Borehole Pump Repairs cover the submersible pump and motor that sit down the hole, plus the control box at the surface. When the pump fails, it has to be pulled out, tested and either repaired or replaced.
- Note the pump brand and size if you have the paperwork.
- Say how old the pump is and what changed before it failed.
Compare quotes for borehole pump repair or replacement.
Compare Borehole QuotesSigns the Pump Is Failing
- Breaker or control box trips when the pump starts.
- Pump hums but delivers little or no water.
- Flow drops steadily over weeks.
- Pump runs non-stop or cycles rapidly.
- Electricity use climbs for the same water.
Retrieval and Diagnosis
- Surface tests. The control box and cable are tested before lifting.
- Pulling. The pump, cable and rising main are lifted by hand, tripod or a pulling rig.
- Electrical diagnosis. Motor windings and insulation are tested by a suitably qualified person.
- Bench check. Impellers, shaft and non-return valve are inspected for wear and sand damage.
Repair or Replace
- Repair suits newer pumps with a single fault, such as a worn impeller stack, a damaged non-return valve or a damaged cable.
- Motor rewinds can make sense on larger motors.
- Replace when the pump is old, parts are scarce, or the repair approaches the price of a new pump.
- Upgrade with dry-run, surge and phase protection to stop the same failure happening again.
Borehole Pump Repair Prices
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Pull, inspect and reinstall | R3,000 - R10,000 |
| Labour, per hour | R320 - R1,400 |
| Motor rewind | R8,000 - R18,000 |
| Control box replacement | R2,500 - R5,500 |
| New submersible pump, supplied and installed | R15,000 - R45,000 |
Ballpark figures, not quotations. Ranges compiled from price guides published by South African contractors, suppliers and quote websites, checked October 2026 and rounded where needed. They are not our prices and no contractor is bound by them. Confirm whether VAT is included on every quote.
Sources:
- Plumb A Nator, borehole pump repair cost (September 2026)
- WaterQuotes, borehole repairs Johannesburg (September 2026)
- Borehole Drilling Cape Town, borehole repairs (2026)
- Builders in Gauteng, borehole repair prices (November 2025)
What Affects Borehole Pump Repairs Quotes
- Pump depth and size.
- Parts availability for the brand.
- Sand damage and whether the cable is reusable.
- Protection devices added.
Questions to Ask About Borehole Pump Repairs
- What exactly failed, and can I see it?
- What does repair cost against replacement?
- What warranty comes with the repair or new pump?
- Will the new pump suit my borehole's tested yield?
- What protection will stop this happening again?
Compare pump repair contractors through Borehole Installation South Africa.
For faults outside the pump, see borehole repairs. New boreholes are covered under borehole drilling.
Related Services
Borehole Pump Repairs FAQs
How long do borehole pumps last?
It varies with water quality, sand, power supply and protection. Sand and dry running shorten pump life.
What causes a borehole pump to burn out?
Dry running, voltage problems, lightning and surges, and sand wear are common causes.
Can a submersible pump be repaired?
Often, if the fault is limited. The contractor compares repair cost with a new pump.
Should I replace the cable with the pump?
If the cable is old, damaged or the joints are poor, replacing it at the same time saves a second pull.
Can my mains pump be swapped for solar?
Often yes, with a solar pump sized to the borehole and enough storage.
Borehole Installation South Africa is a free quote-comparison service. The repair is quoted and carried out by independent contractors, and your agreement is with the contractor you appoint. Availability depends on your location and on contractors taking on that kind of job. Before you pay a deposit, get a written quote that lists what is included and excluded, the guarantee terms and the payment terms.
Borehole Pump Repairs. Compare quotes for repair or replacement.
Compare Borehole QuotesCompare Borehole Pump Repairs Quotes
Client Reviews
Powered by leaderr
