If you’ve been searching “how to drill a borehole” or “how to drill borehole water,” you may be tempted to handle the project yourself. With online videos showing homemade rigs and DIY drilling hacks, it might look doable. But the truth is… drilling a borehole is one of the worst DIY projects you can attempt.
A borehole isn’t just a hole in the ground — it’s a complex water access point that requires precision, geological knowledge, professional equipment, compliance with national standards, and a full understanding of groundwater behaviour. One mistake can cost you thousands, contaminate water sources, or permanently damage your property.
At LiquaFlo Borehole Solutions in Southern Johannesburg, we’ve seen what happens when homeowners try to cut corners—and trust us, fixing the damage is far more expensive than doing it right the first time.
Why You Should Never Attempt DIY Borehole Drilling
1. You Need Specialised Geological Knowledge
You can’t drill anywhere and hope for the best. Proper borehole positioning requires geo surveying, understanding underground water veins, and identifying safe drilling zones. Without professional insight, you may drill in the wrong area and still never hit water.
2. DIY Drilling Equipment Isn’t Safe or Reliable
Many people searching “how to make a borehole drilling machine” don’t realise that real rigs weigh tons, operate under extreme pressure, and need trained operators. Homemade equipment cannot penetrate hard South African rock formations safely — especially in Gauteng where geology varies dramatically.
3. You Could Damage Your Property (Or Your Health)
Incorrect drilling can cause collapses, contamination, flooding, pipe damage, or even electrical hazards. Professional teams follow SABS SANS 10299:2003 standards, ensuring structural integrity and safety during and after drilling.
4. Borehole Water Quality Must Be Protected
Even if you somehow manage to drill deep enough, without proper sealing, casing, and purification, you risk pulling in contaminated water. That means unsafe water and costly repairs later.
5. DIY Ends Up More Expensive
Between broken equipment, failed attempts, incorrect depth, and the need to re-drill, DIY becomes a financial trap. Professional drilling ensures correct depth, stable casing, and long-term reliability from the start.
How Drilling a Borehole Should Be Done
At LiquaFlo, the drilling process is handled by SABS-compliant subcontracted experts who use advanced rigs and methods designed for South African terrain. Here’s how the proper process works:
1. Site Assessment & Geo Surveying
Before drilling starts, experts determine the best position for high water yield and safe drilling depth.
2. Professional Drilling with Heavy Machinery
Industrial rigs penetrate bedrock safely and efficiently — something DIY machinery simply can’t do.
3. Casing, Sealing & Lining
This ensures your borehole stays structurally sound and uncontaminated for decades.
4. Pump Installation & Water System Setup
LiquaFlo supplies and installs submersible pumps, solar pumps, pressure regulators, controllers, tanks, filtration systems, and everything needed to make your borehole fully functional.
5. Purification & Filtration Systems
To ensure safe household or commercial use, LiquaFlo designs tailor-made purification systems based on your water test results.
6. Ongoing Repairs, Maintenance & Upgrades
A borehole is a long-term water solution, and LiquaFlo supports every phase of its lifespan.
The Smart Choice: Professional Drilling Saves You Money, Time & Stress
If you’re thinking about drilling a borehole the DIY way—don’t. Professional drilling isn’t just about convenience; it’s about safety, sustainability, and long-term water reliability.
By choosing LiquaFlo Borehole Solutions, you’re getting:
✔ Accurate site evaluation
✔ Safe, SABS-compliant drilling
✔ High-quality pumps and components
✔ Expert installation and purification
✔ Reliable off-grid water access
✔ A system designed to last and save you money
Your water supply is too important to gamble with. Let the experts do it right the first time.