Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Borehole Driller

Choosing a borehole driller is not like hiring a plumber for a leaking tap. The work is largely invisible once it is done, the costs run well into five figures, and a poor decision can leave you with a dry hole or water that fails quality tests. The questions below are designed to expose exactly how a contractor operates before you sign anything or hand over a deposit.

Why the questions matter more than the price

A low headline quote can mean almost anything — minimal casing, no yield test, a pump that is undersized, or simply an estimate that will balloon once the driller is on site and discovers the water table is deeper than expected. The goal of asking structured questions is not to catch someone out; it is to separate contractors who have a clear, documented process from those who are working on gut feel and a handshake. Our guide on how to choose a borehole drilling company covers the broader selection framework; this article focuses on the specific questions to put to any driller you are seriously considering.

Can you provide proof of DWS registration and licensing?

In South Africa, borehole drilling for water use above a certain threshold requires authorisation under the National Water Act, administered by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). Ask the driller to show you their registration as a water-use licence applicant or holder, and confirm they understand when a general authorisation applies versus when a full licence is required for your property and intended volume. A contractor who is vague on this topic, or who tells you licensing is optional, is worth walking away from. DWS details and the legal framework sit at dws.gov.za, and a reputable driller should reference that framework fluently.

What does your written scope of work include?

Request a written document — not a verbal rundown — before any money changes hands. It should specify:

• Drilling depth — the target depth and what happens if the aquifer is not reached at that depth
• Casing material and length — PVC and steel are common; cheaper casing in unstable ground causes long-term problems
• Yield testing — how long the pump test will run and how results will be documented
• Water quality sampling — whether the contractor takes a sample for laboratory testing against SANS 241, the current South African drinking-water quality standard
• Completion works — surface sealing, borehole cap and any basic pump fitment

Anything missing from this list is worth querying in writing before you proceed. Our article on red flags in a borehole quote goes through the warning signs in more detail.

What is your policy if the borehole produces no usable water?

This is the question many homeowners forget to ask until it is too late. Aquifer conditions vary significantly across South Africa, and even a diligent driller cannot guarantee yield in every location. What you need to know is: does the contractor charge in full regardless of outcome, do they charge only to a certain depth before renegotiating, or do they offer a partial refund structure? Get the answer in writing. A contractor who refuses to put their no-water policy in writing is a risk.

Can you give me two or three reference sites I can contact directly?

A driller with genuine experience in your area — whether that is the Highveld, the Western Cape or the Limpopo Bushveld — should have multiple completed jobs they are happy to point you to. Ask for references in similar geology to your property if possible, and actually make the call or visit. Ask the reference client whether the yield matched what was quoted, whether the project came in on budget, and whether the driller returned to fix any issues that emerged after completion. Contractors who claim confidentiality prevents them sharing any references are not demonstrating trustworthy practice.

Unsure which local drillers have a track record in your area? Compare 3 free quotes — vetted installers, no obligation.

What pump do you recommend, and why?

The borehole itself is only part of the system. A submersible pump that is incorrectly sized will either burn out from running dry or fail to deliver adequate pressure. Ask the driller to explain how they will size the pump to the confirmed yield, what brand they typically install and why, and whether the pump is included in the quoted price or invoiced separately. In Johannesburg, borehole pump installation typically costs R15,000–R35,000; for any other region treat those figures as a rough reference point only and confirm local pricing through quotes. The broader borehole drilling guide covers system components in more detail.

How do you handle depth variation from the quoted estimate?

Many quotes are priced on a per-metre basis once a certain depth is exceeded. Ask the driller to spell out exactly how this works: at what depth does the per-metre rate kick in, what is that rate, and what is the realistic maximum depth in your area? Request a worst-case scenario cost alongside the headline estimate. A transparent driller will show you a range; a driller who only shows you the best case is not giving you what you need to budget properly. Typical complete borehole systems in Johannesburg run R40,000–R150,000, with most falling between R60,000 and R100,000, but depth variation is one of the main reasons a project can move within or beyond that range.

Question	What a good answer looks like
DWS registration	Shows documentation; explains authorisation type
Written scope	Covers casing, yield test, SANS 241 sampling
No-water policy	Documented partial or tiered charge structure
References	Two or three contactable clients in similar geology
Pump sizing	Linked to confirmed yield with brand reasoning
Depth variation	Per-metre rate disclosed with a realistic cost range

What aftercare do you provide once drilling is complete?

A borehole is infrastructure that lasts decades. Ask whether the driller offers a pump service plan, how they handle call-outs if yield drops significantly in the first year, and whether they log the borehole completion details — depth, casing record, static and dynamic water levels — in a format you can keep for future reference or for a property sale. Contractors who hand over a functioning system and disappear are not necessarily dishonest, but contractors who provide a completion report and a service contact are demonstrably more professional.

Ready to put these questions to real contractors in your area? Request your free borehole quotes — up to three vetted drillers, no commitment required.

Pulling it together before you commit

None of these questions require specialist knowledge to ask — they simply require that you ask them before signing rather than after. Write them down, send them by email so you have a paper trail, and compare how different contractors respond. A driller who answers clearly and in writing is demonstrating the same rigour they will bring to the job itself. One who hedges, deflects or pressures you to decide quickly is showing you something equally useful. The difference between a good borehole installation and a costly problem often comes down to how thoroughly you vetted the person holding the drill.