Quick Answer:
If aerators on several fixtures clog at once, it usually means sediment or particles have entered the water supply rather than a single clogged screen. Inspect every aerator to see whether clogging is limited to one room or is system-wide, collect a sample, flush lines, and clean or replace screens. If this repeats or you see rust-colored water or metallic flakes, call a plumber or your water supplier.
Why This Happens
- Recent pipe work, repairs, or a water-main disturbance can release sand and grit into the system; this can show up suddenly at multiple taps. If you recently had work done, consider whether you might be seeing **Sand in water after pipe replacement**.
- Water heater or a hot-water tank with built-up sediment can push particles into faucets when supply lines are disturbed.
- Corroding pipes can shed rust flakes. Small-scale corrosion will sometimes clog only one aerator, while active corrosion or a dislodged chunk can affect many fixtures.
- Water treatment or softener backwash cycles, or a failing sediment trap, can release material through the house plumbing.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Inspect all aerators — local vs system-wide
Remove the aerator screens from each sink (kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, outdoor hose bibs if present) and look at what’s blocking them. Note:
- How many are clogged: one fixture or many?
- Color and texture: fine sand, gritty particles, brown/rust flakes, or black rubber bits?
- Whether both hot and cold sides are affected.
2. Check other fixtures and collect samples
Run each fixture briefly and watch for particles in the stream. Inspect the toilet tank and other low-flow areas for debris; also check appliances that use water. If you want to show a professional, collect a clear sample in a jar.
Look for related signs like staining, discolored laundry, or reduced water pressure.
If you find debris in fixtures beyond taps, check the toilet tank too — you might see **Particles in toilet tank**.
3. Clean aerators safely
- Turn the faucet on low and use a cloth-wrapped wrench if needed to remove aerators. Protect finishes with tape or a rag.
- Tap out loose material, brush screens with an old toothbrush, and rinse. For mineral scale, a short soak in vinegar can help; rinse thoroughly before reinstallation.
- Replace any aerator that is corroded, cracked, or has persistent clogging after cleaning.
4. Flush the lines
- After removing aerators, run cold water at each fixture for a few minutes to flush loose material from the pipes.
- Open an outdoor hose bib or the lowest fixture while also opening a top-floor tap to help push debris out of the system.
- If you have a pressure-reducing valve, sediment trap, or a water softener, follow the manufacturer’s guidance to flush those components.
5. Check recent work and contact your supplier
- If you or a contractor recently replaced pipe or the city did work nearby, contact the contractor or water utility to ask about flushing or known disturbances.
- If multiple homes on your street have the same problem, the water supplier should be notified.
6. Monitor and escalate if needed
- If clogging returns after cleaning and flushing, document when and where it happens, and note particle color and size. Persistent or worsening issues can indicate failing pipe material or a larger supply problem.
- Call a licensed plumber to diagnose corrosion, failing fixtures, or hidden leaks.
What Not to Do
- Do not ignore repeated aerator blockages. Repeated clogging is a sign of a larger issue that needs checking.
- Do not use strong acid-based chemicals on aerators or in plumbing to try to dissolve particles; they can damage finishes and seals.
- Do not assume a single cleaning fixes the problem when multiple fixtures are affected — that may delay finding a system-wide source.
- Do not remove internal plumbing parts beyond basic aerator screens unless you are confident and have shut the water off; avoid creating leaks.
When to Call a Professional
- If several fixtures keep clogging after you clean and flush.
- If you see rust-colored water, metallic flakes, or strong metal taste — signs of active corrosion.
- If water pressure is low across the house, or appliances are affected (dishwasher, washing machine).
- If you suspect a recent repair or main break introduced sediment and the supplier has not responded.
Safety Notes
- Turn off individual fixture valves or the home shutoff if you need to work on supply fittings to avoid flooding.
- Wear gloves and eye protection when handling debris and cleaning parts.
- Be careful removing aerators from hot-water taps; flush with cold first to avoid scalds.
- Avoid inhaling any dusty sediment; handle samples carefully and dispose of them down a drain after flushing thoroughly.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Why did this start suddenly? — A disturbance in the supply (work, breaks, flushing) or a recent service often dislodges settled sediment.
- Can I keep using the water? — Short-term use is usually fine, but avoid drinking if water is discolored or contains visible particles; use bottled water until it’s clear or tested.
- Will a plumber just replace the aerators? — A plumber will clean or replace aerators but should also diagnose the source if the problem is system-wide to prevent recurrence.
For more related articles, see the Black Specks, Sediment, or Grit in Water hub.