Specialist Water Bore Electrician Perth

A water bore is a complete groundwater and pumping system.

A pump that trips the power, loses pressure or stops producing water may have an electrical problem. But the same symptoms can also be caused by:

• Falling groundwater levels
• Insufficient bore yield
• Bore screen restriction
• Silt or mineral build-up
• Incorrect pump selection
• Damaged rising main
• Failed non-return valve
• Suction leaks
• Blocked or damaged impellers
• Loss of prime
• Reticulation faults
• Pump motor failure
• Electrical control faults

Aquarian Drilling has been drilling, repairing and maintaining water bores in Western Australia since 1994.

That experience means we can assess the:

Bore + Groundwater + Pump + Pipework + Electrical System + Controls + Reticulation

as one complete system.

Our objective is to identify the actual problem before recommending expensive replacement equipment.

Bore Electrician vs General Electrician

A general electrician can test electrical equipment.

Diagnosing a water bore can require considerably more.

For example, a pump may be electrically operating correctly but still fail to produce adequate water because of bore yield, pumping water level, damaged pipework, hydraulic conditions or deterioration within the bore.

Likewise, what appears to be a failed bore may simply be a capacitor, contactor, controller or pump-start circuit.

Effective bore fault finding can require an understanding of:

• Electrical systems
• Bore pumps
• Pump curves and duty requirements
• Bore depth
• Static and pumping water levels
• Bore yield
• Groundwater conditions
• Bore construction
• Rising mains
• Reticulation systems
• Pump controls and automation

This is why Aquarian Drilling approaches bore electrical problems as water bore specialists, not simply as electrical faults.

Water Bore Electrical Fault Finding

There can be numerous components between your reticulation controller and the pump at the bottom of the bore.

A fault in one component can stop the complete system.

James can test and diagnose:

• Electrical supply to the bore
• 240 V single-phase pumps
• 415 V three-phase pumps
• Submersible pump motors
• Centrifugal pump motors
• Pump electrical cables
• Start and run capacitors
• Pump control boxes
• DOL starters
• Contactors and relays
• Motor overload protection
• Isolation switches
• Reticulation controllers
• 24 V pump-start circuits
• Float switches
• Tank level controls
• Pressure controls
• Flow protection
• Electrical connections and cabling

Testing allows us to determine whether the fault is electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, control-related or associated with the bore itself.

Common Water Bore Electrical Problems

We regularly investigate bore systems with symptoms including:

• Bore pump won't start
• Pump keeps tripping the power
• Safety switch trips
• Circuit breaker trips
• Pump runs but no water comes out
• Bore has lost pressure
• Water flow has reduced
• Pump starts and stops unexpectedly
• Bore won't switch off
• Blown capacitor
• Failed pump control box
• Burnt or fused pump motor
• Failed contactor
• Faulty relay
• DOL starter failure
• Motor overload tripping
• Damaged underground cable
• Faulty reticulation controller
• Float switch failure
• Three-phase electrical faults
• No-flow or pressure-control faults

Different faults can produce almost identical symptoms.

That is why diagnosis comes before replacement.

Bore Pump Megger & Insulation Resistance Testing

Where appropriate, James can carry out insulation resistance testing using a Megger to help assess the electrical condition of the pump motor and cable.

This can help identify:

• Insulation breakdown
• Electrical leakage
• Damaged pump cable
• Motor winding faults
• Water ingress
• Fused or burnt-out pump motors

Megger testing can be particularly useful when a bore pump is tripping the power, failing to start or suspected of having an electrical motor failure.

Where possible, testing the system before retrieving the pump can help determine where the fault is occurring.

Bore Pump Keeps Tripping the Power?

A bore pump that repeatedly trips a circuit breaker or safety switch should be investigated rather than continually reset.

Possible causes include:

• Failing pump motor
• Insulation breakdown
• Damaged pump cable
• Water entering an electrical connection
• Failed capacitor
• Seized pump
• Jammed impeller
• Faulty control equipment
• Motor overload
• Electrical short circuit
• Phase loss or imbalance
• Low-voltage conditions

James can electrically test the system and determine whether further pump or bore investigation is required.

Single-Phase & Three-Phase Bore Pump Repairs

Aquarian Drilling works with both single-phase and three-phase water bore pump systems.

Single-phase systems can experience faults involving capacitors, control boxes, relays, motors and cabling.

