What Causes Bore Pump Pressure Loss? Common Problems and Solutions
If your sprinklers aren't reaching as far as they used to, your irrigation system seems weaker than normal, or water flow has become inconsistent, there's a good chance you're experiencing bore pump pressure loss.
The good news is that low pressure doesn't automatically mean your pump has failed. In many cases, the cause can be traced to a specific issue within the pump, bore, pipework, or irrigation system.
Understanding what causes bore pump pressure loss can help you identify problems early, avoid unnecessary repairs, and keep your bore system performing efficiently.
In this guide, we'll explain the most common causes of bore pump pressure loss, how to diagnose them, and when it's time to call a professional.
What Does Pressure Loss in a Bore System Look Like?
Pressure loss can appear gradually or happen suddenly depending on the underlying issue.
Common symptoms include:
Weak sprinkler performance
Reduced water flow
Uneven irrigation coverage
Longer watering times
Zones that previously worked well no longer operating properly
It's important to distinguish between pressure loss and a complete pump failure.
A failed pump may result in no water at all. Pressure loss, on the other hand, typically means water is still flowing but not at the volume or pressure the system was designed to deliver.
The Most Common Causes of Bore Pump Pressure Loss
Several components work together in a bore system. A problem in any one of them can reduce performance.
Pump Wear and Ageing
Like any mechanical equipment, bore pumps wear over time.
Internal components such as impellers gradually lose efficiency, which can reduce:
Water flow
Pressure output
Overall system performance
Older pumps often experience a gradual decline that homeowners may not notice immediately.
Blocked Intake Screens
Many bore pumps rely on intake screens to prevent debris from entering the system.
Over time, these screens can become blocked by:
Sediment
Organic material
Fine particles
Restricted water entering the pump often leads to low pressure from a bore pump.
Damaged Impellers
Impellers are responsible for moving water through the pump.
Wear, corrosion, or sand abrasion can damage these components and reduce the pump's ability to generate pressure.
Air Leaks
Air entering the system can significantly affect pump performance.
Common leak points include:
Pipe joints
Fittings
Valves
Air leaks often cause:
Sputtering water flow
Inconsistent pressure
Reduced irrigation performance
Electrical Issues
A pump may still operate while receiving insufficient voltage.
Electrical issues can result in:
Reduced motor performance
Lower pumping efficiency
Inconsistent pressure
According to Groundfos electrical problems are a common cause of poor pump performance and should always be considered during troubleshooting.
Falling Groundwater Levels
Groundwater levels naturally fluctuate throughout the year.
In South West WA, levels often decline during:
Summer
Extended dry periods
Years with below-average rainfall
The Bureau of Meteorology's groundwater monitoring program shows how groundwater levels can vary significantly between seasons and regions.
If water levels fall below the pump's operating range, pressure may decrease before water supply stops altogether.
Step 5: Review Groundwater Conditions
A decline in groundwater levels may explain recent changes in performance.
Information on WA groundwater systems can be found through the WA Government groundwater resources program.
How Australind WBC Diagnoses Bore Performance Issues
Pressure loss can have multiple causes, which is why Australind WBC evaluates the entire system rather than focusing on a single component.
Their assessment process may include:
| Diagnostic Service | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Bore inspection | Assess bore condition and performance |
| Pump testing | Evaluate output and efficiency |
| Water level monitoring | Check groundwater availability |
| Bore redevelopment | Restore bore performance where possible |
| Pump assessment | Determine whether replacement is required |
| System optimisation | Improve flow and pressure performance |
Because Australind WBC works across the South West and coastal regions of WA, they can also assess whether local groundwater conditions may be contributing to performance issues.
Learn more about Australind WBC's Water Bore Drilling services here.