Borehole Pump Troubleshooting: Common Problems and DIY Solutions

Understanding the Basics of Pump Troubleshooting

Your borehole pump is the heart of your water supply system. When it stops working or performs poorly, it can disrupt your home, farm, or business. While some problems require professional intervention, many common issues can be diagnosed—and sometimes resolved—with basic troubleshooting skills.

Before diving into specific problems, it helps to understand the key components of a typical borehole pumping system:

• Submersible pump – located at the bottom of the borehole, pushes water to the surface.
• Control box – houses capacitors and relays that protect and control the pump.
• Pressure switch – turns the pump on and off based on system pressure.
• Pressure tank – stores pressurised water, reducing pump cycling.
• Pipes and fittings – carry water from the pump to your taps.
• Electrical supply – powers the pump; can be grid or solar.

This guide will help you identify symptoms, understand likely causes, and decide whether you can fix the issue yourself or need to call a professional.

Symptom‑Cause Matrix: Quick Reference

Use this quick reference table to match symptoms with potential causes. More detailed guidance follows in later sections.

Safety First: DIY Checks Before You Start

Before attempting any troubleshooting, prioritise your safety.

• Turn off power – always disconnect the pump from the power source before inspecting electrical components or touching wires.
• Use proper tools – use insulated tools for electrical work, and wear protective gloves and boots.
• Never work alone – especially when dealing with water or electricity.
• Know your limits – if you are unsure about any step, call a professional.
• Check for water near electricals – moisture and electricity are a dangerous combination.

With these precautions in mind, you can safely perform the basic checks described below.

No Water from the Borehole

This is one of the most common and alarming issues. If your pump is running but no water comes out, or the pump does not start at all, follow these steps:

Step 1: Check the Power Supply

• Ensure the main circuit breaker is on and has not tripped.
• Check for blown fuses or tripped overloads in the control box.
• If using solar power, check the charge controller and battery voltage.

Step 2: Inspect the Pressure Switch

• If the pump does not start, the pressure switch may be stuck or faulty.
• Listen for a click when you open a tap—this indicates the switch is working.
• Check the switch contacts for corrosion or burning.

Step 3: Test the Water Level

• Drop a weighted tape or use a dip meter to measure the water level.
• If the water level is below the pump intake, the pump is running dry (which can cause burnout).
• If the well is dry, you may need to wait for recharge or consider deepening the borehole (a professional job).

Step 4: Check for Pipe Breaks

• If the pump runs but no water comes out, there may be a break in the riser pipe.
• Water will flow back into the borehole, which you may hear or see as water in the well.
• Pipe repairs require pulling the pump—this is a professional task.

If you have completed these checks and still have no water, stop the pump and call a qualified technician to avoid further damage.

Low Water Pressure

Low pressure can be frustrating, but often it is easy to fix.

• Check the pressure tank – the air pressure in the tank should be 2–3 psi below the pressure switch's cut‑in setting (e.g., 28 psi for a 30/50 switch). Use a tyre pressure gauge to check and a compressor to adjust.
• Inspect the pressure switch – make sure the switch is set correctly and the pressure settings have not drifted.
• Check the pump intake – a clogged intake screen restricts water flow. If accessible, clean it.
• Test the water level – if the water table has dropped, the pump may struggle to lift water, reducing pressure.
• Check for closed valves – make sure all valves between the tank and your taps are fully open.

If pressure remains low after these checks, the pump itself may be worn or undersized. A professional can test the pump's performance and recommend corrective action.

Noisy or Unusual Pump Sounds

Your pump should operate with a smooth, steady hum. Unusual sounds indicate a problem.

• Grinding or screeching – often caused by worn bearings or a failing motor. Stop the pump immediately to prevent further damage.
• Rattling or banging – may indicate debris in the pump, a loose impeller, or pipe vibration.
• Clicking – could be the pressure switch cycling rapidly (waterlogged tank) or an electrical fault.
• Gurgling – may indicate air in the system (leak or low water level).

For grinding or screeching, turn off the pump and call a professional immediately. For rattling, you can check for loose components above ground (pipes, control box). If the sound is coming from underground, professional inspection is required.

Pump Runs Constantly or Cycles Frequently

A pump that runs non‑stop or cycles on and off rapidly is inefficient and can shorten the pump's life.

• Runs constantly – check for leaks in the system. A leak allows pressure to drop, keeping the pump running. Also check the pressure switch—if it fails to cut off, the pump will not stop.
• Frequent cycling – this is often a pressure tank issue. The tank may be waterlogged (no air charge) or the bladder may be ruptured. Check the tank's air pressure; if it is low, recharge it. If the problem persists, the tank may need replacement.
• Switch settings too close – if the cut‑in and cut‑out pressures are too close together, the pump will cycle rapidly. Adjusting the switch can help.

Frequent cycling can lead to motor burnout. Address the issue promptly to avoid a costly replacement.

High Electricity Bills

A sudden or steady increase in your electricity bills may indicate that your pump is working harder than it should.

• Worn pump – as pumps age, they become less efficient and draw more current to deliver the same flow.
• Low water level – if the water table drops, the pump must lift water from a greater depth, consuming more energy.
• Clogged system – a blocked intake or pipes create resistance, making the pump work harder.
• Excessive run time – a leak or faulty switch can cause the pump to run longer than needed.

Monitor your pump's run time and flow rate. If you suspect inefficiency, a professional performance test can identify the cause.

When to Call a Professional

While many issues can be diagnosed with simple checks, some situations require professional expertise. Call WaterLink Limited if you encounter any of the following:

• Pump fails to start after basic electrical and switch checks.
• No water even though the pump is running (likely a pipe break or pump failure).
• Grinding or screeching sounds – indicates imminent motor failure.
• Burnt smell from the control box or pump—risk of fire.
• Visible water pooling around the borehole head or along the pipe route.
• Water quality changes – sudden discoloration, odour, or taste changes.
• Repeated or persistent issues – if the same problem keeps recurring.

Attempting to pull the pump yourself is dangerous and can cause serious injury or equipment damage. Always leave pump extraction and deep electrical work to trained professionals.

How WaterLink Limited Can Help

At WaterLink Limited, we offer comprehensive borehole pump troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair services across Kenya. Our team of experienced technicians can diagnose and resolve issues quickly and safely.

• Emergency response – we provide priority support for breakdowns, minimising downtime.
• Professional diagnostics – using specialised tools (amp meters, pressure gauges, flow meters, borehole cameras) to accurately identify problems.
• Pump repair and replacement – we service all major pump brands and can source replacement parts quickly.
• Annual maintenance contracts – our service plans include regular inspections, performance testing, and water quality analysis, preventing problems before they occur.
• System optimisation – we can assess your entire system and recommend upgrades to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• WRA compliance support – we help you maintain the records required by the WRA, including abstraction logs and water quality data.

Don't wait for a small problem to become a major failure. Contact WaterLink Limited for expert support and peace of mind.