24/7 Emergency Service Available: 060 348 8268
⚑ Load Shedding Solution | Water Independence

Borehole Drilling Costs: What You Need to Know

Every borehole project is unique. Costs depend on depth, geology, pump choice, site access and more. The only way to get an accurate price is a free site assessment β€” and that's exactly what we offer.

πŸ’‘ Our promise: After your free site assessment, we give you a fixed, all-inclusive quote with zero hidden costs. The price we quote is the price you pay.

What's Included in Our Borehole Installations

Every quote from Borehole Pros is all-inclusive. No line items mysteriously added after the fact. Here's what every installation covers.

SHALLOW BOREHOLE

30–60 Meters

Suitable for high water table areas. Ideal for garden irrigation and supplementary supply.

INCLUDED IN YOUR QUOTE:

  • Free site assessment
  • Professional drilling
  • Submersible pump
  • Electrical installation
  • Pressure system setup
  • Water quality testing
  • 12-month warranty

⏱️ Installation: 2–3 days

βœ… Best for: Urban areas, high water table regions

πŸ”₯ MOST COMMON IN GAUTENG
STANDARD BOREHOLE

60–100 Meters

The most common depth across Johannesburg, Pretoria and surrounding suburbs. Full household supply.

INCLUDED IN YOUR QUOTE:

  • Free site assessment
  • Professional drilling
  • Premium submersible pump
  • Pressure vessel
  • Advanced electrical protection
  • Comprehensive water testing
  • 24-month warranty
  • Load shedding prep included!

⏱️ Installation: 3–4 days

βœ… Best for: Most Johannesburg/Pretoria properties

DEEP BOREHOLE

100–150+ Meters

Required in dolomitic areas and for high-volume commercial applications. Specialized rigs and pumps.

INCLUDED IN YOUR QUOTE:

  • Free site assessment
  • Specialized deep drilling
  • Industrial-grade pump
  • Large pressure system
  • VSD control system
  • Advanced filtration
  • 36-month warranty
  • Solar backup option available

⏱️ Installation: 4–5 days

βœ… Best for: Rural areas, commercial properties, dolomitic zones

πŸ†• Load Shedding Protection Add-Ons

Keep your borehole running during power outages. We offer inverter backup, solar hybrid, and generator-ready installations β€” all quoted transparently after your site assessment.

Basic Inverter Backup

4–6 hours of backup during load shedding

Solar Hybrid System β˜€οΈ

Unlimited, load-shedding-proof water supply

Generator-Ready Setup

Auto-changeover switch for generator use

All add-on pricing provided in your free site assessment quote.

Why a Borehole Is a Smart Financial Investment

With rising municipal water tariffs and ongoing restrictions, a borehole typically pays for itself within a few years β€” and continues saving money for decades.

Key Financial Benefits

  • Significantly reduced water bills: Most homeowners see dramatic reductions in monthly municipal water costs once their borehole is operational.
  • Property value increase: Properties with boreholes command a premium in the Gauteng market β€” highly attractive to buyers concerned about water security.
  • Load shedding protection: Pair with a solar or inverter backup for uninterrupted water supply regardless of power outages.
  • Drought and restriction resilience: Your own water source means restrictions never affect your supply.
  • Long service life: A properly installed borehole with quality components can serve your property for 20–30 years.

What Affects Borehole Drilling Cost?

No two boreholes are the same. These are the key factors that determine your final price β€” all assessed during your free site visit.

Drilling Depth Required

Water table depth is the single biggest cost driver. Shallow boreholes cost significantly less than deep ones. Your free site assessment will determine the expected depth for your property.

High Impact

Location & Site Access

Urban areas with easy access are simpler to service than rural or difficult terrain. Distance, access roads, and site conditions all factor into logistics.

Medium Impact

Rock Formation Type

Soft soil drills faster and cheaper. Hard rock (granite, dolomite) requires specialized equipment and more time β€” common in parts of Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Medium Impact

Pump Quality & Size

Premium pumps (Grundfos, Pedrollo) last 20+ years. Budget pumps may cost less upfront but often need replacement within 5–8 years. We recommend quality for long-term value.

