Long Waiting Times for Borehole Drilling: Why It Happens and How Ragnarock Solves It

In Zimbabwe, demand for boreholes has grown rapidly as households, farms, and businesses look for reliable water solutions. Unfortunately, many customers face long waiting times for drilling, sometimes stretching into weeks or even months. These delays can be frustrating and costly, especially when water is urgently needed.

At Ragnarock Drilling, we understand that time is critical. That’s why we’ve invested in systems, technology, and teams that ensure drilling is done efficiently and on schedule.


1. Why Long Waiting Times Happen

Several factors cause delays in borehole drilling projects:

a) Overbooked Drilling Companies

Some companies accept more projects than they can handle, creating long backlogs.

b) Poor Scheduling

Inefficient planning often results in wasted time between jobs and delayed mobilisation.

c) Limited Equipment

Companies with only one or two rigs may struggle to meet demand, especially during peak dry seasons when requests spike.

d) Logistical Challenges

Transporting rigs and equipment to remote areas can take time if not planned properly.

e) Unreliable Contractors

Sadly, some companies make promises they cannot keep, leaving clients waiting indefinitely.


2. The Impact of Delays

Long waiting times affect more than just schedules:

  • Households go without safe drinking water and sanitation.
  • Farmers miss critical planting or irrigation windows, leading to crop losses.
  • Businesses face operational setbacks without reliable water.
  • Costs rise, as clients may need to buy water deliveries while waiting.

Time lost is money lost — especially in agriculture and business.


3. How Ragnarock Drilling Solves the Problem

At Ragnarock Drilling, we believe every client deserves timely, efficient service. Here’s how we eliminate long waiting times:

✔ Multiple Advanced Rigs

We operate modern track-mounted rigs capable of handling projects in different locations at the same time, reducing backlogs.

✔ Efficient Scheduling

Our project management system ensures drilling teams are mobilised quickly and efficiently. No wasted time, no unnecessary delays.

✔ Experienced Teams

Our trained staff know how to work quickly without compromising quality, ensuring projects are completed within agreed timelines.

✔ Accessibility to Remote Areas

With track-mounted rigs, we can reach difficult terrain faster than traditional trucks, saving days of lost time.

✔ Commitment to Clients

We never overbook. We give realistic timelines and deliver on our promises — building trust through reliability.


4. Why Choose Ragnarock?

By choosing Ragnarock Drilling, you get:

  • Fast turnaround times — drilling done when you need it.
  • Reliable scheduling — no empty promises, only results.
  • Professional teams — quality and speed combined.
  • Peace of mind — water solutions delivered on time, every time.

Conclusion

Long waiting times for borehole drilling are a common pain point across Zimbabwe, but they don’t have to be your reality. At Ragnarock Drilling, we combine advanced rigs, professional teams, and efficient planning to ensure your project is completed quickly and reliably.

👉 Don’t wait weeks or months for water. Contact Ragnarock Drilling today and experience service you can trust.

📞 +263 773 170 592

Borehole Pump Breakdowns: Causes, Prevention, and Solutions in Zimbabwe

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.

A borehole pump technician in Zimbabwe inspects and repairs a water pump beside a borehole, highlighting the challenges of pump breakdowns and the importance of maintenance for reliable water supply.

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

Why Borehole Drilling Costs Are High – And How to Manage Them in Zimbabwe

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.

Why Borehole Drilling Costs Are High in Zimbabwe.

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

Unreliable Water Yield: The Hidden Risk of Borehole Drilling in Zimbabwe


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.

Unreliable Water Yield: The Hidden Risk of Borehole Drilling in Zimbabwe

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.

Why Choose Ragnarock?

Access to clean, reliable water is essential for homes, farms, and businesses across Zimbabwe. At Ragnarock Drilling, we specialize in delivering fast, deep, and sustainable water solutions, no matter how remote your location is.

Ragnarock Drilling – Your Trusted Water Drilling Experts in Zimbabwe

Access to clean, reliable water is essential for homes, farms, and businesses across Zimbabwe. At Ragnarock Drilling, we specialize in delivering fast, deep, and sustainable water solutions, no matter how remote your location is.

1. Fast & Reliable Water Solutions

Time is critical when you need water. Our expert team uses advanced drilling technology to reach deep, clean water sources quickly, ensuring you never run dry.

2. We Drill Anywhere – No Matter the Challenge

Whether you need water for:

  • Homes
  • Farms
  • Schools
  • Remote locations without road access

…we have the expertise and equipment to get the job done. No road? No problem!

3. Precision & Quality Guaranteed

Every drilling project is handled with accuracy and care to ensure long-lasting water supply. We don’t just drill—we deliver sustainable solutions you can depend on.

Get Your Water Solution Today!

