Borehole Drilling in South Africa: What to Expect From Start to Finish
Thinking about drilling a borehole? One of the first questions homeowners and businesses ask is: “How long does the borehole drilling process actually take?” The answer is — it depends. While some sites are quick and straightforward, others need a bit more time due to underground conditions and preparation work.
At LiquaFlo Borehole Solutions, we aim to make the process smooth, transparent, and efficient. Here’s a breakdown of what affects the drilling timeline and what you can expect when starting your borehole journey.
1. Site Assessment & Preparation (1–3 Days)
Before drilling begins, a proper assessment is essential. This may include a geo-survey to identify water-bearing formations and determine the ideal drilling point.
LiquaFlo ensures this is done responsibly, following SABS SANS 10299-:2003 standards through our subcontracted drilling partners.
This phase includes:
- Reviewing access for drilling machinery
- Conducting or analysing geological surveys
- Finalising drilling depth estimates
- Preparing the workspace and ensuring safety clearances
2. The Drilling Process Itself (1–3 Days)
For most residential and commercial sites in South Africa, actual drilling typically takes between one and three days. The duration depends on:
- Ground hardness (rocky areas take longer)
- Expected borehole depth
- Weather conditions
- How easily the drilling rig can access the site
Because every site’s geology is different, drilling times can vary widely — but LiquaFlo’s experienced partners aim for efficient, safe drilling without compromising quality.
3. Casing, Flushing & Development (1–2 Days)
After drilling reaches the required depth, the borehole needs to be stabilised and cleaned.
This phase includes:
- Installing SABS-approved casing
- Flushing the borehole to remove sand, silt, and debris
- Developing the borehole to optimise water flow
These steps are crucial for long-term water quality and pump performance.
4. Pump, Tank & System Installation (1–3 Days)
tank and dual blue filtration units installed by LiquaFlo Borehole Solutions in Gauteng">
Once the borehole is ready, LiquaFlo handles the full installation of your water system — including pumps, tanks, stands, purification systems, cabling, and controllers.
Installation timelines depend on:
- Whether you’re installing a simple pump setup or a full off-grid system
- Tank size and stand type
- Additional purification requirements
- Complexity of plumbing and electrical connections
Most customers can expect this part of the process to be completed in a few days.
So How Long Does a Borehole Project Take Overall?
On average: 4–10 days from start to finish.
This includes assessment, drilling, flushing, system installation, and final testing.
Complex sites may take longer, while straightforward residential installations can be completed on the shorter end of the timeline.
LiquaFlo’s goal is always to deliver fast, reliable, and sustainable borehole solutions backed by expert workmanship and SABS-approved products.
Why Timelines Matter
Understanding the full process helps set realistic expectations while giving you confidence in what’s happening on your property. LiquaFlo values transparency — and we want every customer to feel informed, comfortable, and in control throughout the project.