What is a Borehole CCTV Inspection?
A borehole CCTV inspection is a non-destructive diagnostic procedure that uses a high-definition downhole camera to visually inspect the interior of your borehole. The camera is lowered into the borehole on a cable, transmitting real-time video to a surface monitor. This allows hydrogeologists and technicians to see exactly what's happening inside your borehole—without any excavation or disruption.
At WaterLink Limited, a WRA licensed borehole drilling company with Class A status, we use CCTV inspections to diagnose problems that would otherwise remain hidden until catastrophic failure occurs. This guide explains everything you need to know about borehole CCTV inspection in Kenya.
Key Fact: CCTV inspection is the only way to visually confirm the condition of your borehole casing, screen, and pump without expensive excavation or drilling.
Why CCTV Inspection is Essential
Your borehole is an investment—often costing KES 800,000 to KES 2,500,000 or more. Here's why regular CCTV inspection is essential:
- Prevents Catastrophic Failure: Catch problems early before they lead to borehole collapse or loss of water supply.
- Saves Money: A KES 40,000 inspection can prevent a KES 400,000 repair or KES 1.5 million borehole replacement.
- Extends Borehole Life: Early detection and repair can extend your borehole's lifespan by 10-20 years.
- Protects Water Quality: Detects casing damage that could allow surface contamination to enter your water supply.
- Ensures Pump Safety: Inspects casing condition before pump removal or installation to prevent stuck pumps.
- Provides Documentation: Video evidence for insurance claims, property sales, or legal disputes.
- Peace of Mind: Know exactly what's happening in your borehole with visual confirmation.
Warning: Most borehole problems develop slowly over years. By the time you notice symptoms (like sediment or yield loss), damage is already significant. CCTV inspections catch problems before symptoms appear.
Problems a CCTV Inspection Can Detect
A CCTV inspection reveals a wide range of potential problems:
Casing Cracks
Vertical or spiral cracks in steel or uPVC casing that can allow sand and sediment to enter the borehole.
✓ DetectableCorrosion Damage
Rust, pitting, or thinning of steel casing caused by aggressive groundwater chemistry.
✓ DetectableCollapsed Casing
Section of casing that has collapsed or deformed, restricting pump access and water flow.
⚠ CriticalScreen Blockage
Clogged screen openings from mineral scale, iron bacteria, or sediment buildup.
✓ DetectableSediment Accumulation
Sand, silt, or debris at the bottom of the borehole reducing effective depth.
✓ DetectablePipe Misalignment
Bent or offset casing joints that can damage pumps or prevent installation.
✓ DetectablePump Installation Issues
Submersible pump condition, hanging depth, and signs of damage or wear.
✓ DetectableLeaks or Perforations
Holes in casing from corrosion or damage that allow water to enter from the wrong zone.
✓ DetectableWaterLink Insight: Our CCTV inspections are thorough—we capture high-definition video of every section of your borehole, from the wellhead to the bottom.
Signs You Need a CCTV Inspection
Watch for these warning signs that indicate you need a CCTV inspection:
- Sand or sediment in water: Indicates casing or screen damage.
- Decreased water yield: The borehole is producing less water than before.
- Water quality changes: Sudden changes in taste, color, or odor.
- Pump problems: Frequent cycling, overheating, or difficulty removing the pump.
- Unusual noises from borehole: Grinding or scraping sounds.
- Visible damage at wellhead: Cracks or damage visible at the top.
- Rising electricity bills: The pump is working harder than normal.
- Before pump replacement: Always inspect before removing or replacing a pump.
- After nearby construction: Ground movement can damage casing.
- Every 2-3 years as part of regular maintenance: Recommended for all boreholes.
Pro Tip: Don't wait for symptoms. A CCTV inspection every 2-3 years is the best way to catch problems early and avoid costly emergencies.
The CCTV Inspection Process
Here's what happens during a professional CCTV inspection with WaterLink Limited:
Pre-Inspection Setup
Our technician sets up the CCTV equipment, including the camera, cable reel, and monitor. The pump may need to be removed for a full inspection.
Camera Descent
The high-definition camera is lowered into the borehole at a controlled speed. Real-time video is displayed on the surface monitor.
Visual Inspection
Our technician inspects every section of the borehole, noting casing condition, screen condition, sediment, and any anomalies.
