Borehole pump runs but no water
A pump can run while little or no water reaches the property. Possible causes include a low borehole water level, a leaking delivery pipe, worn impellers, a blocked intake or a damaged non-return valve.
Read guide →TC IRRIGATION / GAUTENG KNOWLEDGE HUB
Water systems, explained.
Practical guides to pumps, irrigation, filtration and water storage in Gauteng.
Borehole pumps
Borehole pump keeps tripping
Repeated electrical tripping can be caused by damaged cables, water ingress, a faulty motor, a short circuit or an overloaded pump.
Read guide →Low borehole water pressure
Low pressure may come from clogged filters, pipe leaks, an undersized pump, pressure-switch settings or falling water levels.
Read guide →Borehole pump starts and stops frequently
Short cycling often points to a pressure tank problem, a leaking non-return valve, pressure control faults or a small leak.
Read guide →Borehole water suddenly stopped
Sudden loss of water can follow a power outage, control fault, pipe failure, tank issue or pump damage.
Read guide →Submersible pump replacement guide
A submersible pump may need replacing when tests show motor failure, irreparable mechanical wear or a mismatch with the water demand.
Read guide →Borehole pump servicing checklist
Routine service should target equipment that wears or becomes obstructed, without assuming every borehole needs the same schedule.
Read guide →Borehole pump cable faults
Submersible cable faults can interrupt power or create earth leakage as insulation ages or joins become damaged.
Read guide →Borehole non-return valve problems
A leaking non-return valve can allow water to drain backward, causing slow pressure build-up or frequent restarting.
Read guide →Choosing a borehole pump size
Pump sizing depends on actual demand and the total dynamic head, not simply the depth of the hole.
Read guide →Borehole pump noise and vibration
Unusual vibration can indicate worn bearings, hydraulic issues, unstable supports or pipe movement.
Read guide →Borehole control box troubleshooting
Control boxes and variable-speed drives can fail due to supply problems, moisture, worn components or incorrect settings.
Read guide →Irrigation
Drip irrigation versus sprinklers
Drip lines deliver water near plant roots, while sprinklers distribute water over a broader surface.
Read guide →How many irrigation zones are needed
Zones divide the garden into manageable groups so the available water pressure and flow can operate the equipment properly.
Read guide →Sprinkler heads not popping up
Pop-up heads may stay low because pressure is insufficient, the nozzle is blocked or the riser is damaged.
Read guide →Irrigation system leaking underground
Underground leaks can waste water without an obvious surface spray, especially where soil drains quickly.
Read guide →Irrigation controller not switching on
Controller problems may be caused by supply interruption, a damaged transformer, moisture or failed electronics.
Read guide →Irrigation solenoid valve stuck open
A zone that keeps watering can have debris in the valve, a damaged diaphragm or a control fault.
Read guide →Irrigation solenoid valve not opening
A dry zone can result from a broken wire, failed solenoid, closed isolation valve or blocked diaphragm.
Read guide →Rain sensor for irrigation systems
Rain sensors can pause a schedule during wet conditions, helping avoid unnecessary watering.
Read guide →Irrigation for small gardens
Compact gardens can still benefit from zoned watering, but overspray onto paving often wastes water.
Read guide →Irrigation for large properties
Larger grounds require more careful flow management, cable routing and maintenance access.
Read guide →Irrigation timer programming
A good schedule depends on season, soil, plant type and recent rain, not a fixed year-round setting.
Read guide →Sprinkler coverage dry patches
Dry patches often occur when adjacent sprinklers do not overlap sufficiently or a nozzle has become blocked.
Read guide →Irrigation before new lawn installation
Installing piping before a new lawn can avoid disturbing newly established grass later.
Read guide →Filtration
Borehole water filtration stages explained
A multi-stage system may include sediment removal, media treatment, activated carbon, membrane technology or disinfection.
Read guide →Sediment filter blocking quickly
Rapid blockage can signal heavy suspended solids, a disturbed borehole, unsuitable filter size or inadequate pre-treatment.
Read guide →Iron staining from borehole water
Orange or brown staining may be associated with iron, but discoloration can have other causes.
Read guide →Hard water scale in pipes
Hardness minerals can leave scale on taps, heaters and plumbing fixtures.
Read guide →Activated carbon filter uses
Activated carbon is typically selected for certain taste, odour and organic compound concerns.
Read guide →UV water disinfection requirements
UV treatment can inactivate certain microorganisms when water clarity, dose and equipment condition are suitable.