Three-phase systems can involve additional problems including:

• Phase loss
• Phase imbalance
• Incorrect phase rotation
• Contactor failure
• Motor overload
• Supply faults
• Control circuit faults

Correct diagnosis is particularly important with three-phase submersible motors because incorrect electrical conditions can damage the motor.

Pump Running But No Water?

A pump running does not necessarily mean the bore system is operating correctly.

If the pump runs but little or no water reaches the sprinklers, possible causes include:

• Falling groundwater level
• Bore yield reduction
• Damaged rising main
• Failed non-return valve
• Blocked impeller
• Pump wear
• Bore screen restriction
• Silt or mineral build-up
• Loss of prime on a centrifugal pump
• Suction pipe leak
• Reticulation fault
• Closed or failed solenoid valve

This is where understanding the bore and groundwater system as well as the electrical system becomes important.

Bore Has Lost Pressure or Flow

Reduced pressure does not automatically mean the pump needs replacing.

Possible causes include:

• Worn pump
• Damaged impellers
• Rising-main leaks
• Pipework problems
• Falling pumping water level
• Reduced bore yield
• Bore deterioration
• Restricted bore screen
• Reticulation faults
• Solenoid problems
• Incorrect pump operation

Aquarian Drilling can assess whether the problem originates from the pump, bore, groundwater supply, pipework, electrical controls or irrigation system.

Bore Pump Testing & Retrieval

If testing indicates a possible submersible pump or motor failure, the pump may need to be retrieved for further inspection.

Aquarian Drilling has specialised equipment for retrieving submersible pumps from deep water bores.

Once retrieved, the pump, motor, cable and associated components can be inspected and tested.

If replacement is required, we can assess the bore conditions and pumping requirements before recommending a suitable pump.

Bore Pump Replacement Perth

Selecting a replacement bore pump involves considerably more than matching the kilowatt rating of the old motor.

Correct pump selection should consider:

• Bore depth
• Static water level
• Pumping water level
• Bore yield
• Pump setting depth
• Required flow
• Required pressure
• Pipe diameter
• Friction losses
• Irrigation requirements
• Total pumping head

Installing an incorrectly sized pump can result in poor performance, excessive drawdown, inadequate pressure or premature equipment failure.

Aquarian Drilling can assess the bore and required duty, not simply replace one pump with another.

Bore Pump Control Boxes & Capacitors

A failed capacitor or control box can make a serviceable pump appear to have failed.

Depending on the pump, control equipment may contain:

• Start capacitor
• Run capacitor
• Relay
• Overload protection
• Electrical terminals
• Pump-start components

Testing these components can sometimes identify a relatively straightforward fault without retrieving the submersible pump.

DOL Bore Pump Starters

Direct-on-line or DOL starters are commonly used with larger pumps and three-phase bore motors.

Problems can include:

• Failed contactors
• Burnt electrical contacts
• Failed coils
• Motor overload faults
• Loose connections
• Control circuit problems

James can diagnose and replace bore pump DOL starters where required.

Bore Pump Contactors & 24 V Start Relays

Automatic bore systems commonly use a 24 V signal from the reticulation controller to operate a relay or contactor that starts the bore pump.

If this circuit fails, the reticulation controller can appear to be operating normally while the pump never starts.

Common faults include:

• Failed pump-start relay
• Failed contactor
• Burnt contacts
• Failed coil
• Controller output fault
• Wiring fault
• Loose connection

James can test the complete control circuit to determine where the signal is being lost.

Reticulation Controller Repairs & Upgrades

A failed irrigation controller or pump-start circuit can prevent the bore from operating even when the pump itself is in good condition.

We can diagnose bore and reticulation control systems and replace faulty equipment where required.

Existing systems can also be assessed for upgrades to modern programmable or Wi-Fi-enabled reticulation controllers where suitable.

Depending on the equipment selected, modern controllers can provide features such as remote access, improved scheduling and weather-responsive irrigation control.

Automatic Water Bore Systems

Still manually switching your bore on and off?

Many older Perth bore systems can be converted to automatic operation.

Depending on the existing installation, automation may include:

• Automatic pump starting
• Reticulation controller
• Pump-start relay
• Solenoid valves
• Contactors
• DOL starter
• Motor protection
• Rain sensor
• Float switches
• Tank controls
• Pump protection

Once configured correctly, the bore and irrigation zones can operate automatically according to the programmed watering schedule.

Tank Float Switches & Low-Yield Bore Controls

Not every bore is capable of supplying an irrigation system directly.

A low-yield bore may be better used to gradually fill a storage tank.

