Whether you are taking a shower or preparing a meal, you want clean and clear tap water. However, it is not a good situation if sand is coming out of faucet water. You can’t use water that contains sand neither for washing nor for drinking. You will be stuck in the middle of your work in the kitchen.
Sand in the faucet water will leave you worried and you can’t use it. Find out, how can you get clean sand-free water from the faucet.
Why Is Sand Coming Out of Faucet?
Well Water Contamination
If the well water is coming into your water supply, and may come out from the faucet water due to poor good construction quality. When the well is not properly constructed, sand will be mixed into the water and come out from the faucet.
Over time, the well casing becomes damaged and allows the sediment and sand to enter into the water. Cracks and gaps in the well casing will create a path for sand infiltration.
In certain areas, underground rock formations can contain sand deposits. When the well draws water from these formations, sand particles may be carried along and end up in your tap water.
Well pump pulls the water from the well and sends it to the home water supply. If the well pump is malfunctioning, it will pull sand from the bottom of the well and mix it into the faucet.
Sediment Buildup in Pipes
Sediment buildup is another cause of sand coming out of the faucet. When the plumbing supply of the house is old and not maintained properly, sediment from the pipe will accumulate in the water.
Old corroded pipes can disintegrate and lead to sediment particles in the faucet water. The accumulation of minerals, rust, or scale inside the pipes can trap and carry sand particles, eventually releasing them through the faucet.
Municipal Water Supply Systems
Problems in the municipal water supply system also cause sand to come out of faucet water. This is a less common cause but you can’t ignore it. If there is any issue with the municipal water supply, your neighbor will also be facing the same issue.
If there is repairing work in the municipal water lines going on, there are chances that sand mixes into the water and comes to your home water supply.
Municipal water corporation filters water before sending it to homes. But if their water filtration system is not able to remove all impurities from the water, you won’t get clean water from the faucet. Sand and other impurities may come out from the faucet and also water color may be different.
Solutions for Removing Sand from the Faucet
Flush The Affected Faucet
To clean out the sand from the water, start by flushing the affected faucet. For this, remove the aerator of the faucet. In most cases, you can remove the aerator by hand. Twist the aerator to take it out.
Rinse the aerator with clean water. Use a brush to open all its holes. Clean all sand particles that are trapped in the holes of the aerator. Gently scrub and rinse until the aerator or screen is free from any debris or sand.
Now it’s time to flush the faucet. Turn on the faucet and let the water run for a few minutes. The strong flow of water helps dislodge and flush out any remaining sand particles from the plumbing system.
When you see clean water coming out from the faucet, turn it off and reattach the aerator. This method is good when there is only a low amount of sand in the water supply.
Running Cold Water To Clear The System
When sand comes from all faucets, flushing a single faucet won’t work. In this situation, you need to run cold water through the whole plumbing system.
To make sure that only cold water runs through the only plumbing system, you need to turn off the hot water supply. Turn off all water heaters in the house. If you have other devices that rely on hot water, turn them off.
Turn on all cold faucets in the house. It will begin running cold water in the whole house’s plumbing. It will carry away sand particles from the faucet water.
Allow all faucets to open for a few minutes. After running the cold water for a few minutes, gradually open the hot water faucets in your home. It will reflow the hot water in the plumbing system and it will prevent sudden pressure change.
As you continue to run the water, the sand particles should be flushed out, resulting in clear water. However, if you still notice sand particles, repeat the process by running cold and hot water through the faucets until the water runs clear.
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Install Water Filtration System
If sand comes out faucet again after a few days of flushing the whole plumbing system, you need to use a water filtration system. To remove sand particles from the water, a multi-stage filtration system is recommended.
It includes sediment filters, activated carbon filters, and possibly other specialized filters depending on the contaminants present in your water.
These systems are designed to remove a wide range of contaminants, including sand, from the water supply before it reaches your faucets.
Impact of Sand Particles on Fixtures
Sand in the faucet water has a bad impact on the fixtures and plumbing system of the house. Sand particles will damage the inner part of the faucet and pipes and lead them to corrosion and rust.
The abrasive nature of sand can also damage fixtures such as showerheads, aerators, and valves. Sand may clog appliances such as filters, washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters. It will reduce the efficiency of appliances. It will also reduce the water flow in the water pipes.
Sand in the faucet water will accumulate on the faucet parts. It will clog the aerator and obstruct the flow of water.
FAQs
Can Sand In The Faucet Water Cause Health Issues?
Sand particles in the water supply are not good for health. They can cause various health-related issues such as gastrointestinal issues, stomach discomfort, and even waterborne illnesses. In some conditions, sand in the water may cause irritation, itchiness, and dryness. Sensitive skin people may experience redness and rashes.
Does Sand Dissolve In Tap Water?
No, sand doesn’t dissolve in the tap water. Sand contains small rock or mineral fragments, typically made out of Silica and Quartz. These materials are insoluble in water. Sand particles are carried with the water towards the faucet.
James Lewis is a seasoned plumber and faucet enthusiast who shares his expertise on Faucetsavvy.com. With over 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, he’s passionate about helping homeowners find the perfect faucet for their needs. He’s also dedicated to empowering DIY enthusiasts with the plumbing knowledge and skills needed to repair and maintain their faucets.