If your well pump keeps breaking down, you’re not alone. What’s worse is when you get it fixed, only to have it fail again a few weeks later and require another bore pump repair. It’s frustrating, time-consuming, and expensive.
In the U.S., many rural homes and farms rely on well water systems, just like boreholes in Australia or Southeast Asia. These systems can be incredibly efficient—but only when properly maintained and installed. Even in places with city provided water, some bore pumps provide water to irrigate gardens.
The truth is, most bore pump failures stem from preventable issues. And if the bore pump repair is rushed or done without addressing the underlying cause, the whole thing becomes a never-ending cycle of breakdowns and repair call.
Let’s get to the bottom of what actually can prevent a second bore pump repair visit six weeks later. It’s not about quick fixes. It’s about doing things properly the first time.
🛠️ Step 1: First Things First – Stop Guessing What’s Wrong
Before jumping into bore pump repairs Perth, it’s essential to figure out why the pump failed in the first place. Just swapping out parts or resetting the system might get it running again, but that doesn’t mean the issue is solved.
Here’s the problem: too many repairs are based on assumptions. Something stops working, a quick test is done, and a replacement part is installed. But if the root cause isn’t addressed, that fix won’t last.
For example:
- A pump burns out. The motor is replaced, but no one checks the voltage drop or water quality.
- A float switch fails. It’s swapped over, but the cabling has been rubbing against a sharp edge for months, just waiting to fail again.
- The system loses prime. The foot valve is cleaned, but the real issue is a tiny crack in the suction line.
Without a proper diagnosis, you’re not fixing the problem; you’re just delaying the next one.
💧 Step 2:Pressure’s Not Just About Water Flow
Pressure problems are often blamed on the pump itself, but the truth is that they can originate from multiple parts of the system.
Check the pressure tank. If it’s waterlogged or the bladder has failed, the pump will short-cycle. That constant on-off motion isn’t good for any motor. It will wear out electrical components faster and put unnecessary strain on the entire setup.
Then there’s the pressure switch. If that’s not cutting in and out at the right levels, or if it’s stuck, it could be sending the wrong signals entirely. Again, the pump keeps running when it shouldn’t, or it starts and stops constantly. Neither situation is ideal.
Fixing the pump without sorting the pressure setup is like changing the tyres on a car that still has alignment issues. The new parts won’t last.
⚡ Step 3: Wiring – Often Overlooked, Always Important
Poor wiring is one of the biggest culprits behind repeat bore pump failures. And it’s often ignored in the rush to get the pump running again. A worn cable, loose terminal, or undersized wire may not be immediately apparent. But over time, it causes voltage drop, overheating, and motor damage.
When carrying out a repair, the wiring should be tested properly. That includes checking continuity, insulation resistance, and voltage under load. Not just a visual check. If the cable’s been sitting in water, buried in soil, or chewed by rodents, it could be compromised.
Failing to replace suspect wiring is like patching a leaking pipe with duct tape; it might hold for now, but you’ll be back to square one soon enough.
🚰 Step 4: Water Quality Isn’t Just a Health Concern
If your bore pump is pulling up gritty or corrosive water, it will wear out faster than expected. Sand, iron, calcium – all of it contributes to premature failure.
What makes things worse is when the wear happens internally. Impellers and seals might look fine from the outside, but they’re quietly being eaten away. By the time you notice an issue, damage is already done.
After any repair, the water should be tested; even a basic check is better than nothing. If the water is damaging the system, consider adding filtration, adjusting the intake level, or upgrading to more resistant materials. This step alone could be the difference between your pump lasting six months or six years.
🔍 Step 5: Check the Basics – Every Single Time
There’s a temptation, especially on a repeat job, to assume certain things are still fine. But when you’re trying to avoid another repair in six weeks, that kind of shortcut doesn’t work.
Make sure the basics are checked thoroughly:
- Pump alignment – If it’s not sitting straight, it’ll vibrate and wear unevenly
- Non-return valves – If they’re leaking, they’ll cause loss of prime and extra strain
- Flow rate – An oversized or undersized pump can cause just as many issues
- Pump depth – If it’s too high or too low, it won’t draw water consistently
- Ventilation – An enclosed pump or controller can overheat without good airflow
None of these checks takes long, but skipping them increases the risk of a return visit dramatically.
🎥 Bonus Step: Look Down the Well
Sometimes, the issue isn’t at ground level at all. Things like collapsed casing, silt build-up, or a damaged screen can all affect pump performance. And they can do so without obvious symptoms.
If your bore hasn’t been inspected in a while, or if there’s a history of problems, it’s worth considering a downhole camera inspection. It’s a small investment compared to replacing another pump or dealing with contaminated water.
Even something as simple as a dropped object – a bit of PVC, an old foot valve, or even tools – can change the dynamics of the water flow. And unless you’re looking down the bore, you won’t know it’s there.
🧰 Not Every Fix Should Be a Repair
Sometimes, repairing a pump is a short-term solution to a long-term problem, especially if the pump is old, poorly matched to the well, or has had multiple repairs already.
In these cases, replacement might actually be more cost-effective. But more importantly, it gives you the chance to start fresh with the right setup.
That means:
- Matching pump size and flow to bore specifications
- Using the correct materials for water type
- Ensuring proper installation from the start
- Building in maintenance access and system checks
It’s not about selling a bigger pump or upgrading for the sake of it. It’s about stopping the cycle of patch jobs and getting a system that works without drama.
🚫 Say Goodbye to Repeat Repairs
If you’ve dealt with more than one well pump failure in the past year, it’s a sign that something’s being missed. The goal isn’t just to get the water flowing again; it’s to get a system you don’t have to think about for years. That only happens when repairs are thorough, considered, and done with the full picture in mind.
