and sustainable water source.