Borehole drilling, casing and developing
After the client has approved the job, we proceed with scheduling and then drilling the borehole. Once we reach the ideal depth and find a suitable water source, we finalize the process by casing the borehole, adding in a sump, and clearing the borehole shaft of debris.
Borehole drilling, casing and developing
After the client has approved the job, we proceed with scheduling and then drilling the borehole. Once we reach the ideal depth and find a suitable water source, we finalize the process by casing the borehole, adding in a sump and clearing the borehole shaft of debris.
We make use of the latest technology to get reliable results
At Stark Borehole we have a 99% success rate in drilling for water. This is because we do two things exceptionally well. Firstly, we use leading edge technology to find water under your property and secondly, we make use of the latest in precision air compressed drilling techniques to drill straight, high quality boreholes up to 400 meters deep. It is vital to remember that the biggest cost associated with a borehole, is drilling the borehole. It is therefore best to know if you have water before you drill so that you don’t end up with a dry borehole that you still need to pay for.
What do we do before we start
to drill?
To achieve optimal drilling results, there are several things that we consider:
- Best placement: Using the information from the borehole water survey we pinpoint the place on your property that has best chance of intercepting the underground aquafers and subterranean river systems.
- Appropriate access: We determine the optimal access point for our equipment since some of our drilling rigs can weigh up to 15 tons and more. This is especially important for residential boreholes where space could be limited.
- The right drilling rig for the job: The rule of thumb is that the deeper the borehole, the bigger the drilling rig needs to be. Knowing how much water you want daily and the approximate depth at which we will find water is essential. We have a range of equipment to choose from including a small footprint drill used for constrained environments.
- Type of formation and rock we drill through: Our borehole water survey provides us information on the type of sediment and rock we will drill through. Furthermore, the type and quality of the protective casing we insert into the borehole to protect it from collapse is affected by the type of soil and rock we encounter.
How does the borehole drilling process work?
In order to drill your borehole, we use precision drilling equipment comprising of a compressed air pneumatic hammer and drill which is operated at the end of the drill rod. It rapidly strikes the rock, while the drill rod is being rotated. Shattered pieces of rock are then removed by the air blowing out of the hammer. Our drilling process works as follows:
- When we have completed the borehole water survey, and you have approved our quote and paid your deposit, we schedule the drilling of the borehole.
- Our team will arrive and prep the area where drilling will take place. Please note that drilling is very loud and very messy. You must ensure that you notify your neighbours that drilling will be taking place
- Once fully prepped we will commence with drilling. Our teams drill up to 120 meters per day. Should your water source be deeper than that we will need a second (or third day) of drilling.
- Quite often the first couple of meters of the borehole is loose sand. We will drill down till we hit rock at which stage we will insert a steel casing to prevent the sand from filling the hole. Once completed we continue drilling.
- We take soil samples every meter. This is essential since the type of soil/rock affects the type of drill bits we need and is used in conjunction with the yield test to certify the borehole.
- When we find water, we check if the pressure is sufficient to produce the yield you require. If not, we might need to drill a bit deeper since water is often found on multiple layers underground. This is done in line with the quote you signed off.
- Once we are confident that we have found a suitable source we need to clear the borehole from debris. To provide you with clear water, we use compressed air and municipal water to flush it clean. This process is commonly referred to as “developing a borehole”. If we don’t develop the borehole, your pump could get severely damaged.
- At this stage the final PVC casing is inserted, and a sump is added to the borehole to ensure a clear supply
Why use Stark Borehole for your
borehole surveys and drilling?
(Please note we only service Gauteng)
Year’s experience:
We have over 15 years’ experience in boreholes and construction
Highly accurate water surveys
We have a 100% accuracy rate. If we say there’s water, you can bank on it
Industry approved and registered
We are a registered with BWASA (Borehole Water Association of South Africa)
We issue borehole COC's
We provide valid certificates of compliance for insurers and banks which you will need when buying or selling a property
Turnkey service provider
We manage the entire process, from borehole survey, drilling, yield test, water quality test, installation and filter system.
Quality advice, service & support
We are experts at borehole surveys and drilling and can advise you on the best solution to suit your needs