Don’t let water scarcity disrupt your life or business. Ragnarock Drilling is here to provide efficient, high-quality water drilling services across Zimbabwe.

📞 Call us now: +263 773 170 592
🌐 Visit: ragnarock.co.zw

Your water. Your future. Trust Ragnarock.

7 Reasons why  Ragnarock Drilling Track‑Mounted RC Rig is a Game Changer

Ragnarock now operates a powerful track-mounted Reverse Circulation rig, engineered for maximum precision and mobility across rugged terrain. It enables deeper drilling (up to 500 m) while maintaining stable, aligned hole trajectories

With RC drilling technology, clients receive clean, uncontaminated core samples efficiently. This allows faster progress and reliable water source planning in both farm and commercial settings .

The rig’s built-in dust collection system and cyclonic sediment extraction keep the drilling site clean and eco-friendly. This means less soil disruption, no toxic runoff, and better compliance with environmental standards .

Mounted on robust tracks, the rig easily navigates soft soil and off-road terrain, making it ideal for rural and remote locations where traditional rigs struggle to access .

Equipped with a powerful 385 kW Cummins engine, hydraulic rod changer, and adjustable mast, the rig operates with impressive torque and precision up to 500 meters deep, drilling fast without compromising safety or sample quality.

Minimal manual handling of heavy drill rods, remote control options, and automated rod breakers significantly reduce risk to operators. The rig’s design follows modern safety best practices across Zimbabwe’s challenging terrains .

Whether for community water supply, agricultural boreholes, mineral exploration, or deep geotechnical drilling, Ragnarock’s new rig adapts seamlessly to each job type with unmatched speed, depth, and reliability.

Ragnarock Drilling combines cutting-edge equipment with expertise and local service. Their new track-mounted RC rig elevates water access projects by delivering deeper drilling, clean sampling, environmental protection, and site safety—all across the toughest terrain in Zimbabwe.

📞  +263 773 170 592 Contact Ragnarock today to deploy this advanced rig on your next project.

Introducing Our New Track-Mounted RC Drilling Rig – High Precision, Deep Reach & Low Environmental Impact

Welcome to the newest addition to our fleet! One of the key features of our track-mounted drilling rig is its mobility. Equipped with tracks instead of wheels, this rig can traverse rugged terrains, including muddy, rocky, or uneven surfaces. The design allows it to easily access remote and challenging drilling sites. Being track-based provides a more stable platform, resulting in better hole alignment. Our track-mounted rig can reach depths of up to 250 meters in rugged terrain, while also reducing environmental impact due to its increased manoeuvrability, which leaves a smaller footprint.

Gold RC Drilling  in Shamva

 Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling ideally produces dry rock chips, as large air compressors dry out the rock ahead of the advancing drill. This method is one of the most popular for mineral exploration drilling.

 Reverse Circulation drilling uses rods with inner and outer tubes, allowing drill cuttings to return to the surface inside the rods. The drilling mechanism employs a pneumatic reciprocating piston, known as a hammer, which drives a tungsten-steel drill bit. Reverse circulation is achieved by blowing air down the annulus, creating differential pressure that the cuttings up the inner tube within each rod. This material reaches the deflector box at the top of the drill string, then moves through a sample hose attached to the top of the cyclone.

 Our cyclone is equipped with two sample boxes and a built-in splitter. The drill cuttings travel around the inside of the cyclone until they fall through an opening at the bottom, where they are collected in a sample bag. For each drill hole, there will be a large number of sample bags, each marked to record the location and drilling depth from which the sample was obtained at 1 meter intervals . These sample bags are later taken for analysis to determine the mineral composition of the drilled hole. The analysis results for each individual bag represent the mineral composition at a specific sample point in the drill hole. Geologists can then review the ground analysis and make informed decisions about the value of the overall mineral deposit. Reverse Circulation drilling is one of the more cost-effective options for surface drilling. Generally, RC drilling is slower and more expensive than other methods like RAB but it achieves better sample recovery and has little to no cross contamination. It is also cheaper than Dimond (core sampling ) Drilling.

Deepening & Flushing – Revitalize Your Borehole with Ragnarock Drilling

Is your borehole underperforming? Experiencing reduced water flow, silted screens, or discolored water? It may be time for deepening and flushing services in Zimbabwe, and Ragnarock Drilling is here to help.

What is Borehole Deepening?

Borehole deepening involves re-drilling an existing borehole to a greater depth. This technique:

  • Expands the water storage zone
  • Connects to deeper, more productive aquifers
  • Boosts water yield significantly

Our expert guidance—often in collaboration with a qualified water diviner—ensures deepening targets zones with the highest potential.

What is Borehole Flushing?