Aquarian Drilling can install high and low-level float switches and pump control equipment so the bore automatically fills the tank as required.

The stored water can then be supplied to irrigation through a separate pressure pump.

This arrangement can be particularly useful for low-flow bores and some Perth Hills bore installations.

Shared Bore Electrical Systems

Aquarian Drilling can design and install electrical control solutions for shared water bores servicing multiple properties.

Depending on the installation, this can include:

• Separate reticulation controller inputs
• Pump-start controls
• Electrical interlocking
• Contactors and relays
• Individual hour meters
• Pump protection
• Isolation equipment

This allows participating properties to independently request operation of the shared pump while maintaining a single bore installation.

Old Concrete Wells & Centrifugal Pump Electrical Repairs

Aquarian Drilling also works on older deep concrete wells and traditional bore systems fitted with centrifugal pumps.

These installations can experience faults including:

• Loss of prime
• Failed non-return or foot valve
• Suction leaks
• Mechanical seal failure
• Failed capacitor
• Motor failure
• Pump wear
• Electrical connection faults
• DOL starter problems
• Controller faults

Because we understand both the hydraulic and electrical operation of these older systems, we can determine whether the problem is with the pump, electrical system or water supply.

Where an old well is no longer economical to repair, Aquarian Drilling can also assess the property for a modern submersible bore and pump system.

Lightning, Power Surge & Bore Pump Damage

Electrical storms and power supply disturbances can damage bore pump motors and control equipment.

Damage can involve:

• Pump motors
• Motor windings
• Capacitors
• Controllers
• Contactors
• Relays
• Pump cabling
• Other electrical components

Where a bore stops operating following an electrical event, James can test the system to determine what has failed.

Bore Pump Motor Fusion Testing & Insurance Documentation

Where a bore pump motor is suspected of being fused or electrically burnt out, James can test the pump motor and associated electrical system.

Where appropriate, electrical findings or documentation can be provided to assist a customer with an insurance claim.

Insurance coverage depends on the individual policy, cause of failure and insurer's assessment.

Can't Find Your Water Bore?

Some Perth submersible bores are installed below ground level and can become difficult to locate after landscaping, lawn replacement or changes of ownership.

Aquarian Drilling has specialist locating equipment that can assist with locating concealed bore infrastructure before pump retrieval, electrical testing or repair work begins.

New Water Bore Electrical Installations

James also provides electrical and control solutions for new Aquarian Drilling water bore installations.

Depending on the pump and application, this may include:

• Pump electrical connection
• Electrical isolation
• Pump starters
• DOL starters
• Contactors
• Motor protection
• Reticulation controller interfaces
• Float switches
• Tank controls
• Pressure controls
• Automatic pump controls

Having the drilling, bore design, pump selection and electrical requirements considered together provides a coordinated approach to the complete water bore installation.

Why Choose Aquarian Drilling for Bore Electrical Repairs?

Aquarian Drilling is not a general electrical contractor that also works on bore pumps.

Water bores are our core business.

We have been drilling, repairing and maintaining water bores in Western Australia since 1994.

Our experience covers:

• Water bore drilling
• Groundwater conditions
• Bore construction
• Submersible pumps
• Centrifugal pumps
• Bore hydraulics
• Bore redevelopment
• Pump retrieval
• Electrical fault diagnosis
• Pump controls
• Reticulation
• Bore automation

James provides the licensed electrical expertise within that broader water bore capability.

This allows us to diagnose the complete bore system, rather than looking at one component in isolation.

James Rowland – Specialist Water Bore Electrician

Licensed Electrical Contractor
Electrical Contractor Licence: EC 13614

James provides specialist bore electrical fault finding, pump testing, controls and automation as part of the Aquarian Drilling team.

Specialist Water Bore Electrical Repairs Across Perth

Aquarian Drilling provides bore electrical and pump services throughout Greater Perth, the northern suburbs, southern suburbs, eastern suburbs, western suburbs, Swan Valley and Perth Hills.

If your suburb isn't listed elsewhere on our website, contact us with your location and a description of the problem.

Water Bore Not Working?

If your bore won't start, keeps tripping the power, has lost pressure, runs without producing water, won't switch off or requires pump testing, contact James directly.

James Rowland
Licensed Electrical Contractor – EC 13614
Specialist Water Bore Electrical & Pump Systems

Phone: 0407 885 091

Aquarian Drilling

Water Bore Electrical Repairs • Bore Pump Fault Finding • Pump Controls • Automation • Bore Pump Replacement