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 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.

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

Auger Drilling: An Efficient Borehole Drilling Method

At Ragnarock Drilling, we specialize in auger drilling, a highly effective technique for soil sampling, geotechnical investigations, and shallow borehole drilling. This guide explains how auger drilling works, its benefits, and its applications in construction and environmental projects.

What Is Auger Drilling?

Auger drilling is a rotary drilling method that uses a helical screw (auger) to bore into the ground and lift soil cuttings to the surface. It is best suited for:

  • Soft to medium-density soils
  • Clay and unconsolidated sediments
  • Shallow-depth drilling (typically up to 100 feet)

Types of Auger Drilling

  • Hollow Stem Auger Drilling – Allows for continuous soil sampling and tool insertion.
  • Solid Stem Auger Drilling – Used for general drilling without sampling.

How Auger Drilling Works

  1. Rig Setup – The drilling rig is positioned over the target location.
  2. Auger Penetration – The rotating auger cuts into the ground, lifting soil through its helical flights.
  3. Soil Extraction
    Hollow stem augers enable undisturbed soil sampling.
    Solid stem augers expel cuttings at the surface.
  4. Depth Completion – Drilling continues until the desired depth is reached.

Key Benefits of Auger Drilling

  • Cost-effective – Faster and more affordable than other drilling methods for shallow depths.
  • Minimal site disturbance – Low environmental impact, ideal for urban and sensitive areas.
  • High-quality soil samples – Essential for geotechnical and environmental studies.
  • Versatile applications – Used in water wells, foundation testing, and contamination studies.

Common Applications of Auger Drilling

  • Geotechnical engineering – Soil testing for construction projects.
  • Environmental site assessments – Monitoring groundwater and soil contamination.
  • Water well drilling – Installing shallow water boreholes.
  • Construction and piling – Preparing foundation sites.

Why Choose Ragnarock Drilling for Auger Drilling?

At Ragnarock Drilling, we provide:

  • Precision drilling for accurate results.
  • Fast, efficient, and eco-friendly operations.
  • Expert geotechnical and environmental solutions.

Contact us today for professional auger drilling services.