Read guide →Reverse osmosis for borehole water
Reverse osmosis can reduce many dissolved constituents but requires suitable pressure, pretreatment and upkeep.
Read guide →Borehole water testing before drinking
Water intended for drinking needs evaluation for relevant chemical and microbiological hazards.
Read guide →Filter pressure drop troubleshooting
Pressure loss across filtration can result from clogged elements, incorrectly sized media vessels or restricted valves.
Read guide →Water backup
JoJo tank sizing for homes
Storage sizing depends on daily use, number of occupants, reliability needs and available installation space.
Read guide →Backup water tank not filling
A tank may stop filling due to supply interruption, float valve failure, air locks or pump problems.
Read guide →Booster pump for water tanks
A booster pump supplies pressure from a storage tank to taps and appliances.
Read guide →Water tank overflow causes
Overflow usually indicates a failed level control, leaking float valve or incorrect sensor positioning.
Read guide →Water tank cleaning and hygiene
Stored water can accumulate sediment and contamination when tanks are poorly sealed or neglected.
Read guide →Gravity feed versus booster pumps
Gravity feed depends on elevation, while a booster pump creates pressure mechanically.
Read guide →Connecting borehole to backup tank
A borehole-to-tank system needs compatible pump controls, level sensing and protection against dry running.
Read guide →Rainwater harvesting and storage
Roof runoff can supplement certain non-potable uses where collection surfaces and storage are suitable.
Read guide →Water pressure fluctuates in a house
Pressure changes can result from pump cycling, pressure vessels, blocked filters or intermittent municipal supply.
Read guide →Gauteng guides
Gauteng irrigation planning guide
Gauteng gardens vary in shade, lawn area, slope and soil, so one irrigation layout will not suit every property.
Read guide →Gauteng borehole pump service planning
Across Gauteng, access to boreholes and the reliability of existing installation records vary from property to property.
Read guide →Gauteng water backup planning
A reliable backup setup should reflect household demand and the water source used to refill it.
Read guide →Gauteng borehole filtration planning
Water quality can vary significantly even between nearby boreholes.
Read guide →Johannesburg garden irrigation considerations
Properties in Johannesburg can have compact gardens, paved areas and different elevations that affect head placement.
Read guide →Pretoria irrigation system considerations
Garden layouts in Pretoria range from small beds to expansive lawns, creating different flow demands.
Read guide →Midrand borehole pump planning
Midrand properties can differ substantially in borehole depth, available flow and storage needs.
Read guide →Centurion water backup systems
Backup water plans in Centurion should consider storage footprint, household demand and pump pressure.
Read guide →Sandton irrigation maintenance
Lawn and landscaped areas in Sandton may include mixed planting and narrow boundary zones.
Read guide →Randburg irrigation repairs
When an irrigation zone fails in Randburg, the cause could be electrical or hydraulic.
Read guide →Roodepoort borehole troubleshooting
A low-flow borehole system in Roodepoort should be tested before assuming the pump has failed.
Read guide →Alberton water tank installation
Tank installation in Alberton requires a stable base, appropriate plumbing and safe access.
Read guide →Kempton Park filtration questions
Borehole water treatment in Kempton Park should start with a sample and the intended use.
Read guide →Boksburg borehole servicing
Pump servicing needs an equipment-specific approach regardless of the suburb.
Read guide →Benoni irrigation zone design
Zones for a Benoni garden should reflect garden geometry, water source and plant type.
Read guide →Germiston water pressure troubleshooting
Pressure faults can affect irrigation and domestic water in different ways.
Read guide →Edenvale sprinkler maintenance
Sprinkler performance can deteriorate as heads settle, nozzles clog or vegetation grows.
Read guide →Fourways water backup checklist
A backup setup should be planned for actual household use rather than selecting a tank by appearance.
Read guide →Soweto home water storage guide
Home water storage needs a safe installation area and a realistic assessment of family demand.
Read guide →Vereeniging pump system checks
Pump issues should be diagnosed through flow, pressure and electrical testing.
Read guide →Vanderbijlpark garden irrigation guide
Good irrigation design starts with the landscape and available water pressure.
Read guide →Krugersdorp borehole water treatment
Treatment must be selected for the chemistry of the water being used.
Read guide →Springs water tank troubleshooting
Problems with tank filling or output pressure can stem from floats, valves, controllers or pumps.
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