Grit in washing machine water

Quick Answer:

Finding grit in the washer drum usually means abrasive sediment is getting into the water supply. Stop the cycle, check where the water enters the machine and the hose screens, and avoid running more loads until you know the source.

Why This Happens

Grit can come from several common sources:

• Loose mineral sediment in a water heater that has recently been flushed or disturbed—see Sediment after water heater flush for background.
• Work on the municipal main or a broken pipe that flushes sand and scale into household lines.
• Outdoor spigots, sprinklers, or garden hoses that bring dirt back into the house—compare with Grit from outdoor spigot.
• Old galvanized or corroded pipes shedding scale.
• Well systems with failing sediment filters or a disturbed well screen.

Step-by-Step What to Do

1. Pause the washer and stop water flow

Immediately pause or cancel the cycle and stop the water supply at the shutoff valves behind the machine. This prevents more abrasive particles from circulating and reduces risk of valve or drum damage.

2. Pause washer mid-fill and inspect inlet screen for grit

With the water off, carefully disconnect one of the inlet hoses from the washing machine (cold first, then hot if affected). Check the small mesh screen inside the machine inlet and the screen at the hose end for trapped grit. Clean any visible debris with a soft brush and rinse the screens.

3. Flush the supply lines

After reattaching hoses, briefly turn the water on into a bucket to flush the supply lines and watch for grit. If the water still carries sediment, leave the hoses disconnected and call your water provider or a plumber.

4. Inspect nearby fixtures and sources

• Run other taps (cold only) briefly to see if grit appears elsewhere.
• Check outdoor spigots, recent plumbing work, or appliance maintenance like a water heater flush.
• Ask neighbors if they see the same issue—this helps tell if it’s a municipal problem.

5. Protect the appliance while you investigate

If the problem isn’t resolved, install a temporary inline mesh filter on the washer’s inlet hose or keep appliances off until the source is cleared. For repeated issues consider a permanent sediment filter on the main supply.

What Not to Do

• Do not run appliances on gritty water.
• Do not use force to remove screens—take care not to damage them.
• Do not ignore the problem; abrasive particles shorten pump, valve and drum life.

When to Call a Professional

Contact a plumber if:

• Grit keeps returning after flushing the lines and cleaning screens.
• You find corrosion inside pipes or repeated sediment in multiple fixtures.
• The washer shows signs of damage (leaks, unusual noises, poor draining) after exposure to gritty water.
• You’re uncomfortable disconnecting hoses or handling plumbing yourself.

Safety Notes

• Turn off the water supply and unplug the washer before disconnecting hoses.
• Wear gloves and eye protection when cleaning screens or handling debris.
• Avoid working on electrical components while water is flowing.

Common Homeowner Questions

• Will grit damage my washer?
  Yes—over time abrasive particles can wear valves, pumps, and drum seals.
• Can I clean the inlet screen myself?
  Yes—if you turn off water and power, then remove and rinse the screens carefully.
• How long should I avoid using the washer?
  Do not use it until the water runs clear or a filter is installed; intermittent use increases wear.