Beware of Unscrupulous Borehole Drillers

A concerning trend has emerged in borehole drilling and pump installations. Many clients fall victim to the dishonest practices from some borehole drillers , leading to expensive and frustrating problems. To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve identified the most common issues to avoid when installing your borehole.

1. Overcharging for Undrilled Depths

Some drillers invoice for a borehole depth that they never actually drilled. Later, when we work on these boreholes, we discover the actual depth is shallower than quoted. Clients end up paying for meters that don’t exist.

2. Installing Less Steel Casing Than Quoted

Steel casings stabilize loose layers and prevent collapses. However, some drillers charge for a specific length but install less. This often leads to borehole collapses and costly repairs. Always be on site during this phase to verify that the full casing length as charged for is in place.

3. Quoting for a Pump Without a Yield Test

Professional installers perform a borehole yield test before selecting a pump. However, some drillers quote for a pump before drilling even begins. Without testing, they cannot choose the right pump size, leading to inefficiency and possible failure. For more information on yield testing, read our previous blog, “Borehole Procedures“

4. Using Inferior Pump Components

We’ve removed pumps only to find that the installed materials did not match the original quote. For example, a client might be quoted for a 4” pump, but a cheap 3” kit pump is installed instead. These kits use lower-quality cables, ropes, and fittings, reducing their lifespan and reliability and the 3″ pmps are cheaper than the 4″ units.

5. Disappearing After Installation

Many clients struggle to get their drillers back for repairs. Once the job is complete, these drillers often become unresponsive. Clients then turn to us for help, even though the issue should have been covered under warranty.

How to Protect Yourself

To avoid these issues, take the following precautions:

• Monitor the drilling process – Regularly check the work being done.
• Verify the final drilled depth – Compare it with the invoice before making payments.
• Confirm the steel casing installation – Make sure the full quoted length is installed.
• Watch for red flags, such as:
  • Casings not reaching bedrock.
  • Loose material deeper than bedrock left unstabilized.
  • Drill bits or other equipment getting stuck in the borehole.
• Inspect the pump before installation – Ensure it matches the original quote.

Final Recommendation

Never let a driller install your pump. Instead, hire a professional pump installer after completing a borehole yield test. This ensures the correct pump is chosen based on reliable data, leading to better performance and longevity.