User Choice

Electrical Infrastructure

Distance from your distribution board, cable run length, and whether single or three-phase power is needed all affect the electrical portion of your installation.

Low–Medium Impact

Additional System Needs

Water treatment or filtration, solar or inverter backup, storage tanks, and distribution plumbing are optional additions that depend on your specific requirements.

Optional Add-ons

⚠️ Watch Out for Hidden Costs

Many drilling companies advertise attractive headline prices, then add on charges after the work begins. Here's what to ask about before signing any contract:

Site assessment fee

FREE

Water testing

INCLUDED

Pump installation

INCLUDED

Electrical connection

INCLUDED

Hard rock surcharge

QUOTED UPFRONT

Travel / transport fees

INCLUDED

Pressure system

INCLUDED

Warranty coverage

INCLUDED

βœ… Our Guarantee:

The price we quote after your site assessment is the price you pay. Period. No surprise charges. No hidden fees. If we encounter unexpected conditions, we discuss options with you before proceeding β€” never after.

We Drill Across All Gauteng Suburbs

Local teams with knowledge of your area's specific geology, water tables, and municipal requirements

City / RegionTypical DepthTimelineGet Quote
JohannesburgπŸ”₯55–85m3–4 daysGet Quote
SandtonπŸ”₯50–80m3–4 daysGet Quote
PretoriaπŸ”₯65–95m3–4 daysGet Quote
Centurion60–90m3–4 daysGet Quote
Midrand55–85m3–4 daysGet Quote
Fourways50–75m3–4 daysGet Quote
East Rand60–90m3–4 daysGet Quote
Krugersdorp70–100m3–4 daysGet Quote
Kempton Park60–90m3–4 daysGet Quote
Edenvale60–85m3–4 daysGet Quote

* Depths are typical ranges β€” your exact depth is determined during the free site assessment. All quotes are fixed and all-inclusive.

Common Questions About Borehole Costs

How much does it cost to drill a borehole in South Africa?

Borehole costs vary significantly based on depth, geology, pump selection, site access and other factors. Every property is different, which is why we conduct a free site assessment before providing any quote. Contact us and we'll give you an accurate, fixed price for your specific situation.

What is the cost per meter for borehole drilling?

Per-meter rates differ based on rock type, depth and equipment required. However, the per-meter rate is only one component β€” pump, electrical, pressure system and other inclusions make the total package more meaningful than a per-meter figure alone. We'll cover all of this in your free assessment.

How long does borehole drilling take?

Most residential boreholes are completed in 2–4 days. Day 1 covers site prep and drilling. Days 2–3 cover pump and electrical installation. Day 4 is testing and handover. We provide exact timelines during your free site assessment.

Do I need permits for borehole drilling?

For domestic use under 10,000 litres/day, no permit is required in most areas. We handle all compliance documentation. For commercial use or larger volumes, water use licences may be needed β€” we guide you through this process at no extra charge.

What's the most affordable borehole option?

Shallow boreholes in high water table areas are the most affordable. However, 'cheapest upfront' isn't always the best value β€” a quality pump and proper installation avoids costly repairs later. We help you find the right balance for your budget during the free site assessment.

How much does it cost to maintain a borehole annually?

Ongoing costs are mainly pump electricity and an annual service. These are far lower than typical municipal water bills, which is why a borehole pays for itself over time. We provide full maintenance guidance at handover.

Can I add solar power to my borehole?

Yes. We offer solar hybrid systems that power your borehole pump independently of the grid β€” ideal for load shedding protection. Solar add-on pricing is included in your site assessment quote.

What happens if you don't find water?

We conduct a free hydro-geological assessment before drilling. In the rare case of a dry hole (less than 1% in our service areas), you only pay for the drilling depth attempted, not the full package. We then help identify and relocate the borehole.

Ready to Get Water Independent?

Join thousands of South African homeowners who stopped worrying about water bills and restrictions. Free site assessment. Transparent, fixed pricing. Professional installation in 3–5 days.

Free Site Assessment

No obligation. Expert evaluation of your property.

All-Inclusive Fixed Pricing

No hidden costs. What we quote is what you pay.

12–36 Month Warranty

Full coverage on all installations. Peace of mind guaranteed.

Chat with us on WhatsApp