Most borehole problems in Kenya trace back to a handful of decisions made before or during drilling: where the hole was sited, how deep it went, how it was cased and how hard it is pumped. The good news is that almost all of them can be prevented.
A well built borehole lasts 30 to 50 years. This guide explains why some fail much sooner, the warning signs to watch for, and how to make yours last.
The Main Reasons Boreholes Fail
1. No Survey, or the Wrong Spot
Drilling where it is convenient, next to the house or the gate, instead of where the water is, is the most expensive mistake an owner can make. The result can be a dry hole, a very low yield or salty water.
A hydrogeological survey costs KES 50,000 with Bonvic Drilling. It marks the best drilling point and tells you how deep to go before you spend a shilling on drilling. See also the best location for a borehole.
2. Not Drilled Deep Enough
A borehole that stops at the first water strike may work in the rainy season and fail in the dry months. Depth should come from the survey and the rock logged during drilling, not from a budget figure.
Check the typical range for your area in our guide to borehole depth by county, and read borehole yield during drought.
3. Poor Casing, Screens and Gravel Pack
Thin casing, missing screens or no gravel pack let sand and silt into the borehole. Over time the hole can clog or even collapse.
Ask what casing and screens will be used before you sign. Our PVC vs steel casing guide and why gravel matters explain the choices.
4. No Development or Test Pumping
A new borehole must be flushed until the water runs clear, then tested for 24 to 72 hours to measure how much water it can safely give. Skip this and you get muddy water and a pump sized by guesswork. Read about borehole test pumping.
5. The Wrong Pump, or Pumping Too Hard
A pump that is too big for the yield draws the water level down too far. That pulls in sand, burns out pumps and can damage the aquifer around the screens. The pump should be sized from the test pumping results. See our guide to borehole pumps.
6. Contamination
A poorly sealed borehole, or one sited close to a pit latrine or septic tank, can let bacteria in. Every borehole should have its water analysed before anyone drinks it. Learn about the hidden dangers in borehole water.
7. No Maintenance
Screens slowly clog with minerals and fine sediment, and pumps wear. Without regular checks, yield falls until the borehole seems to “dry up”. Regular flushing and servicing prevent most of this. See how often boreholes should be maintained.
Warning Signs Your Borehole Needs Attention
- Less water than before, or the pump runs dry sooner
- Spurting taps or air in the pipes
- Sand, silt or muddy water
- A change in taste, smell or colour
- The pump trips, cycles on and off, or runs for longer
- Higher power or fuel bills for the same amount of water
If you notice any of these, act early. Read the signs your borehole needs flushing and common borehole problems and how to fix them.
How to Make Your Borehole Last
- Start with a hydrogeological survey and drill where it points
- Drill to the depth the survey and the rock logs call for
- Use proper casing, screens and a gravel pack
- Develop the borehole and test pump it for 24 to 72 hours
- Size the pump from the test results, not from a catalogue
- Analyse the water before drinking it, and retest regularly
- Keep a service schedule and keep every report with your title documents
How We Build Boreholes to Last
Every Bonvic borehole follows the same steps: a survey, permits, drilling with casing, gravel packing and development, a test pumping run and a laboratory water analysis. The pump is sized from the test results, and everything is set out in a written agreement before we start, including what happens if the borehole is dry. See our warranty page and the full borehole timeline.
Red Flags When Choosing a Driller
- A price far below every other quote
- Says a survey is not needed
- No breakdown of what the rate per metre includes
- No mention of test pumping or a water analysis
- Full payment demanded upfront
- No written agreement or warranty
More tips in how to choose a borehole drilling company and the hidden cost of cheap drilling.
Talk to Us Before You Drill
WhatsApp your town and county to 0727 666 444 or call 0797 000 555. We will tell you the expected depth and a cost range for your area. Office hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm and Saturday 8am to 1pm.
