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.