How to Remove Sand From PVC Supply Pipes

When local utilities carry out work on water mains or when hydrants are flushed, sediment and sand can enter your PVC supply lines. While this isn’t typically harmful to your health and most of this sediment is caught by faucet filters and water filtration devices, over time it can build up and present a problem. While it’s difficult to remove all sand from water supply lines, purging your pipes can remove the bulk of it and return your drinking water to its normal state.

Adjustable wrench

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the filters on all of the faucets in your home and clean away any sediment collected inside. Most faucet filters are at the end of the faucet and are easily turned off. You may need to use an adjustable wrench to loosen the filter if it is stuck on because of scale or rust.
- 2
  Turn on the cold water tap closest to the water meter to purge the pipes of sediments and sand. If this faucet is connected to a water softener, turn on the closest unsoftened faucet to the meter. If all of the faucets in your home are connected to a water softening system, turn on an outside faucet.
- 3
  Allow the water to run for about 10 minutes to force as much sand and debris from the lines as possible.
- 4
  Turn off the water and wait for 60 minutes. If the water is still discolored or cloudy, turn the water on again for another 10 minutes.
- 5
  Turn the water off and replace the faucet filters. If your water doesn’t run relatively clear after two hours, contact your local water utility for assistance. Broken water mains and deterioration of metal pipes can also cause sediment to form in your PVC supply lines and must be repaired to resolve the issue.
- 6
  Check the filters on your faucets weekly after purging the lines and remove any sand or sediment that has collected. Some residual amounts will remain in the lines after purging and are usually caught by these filters.
- 7
  Cut back to monthly inspections of your faucet filters when you no longer find sediments with weekly checks.
- 8
  Purge your water lines whenever your local utilities perform water main work or flush hydrants. These activities will cause sediment in your water supply lines for several weeks.
- 9
  Contact a plumber if you have purged the lines and are still seeing large amounts of sand in your water or if there has been no work on your water mains recently. PVC supply pipes are not vulnerable to deterioration but cast iron and galvanized pipes that deteriorate can produce sediment. A plumber can determine if your home is still connected to a metal supply somewhere.

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