SC By SCWS Team | February 3, 2026 | 9 min read
Sudden Sediment in Well Water: 6 Causes & How to Fix
Your well water was crystal clear yesterday—now it's coming out sandy, gritty, or full of particles. This sudden change is alarming, and rightfully so. Sediment in your well water isn't just unpleasant—it's a warning sign that something in your well system has changed. Let's diagnose what's causing it and how to fix it before the problem gets worse.
⚠️ Why Sudden Sediment Is Serious
- • Sand and grit rapidly wear out pump impellers
- • Sediment clogs and damages water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines
- • May indicate a compromised well casing (contamination risk)
- • Can quickly destroy fixtures, faucets, and valves
- • Often signals declining well condition that will worsen
Types of Sediment: What Are You Seeing?
Different types of sediment point to different causes. Identifying what's in your water helps narrow down the problem:
🏖️ Sand or Fine Grit
Feels rough between fingers, settles quickly to bottom of glass. Usually from well screen failure, pump too deep, or aquifer disturbance.
🧱 Reddish-Brown Particles
Often iron bacteria or rust from corroding steel casing. May also indicate iron-rich sediment from aquifer.
☁️ Silt or Clay (Cloudy)
Stays suspended, water looks murky. Often from surface water intrusion, damaged casing, or disturbed clay layers.
⚫ Black Specks
Could be manganese, degrading rubber components in pump or piping, or organic material from aquifer.
The 6 Most Common Causes
1. Failed or Corroded Well Screen
The well screen is a slotted section at the bottom of your well casing designed to let water in while keeping sand and sediment out. Over time, screens can:
- Corrode: Metal screens deteriorate, creating larger openings
- Crack or break: Ground movement or age causes physical failure
- Become encrusted: Mineral buildup blocks slots, forcing water through damaged areas
- Collapse: In severe cases, the screen structure fails entirely
🔍 Signs of Screen Failure
- • Consistent sand in water regardless of flow rate
- • Problem doesn't improve with reduced water usage
- • Well is 20+ years old with original screen
- • Sediment appears suddenly after years of clear water
The fix: Options include installing a new screen liner inside the existing casing ($2,000-$5,000), rehabilitating the well, or in severe cases, drilling a new well. A downhole camera inspection ($300-$500) can confirm screen condition.
2. Pump Set Too Deep
When your pump is positioned too close to the bottom of the well, it can draw sediment that naturally accumulates there. This is especially problematic during heavy water use when drawdown is greatest.
Signs include:
- Sediment appears mainly during high-demand periods
- Water clears up after system sits idle
- Problem worsens as you run more fixtures simultaneously
- Pump was recently installed or repositioned
The fix: Raise the pump to a higher position in the well, typically 10-20 feet above the well bottom or above any sediment accumulation zone. This costs $500-$1,500 depending on well depth. The well may also need to be bailed out (cleaned) first.
3. Dropping Water Level
When groundwater levels drop—from drought, increased neighborhood pumping, or aquifer depletion—your pump may start drawing from areas that were previously below the water intake, stirring up sediment.
Signs of Declining Water Level
You May Notice:
- • Sediment worse during dry season
- • Reduced water pressure overall
- • Air sputtering from faucets
- • Pump running longer cycles
Related Factors:
- • Ongoing drought conditions
- • New wells drilled nearby
- • Increased local development
- • Changes in your water usage
The fix: Have your static water level measured and compared to original well records. Options include lowering the pump (if the well is deep enough), deepening the well, hydrofracturing to improve yield, or adding water storage. See our guide on wells running out of water.
4. Damaged Well Casing
The steel or PVC casing that lines your well can fail in several ways:
- Corrosion holes: Steel casing rusts through, allowing soil and water from upper layers to enter
- Cracks: Ground movement, frost heaving, or age causes cracks
- Joint failure: Connections between casing sections separate
- Surface seal failure: Grout seal at top deteriorates, allowing surface water in
🚨 Casing Damage Is Serious
Compromised casing doesn't just allow sediment in—it creates a pathway for bacteria, fertilizers, pesticides, and other surface contaminants to enter your water supply. If you suspect casing damage, have your water tested for bacteria immediately.
The fix: Install a liner inside the existing casing ($3,000-$8,000), or drill a new well if damage is extensive. A video inspection can assess the extent of damage.
5. Nearby Construction or Drilling Activity
Construction, new well drilling, or excavation near your property can disturb the aquifer and surrounding geology:
- Vibration: Heavy equipment can shake loose sediment in your well
- Aquifer disturbance: New wells or excavation changes underground water flow
- Pressure changes: Pumping from new wells can shift water patterns
- Surface runoff changes: Grading and construction alter drainage
The fix: This often resolves on its own within weeks to months as the aquifer settles. Running water through a sediment filter and avoiding heavy use during construction helps. If it persists, the well may need cleaning and development. Document the timing—if a neighbor's activity damaged your well, there may be liability.
6. Aging or Failing Pump
The pump itself can contribute to sediment problems:
- Worn impellers: Create turbulence that stirs up sediment
- Deteriorating components: Rubber seals, gaskets, and wear rings break down
- Incorrect pump size: Oversized pumps create excessive suction
- Variable speed issues: Rapid speed changes can disturb settled sediment
The fix: If the pump is 10-15+ years old and sediment appeared gradually, pump replacement may resolve the issue ($1,500-$3,500). See our well pump replacement cost guide.
