Quick Answer:
After a known outage you can get loose grit, rust and sand in the pipes. Remove aerators and shower heads first, flush the lines through a tub spout for 5–10 minutes, clean small inlet screens (toilet fill, washer, ice maker), and consider a temporary sediment filter until the water runs clear.
Why This Happens
When water service is interrupted for repairs or a main break, flow resumes with a rush that dislodges particles that normally sit quietly in the distribution lines. Those particles move downstream and collect at narrow openings: aerators, shower heads, toilet fill screens and appliance inlet strainers. If the outage followed municipal work, you may recognize the problem as Sand in water after city repair. Small screens at your meter or appliance inlets can also clog and reduce flow.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Remove aerators and shower heads before flushing
- Unscrew aerators from faucets and remove shower heads. Keep the small screens and parts in a bowl so you don’t lose them.
- Do this first so debris won’t collect inside those fittings while you flush the lines.
2. Flush through the tub spout for 5–10 minutes
- Open a tub spout or a laundry faucet (cold water) and let it run for 5–10 minutes. This helps move the bulk of the sediment out of the branch lines.
- Watch the flow: when the water runs clear for several minutes, most debris is gone. If it stays cloudy, continue flushing or try another faucet on the same branch.
3. Clean aerators and shower heads
- Tap screens gently and rinse them. Use an old toothbrush to remove grit. If clogged with mineral buildup, soak in a mild vinegar solution, rinse thoroughly, and reassemble.
- Only reinstall them after flushing shows clear water.
4. Clean toilet fill screens
- Turn off the toilet shutoff valve, flush to empty the tank, then inspect the fill valve inlet or any inline screen. Many modern fill valves have small strainers that can be rinsed.
- Replace parts or call a plumber if you’re unsure how to access the screen for your specific model.
5. Check washer and ice maker inlet screens
- Look at hose connections for the washing machine and the refrigerator water line. Many hoses and inlet fittings have small screens that trap sediment.
- Shut off water to the appliance before loosening fittings. Clean or replace the strainers as needed. If you don’t feel comfortable, call a tech for the appliance.
6. Consider temporary sediment filtration
- If sediment is heavy or recurring, use a point-of-use sediment filter on the affected faucet, a hose-mounted filter for appliances, or a pitcher filter while you sort the problem.
- Temporary filters can protect valves and solenoids until the system clears. Replace or clean those filters frequently during the cleanup phase.
What Not to Do
- Don’t run the dishwasher or washer immediately after an outage — those appliances have small valves and solenoids that are easily damaged or clogged by grit.
- Don’t reinstall aerators, shower heads or appliance filters until you have flushed lines and cleaned screens.
- Don’t neglect protecting solenoids and screens — keep strainers and temporary filters in place until the water is consistently clear.
- Don’t use strong chemical drain cleaners to remove grit from screens or appliances; they won’t help and can damage rubber parts.
When to Call a Professional
Call a plumber if:
- Clogging continues after flushing and cleaning screens.
- There is a major drop in pressure or continuous discolored water at multiple fixtures.
- You suspect meter or service-line screens are clogged — these situations and the signs in Meter screen clogged symptoms often need a pro or the water utility to inspect and clear.
Safety Notes
- Avoid running hot water at full temperature while flushing to prevent scalds; use cold or moderate temperature and check before using hot taps.
- Turn off water to appliances before disconnecting hoses. Unplug electrical appliances before working near water connections.
- If water looks contaminated (brown, very cloudy, or has an odor), follow any local boil or do-not-use advisories from your water utility and contact them for guidance.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Why do aerators clog so fast after an outage? Loose sand and rust travel with resumed flow and collect in small screens and aerators.
- Can I just run the dishwasher to clear lines? No. Running appliances can pull grit into solenoids and valves and cause damage; wait until screens and filters are clean.
- How long before water is safe to use normally? Once fixtures run clear and filters/screens stay clean after a sustained flush (hours to a day), normal use is usually fine; follow utility advisories if provided.