Water Pump Prices in Zambia
Compare surface pumps, submersible borehole pumps, and solar water pump systems. Includes pump sizing guide, installation costs, and solar vs electric comparison.
Water Pump Price List
Peripheral Surface Pump 0.5HP
0.5 HP · 35m head · Self-priming · Domestic
ZMK 2,000 – 2,800
Best for: Roof tank filling, garden irrigation
Centrifugal Pump 1.0HP
1.0 HP · 25m head · High flow rate · Cast iron body
ZMK 2,500 – 3,500
Best for: Farm irrigation, large garden, fish pond
Jet Pump 1.0HP
1.0 HP · 40m head · Deep well jet · Self-priming
ZMK 3,500 – 5,000
Best for: Shallow wells (up to 8m depth), tank filling
Submersible Borehole Pump 1.0HP
1.0 HP · 50m depth · Stainless steel · 3" bore
ZMK 4,500 – 6,000
Best for: Household borehole water supply
Submersible Borehole Pump 2.0HP
2.0 HP · 80m depth · High yield · 4" bore
ZMK 6,500 – 9,000
Best for: Deep borehole, community water point
Submersible Borehole Pump 3.0HP
3.0 HP · 120m depth · Commercial grade · 4" bore
ZMK 9,000 – 14,000
Best for: Very deep borehole, commercial/institutional
Solar Water Pump System (DC)
DC pump + 2-4 solar panels · 50-80m depth · No electricity
ZMK 8,000 – 15,000
Best for: Rural borehole, farm — no grid power needed
Booster/Pressure Pump
0.5-1.0 HP · Auto on/off · Pressure tank included
ZMK 3,000 – 5,000
Best for: Low-pressure municipal supply boosting
Borehole Pump Installation — Total Cost
Complete Installation Breakdown
Submersible Pump (1.0-2.0HP)
ZMK 4,500 – 9,000
HDPE Rising Pipe + Safety Rope
ZMK 500 – 1,500
Electrical Cable + Control Box
ZMK 800 – 2,000
Installation Labour
ZMK 1,000 – 2,500
Total Installed (Electric)
ZMK 7,000 – 15,000
Solar vs Electric — Running Cost Comparison
With ZESCO's MYTF tariffs (effective Nov 2025), running a 1HP electric pump for 4 hours/day costs approximately K150-300/month. A solar system (ZMK 8,000-15,000 upfront) eliminates this cost entirely and pays for itself in 2-4 years. Solar systems require minimal maintenance — panel cleaning and occasional controller checks.
Pump Buying Questions
What size pump do I need for my borehole?
It depends on borehole depth and water demand. For a typical 50-60m household borehole, a 1.0HP submersible pump (ZMK 4,500-6,000) is sufficient. For deeper boreholes (80-120m), use a 2.0-3.0HP pump. Match the pump's maximum head rating to your borehole depth plus the vertical distance to your storage tank. Your borehole driller should recommend the correct pump size based on the drilling report.
How much does a borehole pump installation cost?
The pump itself costs ZMK 4,500-14,000 depending on depth. Installation adds ZMK 2,000-5,000 for: HDPE rising pipe (ZMK 500-1,500), safety rope, electrical cable to surface, control box, and labour. Total installed cost: ZMK 7,000-20,000. Solar systems add ZMK 8,000-15,000 for panels and controller but eliminate electricity costs permanently.
Solar pump vs electric pump — which is better in Zambia?
Solar is better for rural areas without grid power and for eliminating ongoing electricity costs. Electric pumps deliver higher flow rates and work at night. With ZESCO MYTF tariffs now at K0.54-3.23/kWh (Nov 2025), running a 1HP electric pump costs K150-300/month. A solar system pays for itself in 2-4 years. Many households install hybrid systems — solar primary with ZESCO backup.
How do I maintain my borehole pump?
Submersible pumps require minimal maintenance — no lubrication needed. Key tips: install a non-return valve to prevent backflow, use a surge protector for electric pumps, check the control box annually, and listen for unusual sounds. Most quality submersible pumps (Pedrollo, Grundfos, DAB) last 5-10 years. Replace when flow rate drops significantly or the motor draws excessive current.