We are presently automating the reticulation systems in two adjacent Duncraig homes.
They share an old style bore which had been operated by a manual switch. So far we have installed a separate automatic reticulation controller on each property and are replacing the old manual gate valves with automatic solenoid valves (3 solenoids on one property and 5 on the other).
The retic system at one house hadn’t been used for 20 years so fingers crossed when we give it a well overdue service and some TLC!
We are up for a challenge,
If you need help automating your old style well or modern submersible water bore call Troy on 9246 0111.
Most commonly Perth water bores are connected to the clients existing reticulation. We are able to install a manual tap if requested. The bore tap is usually high pressure and can be used for hand watering and numbers of other things.
People need to realise its only irrigation quality water, not “tap” drinking quality water from the scheme.
Handy bore tap
Can I have a tap from my bore? Sure you can.
We have installed 2 bore taps this week.
Above, Tom installed a brass tap and pressure release valve to this new 22 metre deep submersible bore we just drilled in Morley.
Tom also installed another one to this new 29 metre submersible bore we just completed in Quinns Rocks(above). We install a larger than normal tap to fit a bigger 20mm hose to accommodate the extra flow from a bore.
The following diagnostic guide applies when your centrifugal pump motor is running but water problems exist.
For any bore pump problems call us on 9246 0111 seven days a week for telephone advice or to book a service Perth metro-wide. You can also visit our main website here.
(If pump is not starting at all then an electrical problem exists not covered in this guide. Call to book a visit from one of our water bore / pump specialist electricians who have all the necessary tools for diagnosis or repair of pump electrical problems. More info covered here .)
Pump runs but no water?
Priming – suction pipe not completely filled with water.
The check valve has failed
Discharge head too much – depth to water beyond pump range.
Suction lift too high. Suction pipe may be too small or long, causing excessive friction loss.
The Impeller is blocked.
Suction pipe/screen/strainer completely blocked.
Pump motor running in reverse (check direction).
Air pocket in suction line.
Air leaks in suction line and/or shaft seal, gland packing.
Discharge line closed off, solenoid valve not opening or gate valve closed.
Poor flow?
Priming – casing and suction pipe not completely filled with liquid.
Discharge head higher than anticipated. Check friction loss in piping.
Suction lift too high. Suction pipe may be too small or long and causing excessive friction loss.
Impeller partially plugged.
Suction pipe/screen /strainer partially blocked.
Pump motor running in reverse (check direction).
Air pocket in suction line.
Air leaks in suction line and/or shaft seal, gland packing.
Foot valve too small.
Suction pipe not into the water enough after draw-down.
Mechanical faults such as the Impeller damaged, gland-packing of shaft seal damaged or wear rings worn.
Water pumps OK then stops?
Leak in suction line.
Leakage of air into pump casing.
Air pocket in suction line.
Suction lift too high.
Insufficient groundwater.
Not Enough Pressure?
Speed to low.
Air in water.
Wrong impeller diameter.
Mechanical fault – Wear rings worn. Impeller damaged. Shaft seal or gland-packing damaged.
Wrong direction of rotation.
Water pumps OK then stops but pump still running
Leak in suction line.
Leakage of air into pump casing.
Air pocket in suction line.
Suction lift too high.
Pump is noisy.
Hydraulic noise – cavitation, too much suction head.
Mechanical Faults including – pump and drive unit out of alignment ,rotating elements binding, shaft bent, bearings worn.
Pump leaks .
Gland Packing worn/loose. Shaft seal damaged.
Packing incorrectly inserted or not properly run in.
This week George and the team drilled a 38 metre modern submersible water bore in the leafy Perth suburb of Nedlands.
New water bore being drilled in Nedlands
It was drilled through sand and limestone and there was a good supply of groundwater from 24.5 metres onwards.
With no access to the front lawn this one was drilled in the parking area to the side of the drive. Nice clean up again guys!
Once the pump has been put down the bore hole, it will be connected to reticulation. A green bore box will be put over the top and paving will be all put back and everything tidied up.
If you are in the Nedlands area or surrounding areas of Claremont or Dalkeith and have been considering a water bore call us on 9246 0111.
If you have a submersible water bore and you are doing renovations, it is important to consider the water bore as part of your planning.
Old Fremantle Bore
We attended a job in North Fremantle that had an old submersible bore that was working before renovations but had not been reconnected.
A bit of detective work and digging around this old bore in Fremantle uncovered what needed doing
We sent our electrician to test the motor and quote the on the cost of re-connection of the submersible water bore.
He found the motor tested OK but that it was an old installation with imperial sizes, no slack on the bore head cable and lots of limestone in ground and concrete around the house. It will be a challenging job to reconnect electrically.
The submersible bore was in a concrete pit filled with sand and barely visible.
There was a new start box needed to even test the bore itself was OK electrically as original start box was missing.
Once the bore is back up and running this one is to be wired just for manual operation as the owner intends to continue using it just manually from a hose. Later if it is connected to automatic reticulation we can install a reticulation controller.
If you are renovating and have a water bore, call us for advice on 9246 0111 or go to our website HERE
We fix bores and retic in all Perth suburbs
We are in Fremantle and surrounds on a daily basis fixing bores and repairing reticulation sprinkler systems. You can also call us for any Perth suburb
Virgin Water Bores recently drilled a new bore in Baldivis.
The last man onsite is normally our Jack who connects the bore to the existing reticulation system and tests that everything is OK.
He then makes sure the stations are balanced. This means he often doubles up existing retic stations so two come on at once to accommodate the higher flow from a bore. He then tidies up and makes sure everything is working perfectly before handing over the job to the customer.
The existing retic controller now turns on the bore for a supply of free groundwater, programmed to come on an extra day a week as allowed. This bore is carefully concealed under the paved driveway.
For a quote on a new submersible garden bore please call us on 9246 0111 or enquire online.
Tomorrow (June 1 2018) you need to turn off your reticulation and water bore for the winter sprinkler bans. This involves households, businesses and councils in Perth, Mandurah and parts of the South-West and Great Southern.
Anyone who uses sprinklers from June to August risks a $100 fine.
Winter sprinkler Swutch-off in Perth from June 1 to August 31
Bore water users are allowed to flush sprinkler systems once a week on their normal rostered watering days, either before 9am or after 6pm, for 2 minutes per station to maintenance test their bore. Hand watering is permitted when needed. If you have just installed a new lawn you can apply for a new lawn exemption HERE
Water Minister Dave Kelly reminded us that the switch-off saved about five billion litres of scheme water in winter 2017, enough water to fill up Optus Stadium five times.
Winter is a great time to consider a domestic water bore so you and your garden are ready for summer. Waiting times are shorter. Call us on 9246 0111 or go to our website HERE.
Our mobile service teams do prompt repairs to ALL TYPES of Water Bores & Reticulation Sprinkler Systems Perth metro-wide. Free phone advice. Our experience saves you time and money. Bore repair HOTLINE 1300 734 300 North of River: Troy 0408454130 South of River: Brett 0411511611
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