Shallow garden bore installer

Install shallow garden bores for home owners in sandy or high water table areas using a compact ute or trailer rig.

Startup costA$25k to A$100k
Monthly revenueA$6k to A$25k
Time needed20+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • A$25k-100k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
  • Licence or permit needed

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

Installing shallow bores (such as spear points or small drilled bores) so households can water gardens and lawns from groundwater instead of mains water. It suits areas with sandy soil and shallow groundwater.

Your first three steps

  1. Check with your state or territory water authority whether shallow garden bores need a licensed driller, a permit or a notification, and what training applies
  2. Cost a compact ute or trailer-mounted rig, tooling and a basic pump range, and ask insurers about cover
  3. Build relationships with landscapers and irrigation shops, and offer a few discounted first installs in your area to gather reviews
Who pays

Home owners, landscapers, schools, sporting clubs and small commercial properties in suburbs where shallow groundwater is available.

How it makes money

A fixed price per bore, often with pump, pipework and controller supplied or installed as an add-on. Repeat income comes from servicing and referrals.

Skills that help
  • Practical, hands-on equipment handling
  • Basic plumbing and pump knowledge
  • Clear quoting and customer service
  • Local knowledge of soils and groundwater
Watch out for
  • Rules on garden bores vary a lot between states, territories and councils, so check before you advertise
  • Local restrictions on groundwater use, bore spacing and water quality, which can differ by area
  • Public liability and equipment insurance
  • Underground services such as gas, power and water lines, so check locations before drilling
  • Bore performance can vary, so be clear with customers about what you can promise

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: shallow garden bore installer

Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

  • Startup costs with real prices
  • Licences, registration and rules
  • Pricing: what others charge
  • Break-even example
  • Finding your first customers
  • 30-day launch plan
  • Risks and how to reduce them
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a garden bore installation business?

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your ute or trailer rig, drilling or spear point equipment and pump gear. These are estimates, so get quotes before you set a budget.

How much can a garden bore installer earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $25,000, depending on how many installations you win and the types of bores you install. This is an estimate, and bore performance can vary, so be clear with customers about what you promise.

What rules should I check before installing garden bores?

Rules on garden bores vary a lot between states, territories and councils, so check before you advertise. Also check local limits on groundwater use, bore spacing and water quality, and locate underground gas, power and water lines before drilling.

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