If you have decided it is time to install a borehole pump, you may have some questions before making the call to suppliers and installers, like how does a borehole pump work and how long does a borehole pump last? It is essential to know the facts about borehole water pumps before jumping right in and installing one. Let’s explore these pumps in further detail because making the right decision will influence the life of your water borehole pump.
What is a Borehole Pump?
A borehole water pump is a mechanism that is used to draw water from the ground up from a borehole. Boreholes are narrow shafts that have been drilled vertically down into the ground. The pump is usually paired with a pressure tank, which evens out the water pressure produced, and limits the number of times the borehole pump needs to turn on and off.
The borehole itself is made using a drilling rig that creates the borehole and limits it to specific dimensions so that the pump can fit through it, and there is very little clearance around all sides of it. A water borehole pump’s versatility means that it can be used for irrigation, construction, mining, and municipal water supply.
How Does a Borehole Pump Work?
Borehole pumps are typically made from corrosion-resistant materials because they come into direct contact with minerals found in the soil. These water pumps consist of two main components that work together, namely:
- A foot part that houses the mechanism of the borehole pump and makes contact with the water that it pumps.
- A head part which acts as the weight-bearing portion and the outlet for the water.
A submersible borehole pump is a type of submersible pump. It is a centrifugal pump that is driven by a submersible motor. This type of pump needs to be constantly submerged in the fluid it handles since it draws in the fluid directly without a suction line.
How Long Does a Borehole Pump Last?
The best answer is that a borehole pump should last at least eight to ten years.
A modern borehole pump that has been correctly installed by certified professionals, like Jordan Pumps, should last for many years. However, some homeowners may find that they are missing important information regarding the age and condition of their borehole pump, and when it may need to be replaced.
It is important to remember that every single borehole pumping application is unique, and several factors will contribute to the overall lifespan of the water pump. With this said, we have put together an easy reference guide for the typical life expectancy of a water pump.
The Main Life Expectancy Rule
Not every borehole pump is created equal. You will find many different pumps on the market – all different brands, sizes, and prices. A popular real-life example is a duplex pump system. In nearly all duplex pump systems, you will find that the two pumps will most likely never fail at the same time. Although, in a typical configuration of a duplex pump, they each share 50% of the workload. If one pump fails, it does not necessarily mean that a better pump exists.
If you find that your borehole pump has failed or has reached its life expectancy, you may still consider going with the same model again – especially if other customer reviews are still in its favour.
While the initial cost of your borehole pump is an important consideration, the lifespan cost is equally important. The graph below (taken from Europump and the American Hydraulic Institute) shows the capital cost of a borehole pump is less than 10% of the total cost of owning the water pump over its lifespan.
So, what is the average life expectancy of a borehole pump?
Average Life Expectancy
Going back to the main rule – every water pump is different, and you can expect a different lifespan from each. Here is the average expectancy:
- Pond Pump(<5000GPH)
1 year - Pond Pump (>5000 GPH)
1-2 years - Sewage Pump (residential)
5-7 years - Grinder Pump (residential)
2-3 years - Effluent Pump (residential) – low head
6-10 years - Effluent Pump (residential) – high head
8-15 years - Sewage Pump (commercial)
5-15 years - Grinder Pump (commercial)
3-6 years - Well Pump (residential) 3-wire
10-15 years - Well Pump (residential) 2-wire
9-14 years - Jet Pumps
5-15 years - Centrifugal End Suction (irrigation)
5-10 years
The Beneficial Choice
Every water pump has its own lifespan, which is the same for just about anything you purchase. Making the right purchase will ultimately affect how long your borehole pump will last. If you plan on buying a cheap borehole pump, then the chances are that you are not getting the best quality and could sacrifice how long your borehole will last.
If you invest in quality and have your borehole pump professionally installed, then you will reap the long-term benefits of a higher capital outlay. There are so many benefits of a borehole pump; purchasing a high-quality pump will leave you saving money in the future.
Not sure where to start? Contact Jordan Pumps for a borehole water pump that will suit your needs and last many years.