🔍 Quick Diagnostic Guide
When does sediment appear?
→ Only during heavy use: Pump too deep or declining water level
→ All the time, consistently: Screen failure or casing damage
→ After rain: Surface water intrusion (casing/seal problem)
How long has it been happening?
→ Started suddenly: Acute failure (screen, casing, earthquake)
→ Gradual worsening: Progressive deterioration (corrosion, pump wear)
What recent changes occurred?
→ Nearby construction: Aquifer disturbance
→ Earthquake: Structural damage or sediment mobilization
→ New pump installed: Pump position or sizing issue
How to Fix Sediment Problems
Step 1: Get a Professional Diagnosis
Before spending money on repairs, understand exactly what's causing the problem. A professional well inspection ($150-$500) typically includes:
- Static and pumping water level measurements
- Flow rate testing
- Visual assessment of surface equipment
- Water sample analysis
- Review of well construction records
For definitive diagnosis, a downhole camera inspection ($300-$500) shows the actual condition of your casing, screen, and pump.
Step 2: Address the Root Cause
| Cause | Solution | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pump too deep | Raise pump position | $500-$1,500 |
| Failed well screen | Install screen liner | $2,000-$5,000 |
| Damaged casing | Install casing liner | $3,000-$8,000 |
| Sediment accumulation | Well cleaning/bailing | $500-$2,000 |
| Declining water level | Lower pump or deepen well | $1,500-$10,000+ |
| Aging pump | Replace pump | $1,500-$3,500 |
Step 3: Install Appropriate Filtration
Once the cause is fixed, filtration catches remaining particles and protects your plumbing:
Spin-Down Filter
Best for: Heavy sediment, sand
Cost: $50-$150
Pros: Easy to clean, no cartridges
Cons: Only catches larger particles
Cartridge Filter
Best for: Moderate sediment, silt
Cost: $100-$300
Pros: Catches finer particles
Cons: Regular cartridge replacement
Backwashing Filter
Best for: Ongoing issues, fine silt
Cost: $800-$2,000
Pros: Self-cleaning, low maintenance
Cons: Higher upfront cost
Can I Fix This Myself?
Some steps are DIY-appropriate:
✓ DIY-Friendly
- • Installing spin-down or cartridge filters
- • Flushing water heater sediment
- • Running system to clear temporary issues
- • Documenting when/how sediment appears
🚫 Call a Professional
- • Raising or lowering the pump
- • Well cleaning and development
- • Installing casing or screen liners
- • Diagnosing the root cause
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there suddenly sediment in my well water?
Sudden sediment in well water usually indicates a well screen failure, pump positioned too low, dropping water level, damaged well casing, disturbance from nearby construction or drilling, or a failing/deteriorating pump. The most common cause in older wells is a corroded or damaged well screen that allows sand and silt to enter.
Is sediment in well water dangerous?
The sediment itself (sand, silt, clay) is not typically dangerous to drink, but it indicates a compromised well that may allow bacteria and contaminants to enter. Sediment also damages plumbing fixtures, appliances, and especially your well pump. It's a problem that should be addressed promptly.
Can a well pump cause sediment in water?
Yes. If the pump is set too deep (near the bottom of the well), it can stir up sediment with each cycle. A failing pump with worn impellers may also create turbulence that disturbs settled material. Additionally, as pumps age, internal components can deteriorate and contribute particles to the water.
How do I get sediment out of my well water?
First, identify and fix the source of the sediment. Then, install appropriate filtration: spin-down filters for heavy sediment, cartridge sediment filters for moderate amounts, or whole-house systems with backwashing media filters for ongoing issues. The well may also need to be cleaned (bailed out) and redeveloped.
Will a sediment filter fix my well water problem?
A sediment filter treats the symptom, not the cause. While filters can improve water quality temporarily, they'll clog quickly if the underlying problem isn't fixed. Filters work best after the well issue is repaired, to catch any remaining fine particles. Heavy sediment will require frequent filter changes until the source is addressed.
How much does it cost to fix sediment in well water?
Costs vary by cause: raising the pump costs $500-$1,500, installing a liner for damaged casing costs $3,000-$8,000, replacing the well screen costs $2,000-$5,000, well cleaning and development costs $500-$2,000, and sediment filtration systems cost $200-$2,000. A professional diagnosis ($150-$300) helps identify the most cost-effective solution.
My well water gets sandy during heavy use. Why?
Sandy water during heavy use typically means the pump is drawing water faster than the aquifer can supply it, lowering the water level near the pump intake and pulling in sediment. This can indicate an undersized well, declining aquifer, pump set too deep, or damaged well screen. Reducing pump output or raising the pump often helps.
Can an earthquake cause sediment in well water?
Yes, even minor earthquakes can disturb sediment in wells and aquifers. The shaking can dislodge accumulated particles from well walls, shift the pump position, damage the well casing or screen, and temporarily change water flow patterns underground. If sediment appeared after seismic activity, have the well inspected for structural damage.
Sediment Problems? We'll Find the Source
Don't guess at the cause—our diagnostic inspections pinpoint exactly what's happening in your well. We serve all of San Diego and Riverside Counties with prompt service and honest assessments. Let's get your water running clear again.
