Grit coming out of faucets

Fine grit collected in a faucet stream

Quick Answer:

If your faucet spray feels gritty, it’s usually loose mineral sediment, degraded rubber or small bits of pipe lining rather than something grinding inside the plumbing. Stop using the affected outlet briefly, collect a sample for inspection, then follow a short set of checks to find the source and decide whether you can clear it yourself or need professional help.

Why This Happens

  • Mineral buildup in pipes or the water heater can break free and pass through the faucet.
  • Work on the municipal main or a recent shutoff can dislodge sand, pipe scale, or black rubbery particles.
  • Failing faucet cartridges, old flexible supply lines, or deteriorating pipe lining can shed material.
  • If only hot water shows grit, the water heater may have sediment trapped in the tank.

Step-by-Step What to Do

Step 1 — Stop and look

  • Turn the faucet off and avoid running it hard. Note whether the grit came from cold, hot, or both.
  • Check other faucets in the house (kitchen, laundry, other bathroom) to see if the problem is isolated.

Step 2 — Remove the aerator and collect a sample

  • Unscrew the aerator from the end of the spout. If it’s stuck, wrap pliers jaws with cloth to avoid damage.
  • Remove the faucet aerator and rinse grit into a white bowl for inspection. A white bowl makes color and size easier to see.
  • Note the color and texture: black flakes, sand-like grains, or metallic-looking pieces give clues to the cause.

Step 3 — Clean, flush, and test

  • Rinse the aerator parts and nearby screen with water; reassemble and test the faucet at low flow to see if grit returns.
  • Run cold water at full flow from other faucets for several minutes to flush the lines; then retest the original faucet.
  • If grit appears only on hot, drain and flush the water heater following the manufacturer’s simple flush steps, or have a pro do it.

Step 4 — Narrow the source

  • If multiple fixtures show grit after flushing, the issue is likely in the supply line or municipal service.
  • If only one fixture shows grit despite cleaning the aerator, the faucet cartridge or supply connections may be failing and need replacement.
  • If you see tiny dark bits after recent utility work, compare the sample to examples like Black flecks after city shutoff.

Step 5 — Take next steps

  • Keep the sample in a sealed container if you need to show it to your water utility or a plumber.
  • Consider a simple inline filter or new aerator with a finer screen while you investigate.
  • If laundry or appliances show similar grit, check appliances and read guidance on Grit in washing machine water.

What Not to Do

  • Do not scrape inside faucet bodies to remove grit. That can damage seals and create leaks or let debris move deeper into the valve.
  • Do not use strong acids or unknown chemicals to dissolve deposits—those can damage pipes and finishes.
  • Do not assume a metallic grinding noise means immediate pipe failure; assess first and call a pro if in doubt.

When to Call a Professional

  • If grit keeps coming back after you clean the aerator and flush the lines.
  • If you see metallic-looking shavings or larger bits that might indicate corrosion or pipe damage.
  • If multiple fixtures are affected and flushing doesn’t clear it, or if you suspect the main line or water heater needs service.
  • If you’re not comfortable disassembling fixtures or working on the water heater, call a licensed plumber.

Safety Notes

  • Wear gloves when handling unknown debris. Avoid touching your face or open cuts until you wash your hands.
  • Turn off the water supply before doing any work on supply lines or replacing faucet parts.
  • Keep a sample in a clean container in case your utility or plumber asks to see it; don’t discard it immediately.

Common Homeowner Questions

  • Is this grit harmful?
    Usually it is not toxic, but avoid ingesting it and keep it away from open wounds.
  • How can I tell what the grit is?
    Color and texture help: black rubbery flakes, sand, or metallic bits suggest different sources; a pro or lab can confirm.
  • Can I stop it happening again?
    Regular flushing, new aerators, and replacing old supply lines or a sediment-filled water heater reduce recurrence.

For more related articles, see the Black Specks, Sediment, or Grit in Water hub.

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