New Bore & Pump Tips
New Bore Only
In the first 2 months of your new bore being drilled, please do the following:
- Equip the bore with a pump ASAP.
- Run the pump every other day for a minimum of 10-30 mins.
- Keep the cap on the bore at all times when not equipped with a pump.
New Pump Only
When installing your pump, make sure the lowest part of the foot valve assembly is 600mm from the bottom of the bore. An easy way is to assemble the strainer, foot valve, poly fitting, and poly pipe and lower that into the bore until it hits the bottom. Then lift up an arms-length and use your poly cutters to cut the poly there. Slip your PVC cap over the poly then secure the poly fitting.
In the first 2 months after your pump installation:
- Run your pump often for at least 20 mins (every second day at least).
- DO NOT trust the automatic pressure switch. At night, turn the pump off at the power point. If you are going away for a weekend or for more than 4 hours, turn the pump off at the power point.
- Test fill a bucket with bore water once a week and carefully tip out to see how much sand is in the bucket. 1-2 teaspoons in a 20L bucket is within the operating range of the pump. Check that the sand is fine (<0.5mm) and not coarse granules. If you see 2mm granules please call us.
- You may see some discoloured water when the pump is first turned on. This is normal if it goes away after 10L has passed through the pump. If after 2 minutes of running the water is still dirty, call us.
- Do not put the hose outlet through anything with a fine nozzle like: hand triggers; soaker hoses; or pop up sprinklers. These will block up initially.
For the rest of the pump's life:
- If the pump starts making new noises, check our website for details, then call us on 1800 193 194.
- If the pump motor runs and no water comes out an open ended hose outlet with no sprinklers or attachments, check out our website on how to prime a pump.
- Cover the pump from direct sun and rain. Some pumps have lasted 14 years when out of the weather.
- If the pump just hums when turned on, TURN IT OFF IMMEDIATELY! Then call us.
- Test the water for sand every month. After flood events or extended drought, some fine sand may be noticed.
- For hose distances longer than 10m, we recommend using a 19mm (3/4") hose to maximise your flow. This can then be split into 2 smaller, short hoses and sprinklers.
To easily prime a pump, watch our video.