Sand or grit in your water usually comes from sediment in the water heater, pieces of a broken dip tube, or loose debris stirred up by recent work on the water main. Checking whether it shows up in hot water, cold water, or both helps point to the source.
Hot Water Only
If grit appears only when you run the hot water, the water heater is the likely source. Minerals settle at the bottom of the tank over time and can be stirred up. White or tan flakes that look like small bits of plastic may come from a dip tube, the pipe inside the tank that carries cold water to the bottom. When it breaks down, pieces travel out to faucets and clog aerators.
Hot and Cold Water
If both hot and cold water have grit, the cause is more likely outside the water heater. Work on the street main, hydrant flushing, or a recent repair can loosen sediment that reaches homes. Older galvanized pipes can also shed rust flakes. Running the cold water for a few minutes often clears debris from street work.
What to Check
- Unscrew faucet aerators and look at the debris
- Note whether it is gritty sand, rust flakes, or soft white bits
- Compare hot and cold water in clear glasses
- Ask neighbors whether they have noticed the same thing
When to Get Help
Ongoing grit can wear out faucet cartridges, toilet fill valves, and appliance valves. If grit keeps returning in hot water, the heater may need flushing or a new dip tube. If it persists in cold water too, contact your water provider and have your pipes checked.
A whole-house sediment filter is an option some homeowners consider if grit is a regular issue.
If the grit comes from the tank, getting the water heater flushed and checked usually helps. For grit in both hot and cold lines, you can ask a plumber to look at your pipes and fixtures at (833) 603-1840.