Most people call the first borewell contractor they find on Google or hear about from a neighbour. Then, halfway through the work, surprises show up โ extra charges, delays, or a borewell that gives very little water.
A few simple checks before you call can save you a lot of stress. You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to ask the right questions in the right order.
This guide walks you through what to check, in plain words, so you feel ready before you make that first call.
Hyderabad sits on hard rock ground. Water is not spread evenly under the city.
One plot can get good water at 300 feet. The plot next door may need 500 feet or more. This is normal here, but it also means the contractor’s experience with your exact area matters a lot.
A contractor who only checks these things after starting work is not the right choice. You want someone who is happy to answer these questions calmly, before any drilling begins.
Check 1: Do They Know Your Area’s Ground?
Ask directly: “Have you drilled borewells near this locality before?”
A contractor with real experience in your area can usually tell you the rough depth range that other borewells nearby have needed. They can’t promise water, but they should know the pattern.
If you want to understand general groundwater levels in Telangana, the Central Ground Water Board publishes area-level data that gives a rough, honest picture โ helpful background before your site visit.
Simple Tip
“Aquifer” simply means the underground layer of rock or soil that holds water. You don’t need to know the science โ just ask if that layer is usually found deep or shallow in your area.
Check 2: Ask for a Written Estimate
Never agree to drilling based only on a phone conversation. Ask for the rate to be written down โ even a simple WhatsApp message counts.
The estimate should clearly state the per-foot rate, casing pipe cost, and any other charges. Vague answers like “it will be reasonable” are a warning sign.
A price that sounds much lower than everyone else’s. It often means poor quality casing pipe, or hidden charges added later during the work.
Check 3: Who Handles the Permission?
In many parts of Hyderabad, drilling a borewell needs approval from the local authority. This rule can depend on your plot type and location.
Ask your contractor plainly: “Do I need permission for this, and will you help me get it, or is that on me?” A trustworthy contractor will not dodge this question.
You can read the exact current rules on our borewell permission in Hyderabad page, and cross-check with the GHMC for the latest official process before you begin.
Check 4: What If No Water Is Found?
This is the most important question, and the one most people forget to ask.
Ground conditions in Hyderabad can be unpredictable. No honest contractor can guarantee water. But they should clearly explain what happens if the first attempt does not find enough water โ do they try a nearby spot, and at what cost?
Get this answer in words you understand, before work starts. Not after the machine has already drilled 300 feet.
Check 5: Which Machine Will They Use?
Ask what type of drilling machine they plan to bring. Some plots โ especially small or narrow ones โ need a compact machine that can work in tight spaces.
If your plot is small or has limited entry, ask specifically if they can bring a robo borewell drilling machine, which is built for exactly this kind of space.
Check 6: Their Track Record
Ask how long they have been drilling borewells in Hyderabad, and if they can share examples of recent work nearby.
You don’t need certificates or paperwork for this. A confident, direct answer, along with a willingness to visit your site and look at it properly, tells you a lot. You can read more about how we approach every project on our about page.
Calling Blind vs Calling Ready
Calling Without Checking
Only a spoken price, no writing
No idea who handles permission
No plan if water is not found
Surprises appear mid-work
Calling After Checking
Written estimate in hand
Permission responsibility is clear
“No water” plan discussed upfront
Fewer surprises, more trust
A Simple Checklist to Keep on Your Phone
Save these questions. Ask them calmly, one by one, before you agree to anything.
Have you drilled borewells in my area before?
Can you send me the rate in writing, per foot?
Who applies for borewell permission โ you or me?
What happens if the first spot doesn’t give water?
What machine will you use for my plot size?
Can I see any recent work you’ve done nearby?
If a contractor answers all six of these clearly and without hesitation, you’re already ahead of most people who call. This same approach applies whether you’re drilling a fresh borewell, looking into new borewell drilling in Hyderabad, or simply comparing a few contractors before deciding.
What This Means for You
Never agree to drilling on a phone call alone โ get the estimate in writing.
Ask about permission and the “no water” plan before, not during, the work.
A contractor who avoids simple questions is a warning sign, not a good deal.
Local experience in your exact area matters more than a flashy machine.
A short, calm checklist call can save you weeks of stress later.
Figures and timelines mentioned here are general and can vary by site. Every plot is different โ actual depth, cost, and water availability can only be confirmed after a proper site visit.
Common Questions
Do I need to be present when the contractor visits my site?
It helps a lot if you are there. You can ask your questions directly and see how the contractor checks the plot, instead of hearing about it secondhand.
Should I get quotes from more than one contractor?
Yes, this is a good idea. Comparing two or three written estimates helps you spot if someone’s price or terms seem unusual, before you commit.
What documents should a good borewell contractor ask me for?
A good contractor will usually ask about your plot size, access for the machine, and whether permission has already been applied for. They should not ask for large advance payments before any work begins.
Is it normal for prices to differ a lot between contractors?
Some difference is normal, based on machine type and depth expected. But a very large gap usually means a difference in casing pipe quality or hidden charges, so always ask why.
What if my borewell has already been drilled but is not giving enough water?
That is a different situation from a fresh borewell. In that case, the checks are different, and reboring or cleaning may be the right next step instead of a new borewell.
Hyderabad Borewell Drillers
Borewell Contractors ยท Hyderabad