In South Africa, we often have periods of drought and an unreliable supply of municipal water, with water “shedding”, or water restrictions.
A borehole can provide stability when municipal systems fail or are rationed.
For farms, plots, and rural communities, boreholes are practical for domestic and irrigation water.
Our guide answers common questions about a borehole pump, explores popular models (including solar options), and helps you understand how installation and pricing work:
We answer:
- What Is a borehole pump?
- Types of borehole pumps
- What size borehole pump do I need? Common sizes.
- What’s involved in borehole pump installation?
- How much does it cost to install a borehole pump? Typical cost range
What Is a Borehole Pump?
A borehole pump is a type of submersible pump that is designed to be submerged in water and has a sealed motor that stops water getting in. It extracts water from an underground borehole.
These pumps are usually narrow and cylindrical, allowing them to fit into the small-diameter boreholes typically drilled for water access.
Types of Borehole Pumps:
1. Electric Borehole Pumps
Submersible type electric borehole pumps are the most common borehole pumps used, and are powered by mains electricity. They’re reliable for both low- and high-demand uses.
See Prices for Electric Borehole Pumps and Borehole Pump Kits here
2. Solar Borehole Pumps
A solar borehole pump runs on power generated by solar panels. These are ideal for remote or off-grid areas in South Africa.
Benefits:
- Zero electricity cost
- Low maintenance
- Ideal for farms and rural homes
A solar borehole kit typically includes:
- Pump controller
- Submersible pump
- Cabling and brackets
- Solar panels will be needed (they are usually not part of the kit, you may need to use your own or ask the supplier for suitable solar panels to be included)
3. Borehole Pump Kits
You get both electric and solar borehole pump kits in South Africa.
An electric borehole pump kit typically includes:
- Cable: submersible insulated cable that is SABS approved.
- Cable Joint: an epoxy cable joint kit.
- Control Box: provides pump protection and control, with a direct start and thermal protection with an external manual reset.
- Male Adaptors: these are mechanical compression fittings designed to withstand working pressures of up to 16bar.
- Nylon Rope: an 8mm nylon safety rope.
- Wet-End: this part comprises the base and upper support, which are made from precision-cast stainless steel, and has a built-in non-return valve.
- Baseplate: A base-plate with an integrated cable gland is part of the kit.
- Motor: The kit contains a submersible motor. Parts that come into contact with water are made from stainless steel, and it comes with a removable lead out cable.
See Prices for Solar Borehole Pumps and Borehole Pump Kits here
Choosing the Right Borehole Pump Size
What size borehole pump do I need?
The size of the pump you need depends on:
- Depth of the borehole
- Daily water demand
- Flow rate required (litres per hour)
- Static water level (how far down water begins)
- Water quality
Common Borehole Pump Sizes:
- 0.37 kW borehole pump: Ideal for shallow wells and low water demand
- 0.75 kW borehole pump: Good for medium household use or small-scale irrigation
- 1.5 kW borehole pump: Suitable for large households or small commercial/agricultural setups
- 2.2 kW borehole pump: Best for high-volume pumping or large-scale irrigation
Not sure what’s the best size for your borehole?
Contact us here to ask a question.
Borehole Pump Installations
What’s involved in borehole pump installation?
Installing a borehole pump involves several steps:
- Settling time
Once the drilling for the borehole has been completed, you need to allow some time for it to settle – generally 2-3 days, but this can be up to a few weeks, depending on the stability of the area.
- Yield Test
The borehole is inspected and tested to find the depth of the borehole and the flow rate (how much water / hour it produces).
- Correct size of water pump and motor is purchased
It’s important to get advice on the right sized pump, or you could have problems, such as low water pressure or a pump that wears out before it should.
- The borehole pump is installed
Installation involves the electrical / solar setup, running pipes and cables to the surface, and setting up the control panel and protection devices.
- Final testing and commissioning
Includes electrical testing, pump operation, water flow rate and final adjustments.
Pump pre-commissioning and commissioning is necessary in some industries to ensure that the pump is operating properly. Our technical experts can perform a pump commissioning to validate the operation of a pump.
Professional borehole pump installation services
A borehole pump needs to be installed by professionals for safety, warranty protection and long-term performance.
Borehole Pump Installation Prices in South Africa
How much does it cost to install a borehole pump?
The cost to install a borehole pump varies depending firstly on the depth of the borehole and also the pump size, type of pump, and complexity of the installation.
Average pump installation costs in South Africa (2025):
Installing a borehole water pump in South Africa typically costs R10,000 to R20,000, depending on the size of the pump.
This would be the cost of the pump installation only – excluding the preceding work done to drill and construct the borehole, and the pump itself.
| Pump Size | Typical Pump Installation Price Range |
|---|---|
| 0.37 kW borehole pump | R9,000 – R11,000 |
| 0.75 kW borehole pump | R10,000 – R14,000 |
| 1.5 kW borehole pump | R12,000 – R22,000 |
| 2.2 kW borehole pump | R18,000 – R30,000 |
| Solar pump kits | R20,000 – R45,000 |
Where to Buy Borehole Pumps in South Africa
Good quality water pumps for boreholes can be bought from a reputable pump supplier. Many can also be bought online.
It’s a good idea to look for a pump supply company that also has a technical team with several years experience in the pump industry. They will be able to provide practical advice on pump selection and servicing.
By installing and servicing pumps, they will have real experience in which pumps work best under typical South African conditions and provide back-up service.
How to compare borehole pump prices?
When comparing borehole pump prices, it’s important to look beyond just the unit cost.
Check for:
- Correct size pump for your water depth and flow needs
- Pump material suited to the water quality you will be pumping
- Reputable brand
- Length of guarantee
- Local service and support by the pump company
- Availability of spare parts
Getting the incorrect sized pump for your borehole will lead to a shorter pump lifespan, so be sure to check this with the pump supplier.
Next Steps:
See prices for borehole pumps and borehole pump kits in South Africa here:
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