Thinking of Drilling a Borehole? Here's How Far It Should Be From Your House
So, you’re ready to take control of your water supply and install a borehole — great decision! But before you break ground, there’s one big question many homeowners ask: how close can you drill a borehole to a house? It’s a smart question and one that can make or break the long-term success and safety of your borehole setup.
Let’s walk you through everything you need to know about safe borehole placement, how to stay compliant with local regulations, and why expert site planning matters.
Why Borehole Placement Matters
Drilling a borehole too close to your house isn’t just risky — it can lead to structural issues, legal trouble, or even contaminated water. That’s why the South African National Standards (SANS 10299-2:2003) lays out clear guidelines for proper borehole site selection.
Recommended Safe Distance:
In South Africa, the general guideline is to maintain a minimum 5 to 10 metre distance from any building structure, including your home. However, this may vary based on:
- The depth of the borehole
- The geology of your area
- Local council bylaws
- Type of water use (drinking, irrigation, etc.)
At LiquaFlo Borehole Solutions, we always recommend a geo-survey before drilling. This ensures the safest and most efficient location is chosen — not just in terms of distance, but also based on underground water availability.
3 Factors That Affect Borehole Location
pump installation by LiquaFlo, showcasing professional water system upgrades">
1. Structural Safety
Boreholes drilled too close to your home may affect the foundation over time. During drilling, vibrations and pressure changes in soil layers can pose risks, especially in clay-rich areas that shift with water levels.
2. Water Quality Protection
A safe distance helps reduce the risk of contamination. Think about runoff from gutters, septic tanks, or garden chemicals — all of these can seep into your borehole if it’s poorly positioned.
3. Maintenance and Access
Placing your borehole too close to the house can limit accessibility for pump repairs, maintenance, or upgrades in the future. Proper spacing ensures safe and easy access for service crews — and that saves you time and money down the line.
Geo-Surveying: The Smart First Step
One of the smartest investments before drilling is a geo-survey. At LiquaFlo, we work with qualified subcontractors who use state-of-the-art equipment to determine the best borehole spot, factoring in:
- Underground water veins
- Rock layers and formations
- Soil composition
- Distance from structures and contaminants
Think of it as a blueprint for long-term water success.
Don’t Rely on Guesswork — Trust the Pros
Installing a borehole is a long-term investment — and getting the location wrong can turn your savings into costly repairs. That’s why our team at LiquaFlo Borehole Solutions takes safety and planning seriously.
We tailor each installation based on your unique property layout and water needs, using SABS-approved components and expert planning from day one.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering how close to your house you can drill a borehole, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. But with the right guidance, proper surveying, and an expert team on your side, you’ll enjoy safe, sustainable water access for years to come.