Flushing entails circulating water or compressed air through the borehole to:

  • Remove sediment, debris, and silt
  • Restore purity and flow
  • Extend borehole lifespan by preventing clogging

In Zimbabwe, borehole flushing is essential—especially when dealing with red soils or sandy formations where filters and screens are prone to clogging.

Benefits of Deepening & Flushing

  1. Increased Water Yield Deepening taps into deeper layers, and flushing clears blockages—together, they maximize water production.
  2. Improved Water Quality Flushing removes fine sediments and mineral deposits, leading to cleaner, clearer water.
  3. Extended Borehole Longevity Regular maintenance reduces pump wear and prevents complete blockage.
  4. Cost‑Effective Solution Revitalizing a borehole through deepening and flushing is often more affordable than drilling a new one.

Ragnarock Drilling’s Process

Here’s how we deliver reliable deepening and flushing services:

  1. Assessment and Site Analysis We inspect current borehole performance, sediment levels, and geology using hydrogeological methods and water diviners where necessary.
  2. Deepening The borehole is carefully extended into deeper aquifers using precision drilling rigs and techniques suited to the local ground conditions.
  3. Flushing and Cleaning We use high-pressure water or compressed air to dislodge and evacuate sediments until the discharge runs clear.
  4. Completion Testing We conduct capacity testing to measure improved yield and assess water clarity.
  5. Pump Reinstallation Our team reinstalls or upgrades your pump system, optimizing it for the updated borehole specifications.

Why Work with Ragnarock Drilling

  • Industry experience since 2020, serving clients across Zimbabwe
  • Advanced drilling fleet for precision and efficiency
  • Skilled Operations Managers overseeing each project
  • Services tailored for domestic, agricultural, and community water needs

Contact Us to Restore Your Borehole

Stop struggling with low flow or poor water quality. Reach out to Ragnarock Drilling today for a complete deepening and flushing consultation tailored to your borehole’s performance.

Call us now to schedule a site assessment and restore your water supply.

Stages of Drilling a Borehole in Zimbabwe – A Guide by Ragnarock Drilling

Are you planning to invest in a borehole for your home, farm, or business? Understanding the borehole drilling process in Zimbabwe can help you make informed decisions. At Ragnarock Drilling (Pvt) Ltd, we simplify the process and provide professional, efficient, and affordable borehole drilling services across the country.

In this post, we walk you through the step-by-step stages of drilling a borehole, so you know exactly what to expect when you work with us.

1. Site Survey and Hydrogeological Study

Before any drilling begins, our experts conduct a site survey to determine the best location for your borehole. This may include:

  • Hydrogeological surveys to locate underground water sources
  • Evaluating terrain and access routes
  • Assessing environmental and legal considerations

This step is crucial for ensuring that drilling is successful and cost-effective.

2. Borehole Drilling

Once the site is approved, our team begins the actual drilling process using suitable techniques based on the ground formation:

  • Mud rotary drilling
  • Auger drilling
  • Odex drilling
  • Reverse circulation (RC) drilling (for deeper or more complex projects)

Our modern drilling rigs can handle any terrain across Zimbabwe with minimal disruption to the environment.

3. Borehole Casing and Installation

After reaching the required depth, we insert a borehole casing to stabilize the borehole walls and prevent collapse. This stage includes:

  • Installing PVC or steel casing
  • Gravel packing to filter sediments
  • Sealing with bentonite or cement grout

This protects your water source and improves borehole longevity.

4. Borehole Development and Flushing

Next, we develop the borehole by cleaning out loose sediments and improving water inflow. This is done through:

  • Air-lifting
  • Jetting and surging
  • Flushing using clean water

This step ensures your borehole delivers clean, sediment-free water.

5. Pump Installation and Testing

We install a submersible or bush pump, depending on your water needs and budget. This is followed by:

  • Capacity (yield) testing to measure water flow rate
  • Pump testing and calibration

We ensure your pump system is efficient, durable, and perfectly matched to your borehole specifications.

6. Final Inspection and Handover

Finally, we perform a full system inspection and provide you with:

  • A completion report
  • Usage and maintenance guidelines
  • Expert advice on borehole management

With Ragnarock Drilling, you don’t just get a borehole—you get a complete water solution backed by a professional team.

Why Trust Ragnarock Drilling?

  • Established in April 2020, serving clients across Zimbabwe
  • A team of highly skilled engineers and technicians
  • Equipped with advanced drilling rigs for all terrains
  • Services include borehole deeping, flushing, capacity testing, and pump installations

We’re committed to reliable, high-performance borehole drilling with personalised service and affordable pricing

Get Started With Ragnarock Drilling Today!

Ready to drill a borehole? Whether for domestic, agricultural, or community use, Ragnarock Drilling is your trusted partner for quality, professionalism, and dependable results.

Contact us now to schedule a site visit or request a free consultation