Turning on your faucet and seeing grit or sand is not a pleasant sight. It makes you wonder if your water is safe to drink or if there’s something wrong with your plumbing system.
When you find sand or particles in your water, there’s a problem, and you need to get it fixed. The water that’s coming into your home is usually not the problem, but something in your pipes. And, sand can do damage, like:
- Clog your pipes and fixture
- Damage your appliance
- Reduce your water pressure
- Shorten the life of your water heater
Sediment is more than an inconvenience. It is a warning sign that your plumbing system needs attention.
Identifying the Source
Typically, there are a few common causes of sand in your water.
Hot Water Heaters
Hot water lines are often the first to show symptoms. Sediment naturally collects at the bottom of your hot water heater, and the heating process breaks it loose.
You can check by running both your hot and cold water lines. Cold water bypasses the water heater, so if you’re only seeing the sand in your hot water pipes, the culprit is likely your water heater.
Arizona water has a high mineral content. While it’s treated so it’s safe to drink, hard water causes scale to form on the bottom of a water heater over time. Eventually, these minerals form thick layers and when your tank cycles, tiny pieces can break off and show up as sand in your hot water pipes. You may also hear popping or rumbling noises from your tank when there’s a buildup.
This is something you’ll want fixed. An inspection and tank flush can solve the problem in many cases, getting rid of the sand in your hot water pipes and extending the life of your hot water heater.
Municipal Line Disturbances and Debris
There are also times when the presence of sand in hot water pipes isn’t inside your home. If you see work crews doing repairs to municipal lines, construction, or testing fire hydrants, it can push sediment into your plumbing.
If sand appears suddenly in both hot and cold water, especially after there’s work done in your neighborhood, it’s more of a problem with the lines coming into your home. While this usually clears up on its own, small particles can still settle inside water heaters and create ongoing issues. If it doesn’t clear, you need a professional assessment.
When Your Home’s Plumbing System Is the Source
Sediment can also come from failing plumbing components. Older valves, especially gate and stop valves, can deteriorate internally. When these parts corrode or break down, those fragments can travel into fixtures and mimic the appearance of sand.
You may also see moisture or dripping from worn valves. This means you may also need to know how to fix a leaky water valve.
Safe Fixes You Can Try
There are a few things you can try if you’re comfortable doing so. Otherwise, call in a professional plumber to diagnose and fix the problem.
Inspect Fixtures
Clean aerators and showerheads, which often trap sediment. If the sand-like particles are present only in the hot water, document that pattern. It is valuable information for a technician.
Flush the Water Heater
If you’re comfortable doing so, flushing your hot water tank can help get rid of the scale buildup. However, it’s recommended you get a professional service and cleaning annually to avoid hot water heater problems.
Check Valves for Leaks or Deterioration
Sediment often damages valve seals, washers, and O-ring components. If you see a valve that has even a tiny leak or drip, you will need to:
- Shut off the water to your home.
- Drain pressure from the line.
- Replace the worn washer, seal, valve, or piping.
In many cases, this is how to fix a leaky water valve when sediment is the cause. However, many valve repairs require specialized tools to avoid breaking fittings or causing additional leaks.
Call a Professional When the Source Isn’t Clear
If sediment continues to return after you clean fixtures or flush the tank, or if a valve leaks again shortly after repair, the underlying problem is deeper. A technician can determine whether the issue involves the water heater, municipal supply, internal valves, or underground piping.
You might see a little grit in your water from time to time, but it rarely goes away by itself.
Whether the problem comes from your water heater, a deteriorating valve, the city supply, or something else, you can trust the professionals at George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical to arrive promptly, diagnose the problem, and give you upfront pricing to fix the problem.
Schedule a service appointment with George Brazil. We offer same-day service with fully-stocked trucks to fix most problems during the first visit.