Just moved into a new rural house with a new water well. We are plagued with "suger sand" in the water. It's been four weeks and we've added an extra filter, but we're still seeing small deposits of sand. This is really handicapping us because we're reluctant to hook up appliances which this could damage. Any ideas out there?

Hi, what kind of pump? If submersible, then maybe the pump is to close to the bottom of the well and stirs up sediment when it starts? There'll be some experts along shortly so hang in there and supply a little more info, please.

You could consider installing a sand trap between the pump and the pressure tank. A sand trap is just an additional tank that allows the water to sit for a while and let the sand settle to the bottom. Has to be flush out periodically but the maintenance should not be as demanding as filter changing. Pump into the center of a vertical tank and out the top. The larger the tank the longer the water the water stays in the tank and the more the sand will settle to the bottom.

Before you install a sand filter read this; water sand filter - well rehabilitation and treatment (http://www.aquastream.com/sand_separator/filter-problem.htm) Good luck, Tom

Thanks for the inputs. I think we'll have to try the sand trap idea (after we read the website you gave me, Speedball). It would definitely be cheaper than buying new appliances that get ruined.


I love this website where all you experts have such helpful comments and solutions. With your help, we may survive building this house after all!

Please let us know how you make out. Good luck, Tpom