FEATURE 25
Supplied by Kurt Vermaak
Limescale is to plumbing systems and water, what cholesterol is to the body and heart.
• Increased pump cycling or reduced pump performance.
• Staining of plumbing fixtures, laundry and sanitary ware.
• Elevated iron or manganese levels in water tests.
Inspection and maintenance A borehole should ideally undergo:
• Annual water quality testing.
• Annual inspection of the pump, electrical equipment and borehole infrastructure.
• Flow rate and yield testing every 1 – 2 years.
• Rehabilitation whenever there is a noticeable reduction in yield, increased iron or manganese levels, or evidence of biofouling.
When to consult a borehole specialist There reaches a point where the plumber should consult a borehole specialist. This should be when they notice:
• Persistent iron or manganese staining.
• Repeated pump or pressure system failures.
• Declining borehole yield.
• Excessive sediment entering the plumbing system.
• Continuous filter blockages.
• Unpleasant odours or bacterial concerns.
• Ongoing water quality complaints despite replacing plumbing components.
Often the plumbing system is only displaying symptoms of a problem that originates within the water from the borehole itself.
Supplied by Bore Restore
Preventative maintenance Regular preventative maintenance is essential, and can help extend the life of a borehole and improve its water quality. This includes:
• Routine water quality analysis.
• Monitoring flow rates and pump performance.
• Periodic rehabilitation to remove iron, manganese and biofilm.
• Appropriate treatment using chlorine dioxide, which effectively penetrates biofilms, oxidises dissolved iron and manganese, and disinfects the borehole without producing many of the undesirable by-products associated with traditional chlorine.
• Installing suitable filtration after treatment to remove oxidised contaminants.
• Protecting the borehole headworks from surface contamination and ensuring the installation remains properly sealed.
A proactive maintenance programme also reduces operating costs, protects pumps and plumbing infrastructure, and provides consistently high-quality water for domestic, agricultural and industrial use.
Conclusion: Test first, treat appropriately, maintain proactively As boreholes become an increasingly common source of water for homes, businesses and agricultural operations, plumbers have an important role to play in ensuring these systems are safe, efficient and reliable. Understanding the quality of the water before it enters a plumbing installation is just as important as selecting the correct pipe or fitting. By testing first, matching treatment to the contaminants present and recognising when specialist assistance is required, plumbers can help protect both public health and the long-term performance of plumbing systems. PA
How biofilm affects the borehole and pumps.
Boreholes require regular monitoring and maintenance, and early intervention can prevent costly repairs down the line.
Supplied by Bore Restore
October 2026 Volume 32 I Number 08 www. plumbingafrica. co. za