If you have a borewell at your home, farm, or factory — you need the right pump to pull water out of it. Using the wrong pump means high electricity bills, frequent breakdowns, and sometimes no water at all.
This guide explains which pump is best for a borewell, what to check before buying, and how to avoid common mistakes. We have kept it simple — no complicated technical terms.
Quick Answer: For most borewells in India — especially those deeper than 25 feet — a submersible pump is the best choice. Keep reading to find out why, and which size you need.
Why Choosing the Right Pump Matters
A borewell is a deep, narrow hole drilled into the ground to reach underground water. The water does not come up on its own — a pump lifts it to the surface.
If you pick the wrong pump, here is what can go wrong:
- The pump cannot reach the water level (especially in summer when water drops deeper)
- It uses too much electricity for the amount of water it gives
- The motor burns out within 1–2 years
- You end up spending more on repairs than you saved buying a cheap pump
According to the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), groundwater levels in many parts of India have dropped significantly over the last decade. This means your pump must be able to handle deeper water levels than before.
Types of Pumps Used for Borewells
1. Submersible Pump
A submersible pump goes inside the borewell, fully underwater. It pushes water up to the surface from any depth. This is the most popular and recommended pump type for borewells in India today.
2. Jet Pump
A jet pump stays above the ground and uses suction to pull water up. It works only for shallow borewells — up to about 25 feet. Beyond that, it loses suction and cannot lift water properly.
3. Centrifugal Pump
Centrifugal pumps are used for open wells or very shallow water sources. They are not suitable for deep borewells.
4. Turbine Pump
Used in very large borewells for agriculture or industrial purposes. These are high-capacity pumps and are not typically used for homes.
Why Submersible Pump is the Best for Borewells
Here is why most homes, farms, and factories in India prefer submersible pumps for their borewells:
- Works at any depth — from 25 feet to 1,000 feet and beyond
- Saves electricity — uses 30–40% less power than a jet pump at medium to deep levels
- No noise — the motor is underwater, so you hear nothing
- No priming needed — starts working immediately without manual water filling
- Longer life — sealed motor means less exposure to dust and rain. A good pump lasts 8–15 years
- Low maintenance — fewer moving parts exposed to outside conditions
Energy Saving Fact: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) recommends using star-rated, energy-efficient submersible pumps for agricultural and domestic use to reduce power consumption.
How to Choose the Right Submersible Pump
Not all submersible pumps are the same. You need to match the pump to your borewell conditions. Check these five things:
1. Borewell Depth
Find out the total depth of your borewell. The pump’s head rating must be higher than your borewell depth. For example, if your borewell is 200 feet deep, choose a pump rated for at least 220–250 feet.
2. Static Water Level
This is the actual depth at which water sits inside your borewell. In summer, this level drops. Always account for the lowest expected water level, not just the current one.
3. Flow Rate
Flow rate tells you how many litres of water the pump delivers per hour. A family home with 4–5 members typically needs 1,000–2,000 litres per hour. A farm may need 10,000+ litres per hour. Check our agricultural pumps.
4. Borewell Diameter
Most borewells in India are 4-inch or 6-inch in diameter. Make sure the pump fits inside. A 4-inch pump can go into any 4-inch or wider borewell.
5. Motor Power (HP)
Pump power is measured in horsepower (HP). Common options are 0.5 HP, 1 HP, 1.5 HP, 2 HP, and 5 HP. Higher HP gives more water per hour but uses more electricity.
Simple Rule for Homes: A 1 HP submersible pump in a 4-inch borewell is sufficient for most Indian homes at depths up to 200 feet.
5 Important Tips Before You Buy
- Read your borewell drilling report: This document lists your borewell depth, water yield, and static water level. It is the most important document when choosing a pump.
- Install dry-run protection: This device automatically turns off the pump if water runs out — preventing motor burnout during dry seasons.
- Check for sandy water: If your borewell water carries fine sand, buy a pump specifically designed for sandy conditions. Regular pumps wear out quickly with sand.
- Buy ISI or ISO certified pumps: Always choose pumps from manufacturers with BIS/ISI certification or ISO 9001 certification for quality assurance.
- Do not buy only on price: A cheap pump may save you ₹2,000 upfront but cost ₹10,000 in repairs within two years. See why Polter Pumps is trusted since 2003.
Submersible Pump vs Jet Pump — Quick Comparison
| Feature | Submersible Pump | Jet Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Best Depth | 25 ft to 1000+ ft | Up to 25 ft only |
| Electricity Use | Low | Medium to High |
| Noise Level | Silent | Noisy |
| Maintenance | Low | Moderate |
| Good for Home | Yes | Only for shallow wells |
| Good for Farm | Yes | No |
| Price Range | ₹5,000 – ₹30,000+ | ₹3,000 – ₹12,000 |
Our Recommendation — Polter Pumps
At Polter Pumps, we have been manufacturing water pumps in Ahmedabad, Gujarat since 2003. All our pumps are ISO 9001:2015 certified and built to handle real Indian borewell conditions — including sandy water, voltage fluctuations, and deep extraction.
We offer:
- Residential submersible pumps — 0.5 HP to 2 HP for homes
- Agricultural submersible pumps — 3 HP to 10 HP for farms and irrigation
- Industrial pumps — high-capacity units for factories and large projects
Not sure which pump is right for your borewell? Contact our team — just tell us your borewell depth and water requirement, and we will recommend the right pump for free.