Video Recording
The entire inspection is recorded in high definition for your records and future reference.
Camera Ascent
The camera is slowly retrieved while continuing to record, providing a second view of the borehole.
Inspection Report
We prepare a detailed report with our findings, photos, and recommendations for any repairs or maintenance needed.
WaterLink Standard: Our CCTV inspections are thorough and professional. We provide you with a video recording and a detailed inspection report.
What the Inspection Reveals
A CCTV inspection provides clear visual evidence of your borehole's condition:
What You'll See in the Video
- Casing condition: Clear, detailed views of the casing interior
- Screen condition: Visible clogging, damage, or sediment accumulation
- Water levels: The static water level is visible in the video
- Sediment: Sand, silt, or debris at the bottom
- Casing joints: Visible connection points between casing sections
- Damage markers: Any cracks, holes, or deformations
- Pump condition: Visual inspection of pump if still installed
What the Report Provides
- Summary of findings: Clear explanation of any problems detected
- Photographic evidence: Still images from the video of any issues
- Repair recommendations: Specific recommendations for any repairs needed
- Maintenance suggestions: Advice for preventing future problems
- Video recording: A complete video file of the entire inspection
How Often Should You Inspect?
The frequency of CCTV inspections depends on your borehole type and usage:
- Residential Boreholes: Every 2-3 years as part of routine maintenance.
- Commercial Properties: Annually, due to higher usage and greater risk.
- Agricultural/ Farms: Every 1-2 years, especially during drought periods.
- Institutional (Schools, Hospitals): Annually to ensure uninterrupted water supply.
- After Any Problem: Immediately if you notice sediment, yield loss, or water quality changes.
- Before Pump Replacement: Always inspect before removing the existing pump.
- After Nearby Construction: Ground movement from construction can damage casing.
WaterLink Recommendation: We recommend a CCTV inspection at least every 2 years for all boreholes. For commercial properties and farms, annual inspection is strongly recommended.
CCTV Inspection Costs in Kenya
The cost of a borehole CCTV inspection depends on depth and complexity:
| Borehole Depth | Inspection Cost (KES) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 100m | 25,000 – 35,000 | Camera survey + report |
| 100m – 200m | 35,000 – 50,000 | Camera survey + report + video |
| 200m – 300m | 45,000 – 65,000 | Camera survey + report + video |
| 300m+ | 60,000 – 90,000 | Camera survey + report + video |
Note: Costs vary based on access, pump removal requirements, and specific conditions. WaterLink Limited provides a fixed price quote before starting.
Cost Benefit: Spending KES 40,000 on a CCTV inspection can prevent a KES 400,000 repair or KES 1.5 million borehole replacement. It's one of the best investments you can make.
CCTV vs. Other Diagnostic Methods
Different diagnostic methods serve different purposes:
CCTV Inspection
- What it sees: Visual condition of casing, screen, pump
- Best for: Finding physical damage, sediment, blockages
- Cost: KES 25,000 – 90,000
Yield Testing (Pumping Test)
- What it measures: Sustainable yield, drawdown, transmissivity
- Best for: Assessing aquifer performance and pump sizing
- Cost: KES 80,000 – 150,000
Water Quality Testing
- What it measures: Chemical and biological water quality
- Best for: Checking safety for drinking, irrigation, or industrial use
- Cost: KES 15,000 – 40,000
Combined Approach
For a complete borehole health assessment, we recommend combining CCTV inspection with yield testing and water quality analysis. This provides a comprehensive picture of your borehole's condition and performance.
WaterLink Approach: We recommend CCTV inspection + yield testing + water quality analysis for the most complete borehole assessment.
How WaterLink Limited Performs CCTV Inspections
WaterLink Limited provides professional CCTV inspection services across Kenya:
- High-Definition Cameras: We use professional downhole cameras with HD video quality.
- Experienced Technicians: Our technicians are trained to identify all types of borehole problems.
- Detailed Video Recording: Every inspection is recorded in high definition for your records.
- Comprehensive Reports: We provide a detailed report with findings, photos, and recommendations.
- Pump Removal Service: We can remove and reinstall your pump for a complete inspection.
- Nationwide Service: We serve clients across Kenya.
Need a CCTV Inspection?
Contact WaterLink Limited for a professional borehole CCTV inspection and diagnostic report.
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