What To Do When Your Water Well Begins To Pump Sand Or Grit
Sand in Well Water?
If your well begins to pump sand, silt, or dirt, this can indicate a serious problem with your well. Sand or sediment in well water requires some problem-solving.
Sand in water can lead to abrasive wear of the well pump, clogging, and premature replacement of fixtures, appliances, and your water treatment system due to the presence of abrasive sand.
In private well water systems, often, what appears to be sand can be sediment or other particulate material from various sources.
Be sure to determine if what you are observing is coming from your well or within your home. Then, try running the water directly from the well into a white bucket to see if you can identify some sand or sediment.
Consider getting your water tested for contaminants, especially if it has a foul odor, bad smell, or taste.
There are many causes of the sudden appearance of sand in your water well. When your well begins to pump sand, it is usually best to seek advice from a well-driller or pump contractor to determine the source or cause.
Nonetheless, let’s discuss some of the most common causes of sand or grit in your water well and our knowledge of how to approach the problem.
Common Causes of Sand and Sediment in Well Water
Geological Causes
Geological formations play a significant role in the presence of sand in well water.
When a well is drilled through sandstone, limestone, or other sand-laden geological layers, fine sand can be introduced into the water supply.
Shallow wells are particularly susceptible to this issue, as they often draw water from less compacted strata that contain more sand particles.
Understanding the geological conditions of your area is crucial in identifying potential sources of sand in your well water. By knowing the types of formations your well penetrates, you can better anticipate and address issues related to sand and sediment in your water supply.
Improper Well Pump Placement: The Well Pump is Set Too Low in the Well
If your well suddenly starts to pump sand and sediment, this may indicate improper well pump placement, where the pump is sitting too low in the well near the bottom.
Most wells use submersible pumps that are down in the water in a casing.
Typically, the well pump is set so it’s at least 10 – 20 feet higher than the well’s base. But if the pump is down near the well’s base, sand or grit and sediment can be drawn in.
In old wells, the well shaft can fill up with fine sand and silt so much that the pump may start to suck in sand from this build-up.
Well Screen Degraded
When the well is drilled, it is lined with steel, iron, or PVC plastic, called a casing. The well driller installs the casing in the well shaft.
The well casing has grooves that allow water to penetrate the well from the surrounding groundwater while keeping out sand and grit. This is called the well screen.
Your submersible well pump is inside this casing, and over time, the good screen can become degraded or corroded, allowing silt and sand particles to get into the well and be pumped into your water system. If the sandy water has ruined the pump, you may need to replace it.
Well Pump is Too Large
In some cases, the well pump can be too powerful for the well, causing it to draw sand in from the surrounding aquifer.
This sand can rapidly deteriorate the pump’s valves and build up at the bottom of the well, which can lead to sand in your water lines.
In any case, the sudden presence of sand or grit is not a good symptom, and the source or cause should be inspected.
Effects of Sand in Well Water
Visible Effects
The presence of sand in well water often manifests through visible signs that can indicate a larger problem. Sand can make your water appear muddy or cloudy, making it unappealing. You might notice sand settling at the bottom of glasses, toilet tanks, or other containers.
This visual indication is usually the first sign that prompts further investigation. If left unchecked, sand can accumulate within your plumbing system, leading to more severe issues down the line.
Plumbing Problems
Sand in well water can wreak havoc on your plumbing fixtures and appliances. The abrasive nature of sand particles can cause significant wear and tear on the interior components of faucets, valves, and other water-using devices. Over time, this can lead to premature failure of these parts, resulting in leaks and a noticeable drop in water pressure.
Additionally, sand can clog pipes and appliances, reducing their efficiency and lifespan. Addressing the presence of sand promptly can help prevent costly repairs and maintain the integrity of your plumbing system.
What Should I Do? How to Clean Sand out of My Water Well?
If your water well begins pumping sand or sediment, it is often best to contact your well driller or local well professional to discuss the problem and possible ways to fix it. In some cases, pump repair may be necessary to address the sand in your well water.
Sometimes, the well contractor can pull up the pump 10 to 20 feet to eliminate sand uptake. A well professional can put a camera down your well and inspect the well screen to see if it has deteriorated or needs repair.
Water Testing and Analysis
Regular water testing and analysis are essential steps in identifying and addressing the presence of sand in well water. A comprehensive water test can detect not only sand particles but also other sediments and potential pollutants.
This detailed analysis provides valuable insights into the overall quality of your well water. By conducting regular water tests, you can ensure a safe and reliable water supply for your household.
Professional water testing services can help identify issues early on, allowing you to take corrective measures before they escalate into major problems. Maintaining a routine testing schedule is a proactive approach to safeguarding your water quality and the longevity of your well system.
New Well Casing
In some cases, installing a new well casing may be the best option, especially if the current one is too old or narrow to repair.
Well contractors can sometimes install special screens over the pump to block sand. However, depending on the well’s condition or size, this isn't always feasible.
[Click here to learn more about Groundwater Wells.]
To reduce sand before it enters your home, you can install a centrifugal sand separator above ground, before the pressure tank. It removes over 98% of particles 74 microns and larger by spinning them into a holding chamber. Maintenance is minimal—just open a valve to flush out the collected sand. For even finer filtration, pair it with a secondary filter.
We recommend:
-
Lakos Sandmaster for homes and irrigation
-
Lakos Industrial Separators for larger systems (up to 290 GPM)
Another option is a spin-down filter, which uses a mesh screen and a flush valve to trap and remove sediment. Use a 60–100 mesh screen to avoid pressure loss. These are installed after the pressure tank and can be cleaned manually or with an automatic flush valve.
For best results, use both systems:
- A coarse spin-down filter
- A backwashing sediment filter
- (Optional) A 1-micron depth filter for very fine particles
Resources:
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Potential well water contaminants and their impacts. https://www.epa.gov/privatewells/potential-well-water-contaminants-and-their-impacts
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Guidelines for treating well water. https://www.cdc.gov/drinking-water/safety/guidelines-for-treating-well-water.html
- NSF International. (n.d.). Drinking water testing. https://www.nsf.org/consumer-resources/articles/drinking-water-testing
Do you have sediment or sand in your well water? If your well begins to pump sand or grit, get our free guide or call us for more information. 
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is there sand in my well water all of a sudden?
Sudden sand or sediment in your water could mean the well pump is set too low, the well screen is damaged, or the pump is too powerful for the well. It's often a sign that part of your system needs inspection or repair.
2. Can sand damage my plumbing or appliances?
Yes. Sand is abrasive and can prematurely wear out faucets, valves, and appliances. It can also clog pipes and filters, reducing water pressure and system efficiency.
3. What’s the best way to remove sand from my well water?
A centrifugal sand separator or spin-down filter can remove most sand and grit before it enters your plumbing. For finer particles, consider a multi-stage filtration system that includes backwashing sediment filters.
4. Should I contact a professional if I see sand in my water?
Absolutely. A licensed well contractor can inspect your pump placement, check the condition of the well screen, and recommend solutions to prevent further damage.
5. Can I prevent sand from entering my well water in the future?
Yes. Proper pump sizing and placement, using well screens or sand separators, and regular maintenance can help minimize or eliminate sand from entering your water supply.
