Common Bore Pump Problems in Australia: Causes, Fixes, and How Proper Bore Pump Sizing Prevents Them

Australia’s harsh climate and variable groundwater conditions push bore pumps harder than most people realize. The result? Recurring failures that usually trace back to one root cause: the pump was the wrong size, installed incorrectly, or never matched to the bore depth flow rate in the first place. Before you throw money at repairs, you need to understand the underlying problems and most importantly, how proper bore pump sizing prevents nearly all of them.

This guide breaks down the most common bore pump issues faced by Australian households, farms, and regional operators. You’ll learn how to size a bore pump correctly, the role of bore water pressure, why the wrong horsepower burns out motors, and how long-tail problems often show up months before the pump dies.

1. Low Water Pressure and Unstable Flow

This is one of the most widespread complaints across Australia from coastal properties to inland rural blocks. The pressure starts strong, then drops off, or fluctuates constantly.

Main Causes

• The pump doesn’t match the bore depth or required pressure.
  
  

• The dynamic water level is much lower than expected.
  
  

• Pipe friction loss wasn’t accounted for.
  
  

• The pump is undersized based on the bore pump size chart.
  
  

Why It Happens

Most people ask “what size bore pump do I need?” but they only consider flow, not pressure. When you underestimate head pressure, the pump simply can’t maintain stable delivery.

Prevention

Correct assessment of bore depth flow rate and true pumping lift. A properly matched unit from an Australian bore pump guide ensures your pressure stays consistent rather than collapsing under load.

2. Pump Short-Cycling (Turns On and Off Rapidly)

Short-cycling destroys motors long before their expected lifespan.

Causes

• Incorrect bore pump sizing leading to oversupply or undersupply.
  
  

• Faulty pressure tank or pressure switch.
  
  

• Pumping far more water than the bore can recover.
  
  

• Leaks in the system causing rapid pressure loss.
  
  

Why It Matters

Short-cycling isn’t a “nuisance” it’s a warning sign. Every rapid start overheats the motor, strains wiring, and increases the risk of a full burnout.

Prevention

Align pump output with actual demand and pressure tank volume. Oversized pumps are just as destructive as undersized ones.

3. Sand, Silt, or Grit in the Water

Australian bores especially in regions with shallow aquifers often produce water with fine particles. The problem isn’t the sand itself but the pump’s reaction to it.

Causes

• Pumping too fast for the yield of the bore.
  
  

• Wrong pump type used especially where a progressive cavity water pump should have been chosen.
  
  

• Incorrect intake placement inside the bore.
  
  

• Damaged or missing screens.
  
  

Why It Matters

Abrasive particles wear out impellers, seals, and bearings. A progressive cavity water pump can often handle challenging conditions better than a standard centrifugal design.

Prevention

Match pump flow rate to bore recovery rate. Proper pump selection (and not forcing a cheap pump into the wrong environment) is essential across Australian conditions.

4. Motor Overheating or Complete Burnout

A large portion of bore pump failures in Australia can be traced back to motors running too hot.

Causes

• Undersized or badly matched motor.
  
  

• Using the wrong bore pump horsepower guide.
  
  

• Pump running dry due to low bore water pressure or poor recharge.
  
  

• Voltage fluctuations common in rural areas.
  
  

• Incorrect installation depth.
  
  

Why It Happens

When the pump runs below its intended water level, cooling water doesn’t flow around the motor housing. Without enough cooling, the unit overheats rapidly.

Prevention

Correct horsepower selection, verified using a bore pump size chart that aligns with Australian supply conditions. Proper installation depth ensures consistent cooling.

5. Pumping Air Instead of Water (Cavitation)

This issue is more common in surface pumps but also affects submersible bore pumps when sized incorrectly.

Causes

• Bore level drops below the pump.
  
  

• Pumping rate exceeds recharge rate.
  
  

• Incorrect pump for the bore depth flow rate.
  
  

• Excessive suction lift on surface pumps.
  
  

Why It Matters

Cavitation erodes pump components and drastically reduces flow. Left unchecked, it causes total failure.

Prevention

Choosing the correct pump type and size. Cavitation almost always indicates a sizing or installation issue, not a random fault.

6. Electrical Failures and Control Issues

Electrical faults often appear after mechanical problems have already begun.

Causes

• Wrong pump size drawing excessive current.
  
  

• Undersized cables over long distances.
  
  

• Constant cycling stressing components.
  
  

• Environmental factors (heat, moisture, pests).
  
  

Why It Happens

When a pump struggles to meet head and flow requirements, current draw increases. Over time, this burns out controllers, switches, and even the pump motor.

Prevention

Using an Australian bore pump guide during system design ensures electrical load, cable length, and pump power align correctly.

Five Common Questions Australians Ask About Bore Pump Problems

1. Why does my bore pump keep losing pressure in summer?

Because groundwater levels drop and your pump wasn’t sized with seasonal fluctuation in mind.

2. How do I know what size bore pump I need for my block?

Use your bore depth, water level, head pressure, and flow demand, then match them to a bore pump size chart. Never guess.

3. Do I need a stronger pump if my bore is deeper?

Yes, greater depth increases total head, which directly affects pump selection.

4. Why is my pump pulling up sand?

You’re pumping faster than the bore can cope, or the pump intake is installed too low.

5. Is a progressive cavity water pump better for low-yield bores?

Often yes, its design allows steady pumping even with variable water quality.

For expert pump selection and Australian-specific guidance, visit Pumptastic.

If you need help diagnosing a fault or choosing the right pump, Contact us.

Most bore pump issues in Australia aren’t random failures they’re the outcome of poor pump selection, insufficient sizing, or ignoring bore water behaviour. If you get bore pump sizing right from the start, you eliminate almost every common problem: pressure drops, overheating, cavitation, sand ingress, short-cycling, and early motor failure.

Size the pump properly, match it to real-world Australian conditions, and your system will last years longer with fewer breakdowns.