Most people only drill a borewell once or twice in their life. So it’s normal to feel unsure about what to ask.
Some contractors are honest and clear. Some are not. The easiest way to tell the difference is by asking a few direct questions before you say yes.
This guide gives you those questions, in plain words, so you feel confident before you book anyone.
Table of contents
1. What depth will you drill, and what if there’s no water?
Ask the contractor how deep they usually drill in your area. Ground conditions in Hyderabad are mostly hard rock, so depth can vary a lot from street to street.
A good contractor will not promise an exact depth before seeing your plot. But they should be able to give you a rough range based on nearby borewells.
Also ask this โ what happens if you drill and there is no water, or very little water? A fair contractor will explain this honestly, instead of promising 100% success.
Good to know
Water is never guaranteed on any plot. It depends on the rock layers under your land. You can check regional groundwater trends on the
Central Ground Water Board website before drilling.
If this is your first borewell, our guide on borewell drilling in Hyderabad explains how depth and location are usually decided.
2. What is included in the price?
This is the most important question. Many disputes happen because the price was not clear from day one.
Ask for these separately, not as one vague number:
- Rate per foot of drilling
- Casing pipe cost โ is it included or extra?
- Charges if they hit hard rock and need special drilling bits
- Transport or site visit charges
- Any advance payment terms
If you want to understand typical price ranges first, read our page on borewell drilling cost in Hyderabad before you compare quotes.
Get it in writing
Ask for the price breakdown on WhatsApp or paper โ not just spoken. This protects both sides if there is any confusion later.
3. What machine will you use?
Not every plot needs the same machine. A big open plot can take a normal rig. A tight space between buildings often needs a smaller, more compact machine.
Ask the contractor which type of machine they plan to bring, and why. If your plot is narrow or has low headroom, ask specifically about robo borewell drilling, which works in tighter spaces.
Good sign in an answer
- Explains which machine suits your plot size
- Visits the site before quoting a final price
- Talks about nearby borewell results, not just promises
Red flag in an answer
- Quotes a fixed price without seeing your plot
- Avoids saying which machine they will bring
- Guarantees “100% water, guaranteed”
4. How much experience do you have in this area?
Ground conditions change across Hyderabad and Secunderabad. A contractor who has worked in your specific area will know the rock pattern better than one who hasn’t.
Ask simple, direct questions like:
- How many years have you been drilling borewells?
- Have you worked in this locality before?
- Can you tell me roughly what depth borewells nearby usually go to?
You don’t need certificates or paperwork to judge this. Just listen โ an experienced driller answers these questions quickly and clearly, without hesitation.
5. Do you help with permission and paperwork?
Depending on your property type and location, you may need permission before drilling. Ask the contractor if they can guide you on this, or at least tell you clearly if it applies to you.
Rules can change, so always confirm the latest requirement with the GHMC or HMWSSB directly. Our page on borewell permission in Hyderabad also explains the basic process in simple steps.
Don’t skip this
Drilling without required permission can lead to problems later, especially for apartments and commercial buildings. Always ask before, not after.
6. Answers that should worry you
Sometimes it’s not what a contractor says โ it’s how they say it. Here are common answers that should make you pause.
- 1“Don’t worry, water is guaranteed on your plot.” No one can guarantee groundwater without seeing the site.
- 2“Full payment first, then we start.” A fair advance is normal. Full payment before any work is a risk.
- 3“I don’t know the exact price, I’ll tell you later.” Price should be discussed clearly before work starts.
- 4“No need to see the plot, I can quote over phone.” Serious contractors usually want to see the site first.
If your borewell has already stopped giving water and you’re now deciding between fixing it or starting fresh, our guide on borewell reboring in Hyderabad explains that decision. And if the issue turns out to be the pump rather than the borewell itself, our page on borewell pump installation can help you figure that out.
Quick checklist before you say yes to a contractor
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|
| What depth do you expect to drill? | Helps you understand rough cost and time |
| What is the per-foot rate and what’s extra? | Avoids surprise charges later |
| Which machine will you use? | Matches the method to your plot size |
| Have you worked in my area before? | Shows real local experience |
| Do I need permission for this? | Keeps you on the right side of the rules |
Ask these before finalising, not after work begins.
What this means for you
- Get the price broken down โ per foot, casing, and extras โ before you agree.
- Be cautious of anyone who guarantees water without visiting your site.
- Ask about the machine type, especially if your plot is small or narrow.
- Check if permission is needed for your property type before drilling starts.
- Trust clear, direct answers over big promises.
Prices, depths, and water outcomes mentioned in this article are general and indicative. Actual figures depend on your plot’s location and ground conditions, and should be confirmed after a site visit.
Frequently asked questions
What should I ask a borewell contractor before drilling?
Ask about expected depth, full price breakdown, machine type, local experience, and whether permission is needed for your property. These five questions cover most of the risk.
How do I know if a borewell contractor is experienced?
Ask how many years they’ve worked in Hyderabad, and if they’ve drilled in your specific locality before. Clear, quick answers usually show real experience.
Should I pay full amount before drilling starts?
It’s common to pay a reasonable advance, but paying the full amount before any work begins is risky. A fair contractor will agree to a staged payment plan.
Can a borewell contractor guarantee water on my plot?
No contractor can honestly guarantee water. It depends on the ground conditions at your specific plot, which can only be judged properly after a site visit.
Do I need to ask about permission before hiring a contractor?
Yes. Depending on your property type, permission may be required before drilling. Ask the contractor, and also check current rules with GHMC or HMWSSB directly.
Related guides
Hyderabad Borewell Drillers โ serving Hyderabad & Secunderabad. Figures on this page are general guidance, not a quote. Final pricing and feasibility are confirmed after a site visit.
Hyderabad Borewell Drillers
Borewell Contractors ยท Hyderabad