- Water cannot enter the pump when sand, silt, and debris clog the pump intake.
- Deteriorated impellers cause poor pumping performance and low water flow.
- As the groundwater level drops, the pump can’t extract adequate groundwater.
- Small pipes cause friction loss and will result in less water pressure at the outlet.
- Electrical fluctuation and fault reduce the overall pump performance.
Why Borewell Pumps Suddenly Lose Water Pressure
A borewell pump is supposed to supply water at a consistent rate daily. When the pressure drops or it doesn’t discharge as strongly, it typically means there’s a problem developing in the system. The pump failure is not always responsible for the low water flow; it may be due to the bore well conditions, electricity supply, delivery pipes, or groundwater level.
Fortunately, most low-flow problems can be identified early and fixed before they cause significant damage.
ALSO CHECK – Which is Better for Your Needs: Borewell Pump or Openwell Pump ?
Common Causes of Low Water Flow in Borewell Pumps
1. Clogged Intake Screen
Submersible borewell pumps extract water through the intake screen placed at the bottom of the borewell. With the passing of time, sand particles and silt, mud, and mineral deposits build up around these openings and limit water flow.
The motor may continue to run normally, but the intake is greatly diminished, causing a significant reduction in output pressure and flow.
Solution
Take out the pump, thoroughly clean the intake screen, and rinse out debris from the borewell casing.
2. Worn Impellers Inside the Pump
The impellers are the moving parts that propel water up. Continuous operation in abrasive water conditions slowly wears down these components, reducing their efficiency.
The discharge decreases as the impeller blades become weak and lose their shape.
Solution
Get a technician to check the pump stages and replace any damaged impellers or worn hydraulic parts as needed.
3. Falling Groundwater Levels
Groundwater levels may drop below the range of effective operation of the pump during summer seasons or during long periods of drought. Under these circumstances, there is a possibility that the pump will suck less water or even suck air occasionally.
This is becoming a more frequent problem in areas where groundwater is being pumped out.
Solution
Install a water level controller to avoid the risk of the borewell running dry, or deepen the borewell if the geological conditions are favourable.
4. Wrong Pipe Size or Damaged Pipe
The delivery pipe is a key factor in ensuring water flow efficiency. Narrow-diameter pipes generate a high friction loss, particularly in deep borewell systems.
Additionally, older GI pipes can suffer from corrosion, causing a decrease in the inside diameter and limiting water flow.
Solution
Upgrade to proper-sized HDPE or stainless pipes to correct the flow rate and head pressure.
5. Electrical Supply Problems
Motor speed and pumping performance can be greatly influenced by low voltage, voltage fluctuation, or single phasing in three-phase systems.
Often, the motor looks good and discharges poorly due to the lack of a balanced electrical supply.
Solution
Ensure reliable operation by using motor protection relays, voltage stabilizers, and well-maintained control panels.
6. Air Lock Inside the Pipe
The air inside the delivery pipe generates resistance that prevents the water from flowing smoothly. This is often experienced following maintenance, power failure, or dry running conditions.
Solution
Drain the air from the highest point of the pipe system and properly prime during installation.
7. Incorrect Pump Installation Depth
The location of a borewell pump should be designed according to the static and dynamic water levels in the borewell. Placing pumps too high can cause air to be drawn in during peak demand periods, and too deep can cause the pump to run outside of its operating efficiency.
Solution
Get the pump specialist’s advice to find the right depth to install the pump based on the existing water level in the borewell.
Why Pump Quality Matters
Many low-flow problems are intensified by poor pump quality. Low-quality materials will wear out more quickly in hard water and high sand conditions.
Tormac Pumps is adept at the manufacturing of boring well submersible pumps with corrosion-resistant stainless steel and high-efficiency hydraulic systems, designed for use in difficult application environments. Our pumps are designed for consistent pumping through a range of operations and depths.
Available in both domestic and agricultural models, Tormac Pumps is able to serve global markets with both a 50Hz and 60Hz power system.
Correct pump selection also prevents some of the most common issues like undersizing, overpowering, and erratic flow rates.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
The easiest way to prevent unexpected low-flow problems is to perform regular maintenance.
Basic Maintenance Checklist:
- Check electrical panels every six months.
- Take regular motor amperage readings.
- Check the water discharge performance yearly
- Check pipe connections and fittings for leaks
- Monitor seasonal changes in groundwater levels
If the pump’s performance changes early on, it can cost a lot to repair it, and its lifespan can be greatly prolonged.
ALSO CHECK – Borewell vs Openwell Pump: Which Saves More Electricity?
Final Thought
If the borewell pump is drawing low water, there must be a cause. The problem may be due to dirty screens, damaged impellers, electrical problems, or decreased groundwater levels, and addressing the cause early is crucial.
Quality pumping systems offer improved durability, energy efficiency, and long-term reliability.
When your borewell system is performing poorly, you can consider the upgraded version of the borewell submersible pump from Tormac Pumps and select the appropriate pump based on its depth, flow, and operational needs.
FAQs
- What is the most frequent reason for low water flow rate in a bore well pump?
- The most frequently occurring causes are due to clogged intake screens, worn impellers, or mineral buildup.
- Does borewell performance diminish with low groundwater levels?
- Yes. Dry running risks and reduced water output due to falling water tables are significant concerns.
- What is the frequency of borewell pump servicing?
- Domestic pumps should be serviced every 12 to 18 months, and heavy-use pumps every 6 to 12 months.
