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Fix a submersible pump that pumps sand

We'll confirm sand at multiple fixtures, check the pump screen and well depth, then fix or filter—or tell you when to call a well pro.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
15–30 min (diagnosis and filter); pump work requires a pro
What you'll need
  • Sediment filter and housing (optional—temporary fix)
  • Replacement filter cartridges
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Steps

Goal: Confirm the symptom, check the pump screen and well depth, then fix or filter—or call a pro.

  • Turn on hot and cold water at several fixtures. If sand or sediment appears at multiple fixtures, the source is the well or pump.
  • Good: Sand at multiple fixtures—pump or well issue. Proceed to Check the pump screen.
  • Bad: Sand at one fixture only—check that fixture or branch.

Check the pump screen

Goal: Determine if the pump screen is the cause. You cannot see it without pulling the pump.

  • The pump screen is a mesh or slotted cover over the pump intake. It filters sand before water enters the pump.
  • If the screen is damaged, missing, or has large openings, sand enters the system. A well pro must pull the pump to inspect or replace it.
  • If sand appeared suddenly after years of clear water, the screen may have failed or the well may need rehabilitation.
  • Good: You know the screen is likely the cause. Call a well pro to pull the pump and replace the screen or pump.
  • Bad: Screen may be OK—check pump depth or install a sediment filter.

Install sediment filter

Goal: Reduce sand at fixtures as a temporary fix.

  • Install a whole-house sediment filter (5–20 micron) on the main line after the pressure tank.
  • Replace the filter cartridge when it clogs. Heavy sand will clog it quickly—this is not a permanent fix.
  • Good: Clearer water at fixtures. Plan for pump or well work if the problem persists.
  • Bad: Filter clogs very quickly—pump or well work is urgent.

When to get help

Call a well professional if:

  • The pump screen is damaged or missing.
  • The pump needs to be raised (set too low in the well).
  • Sand appeared suddenly and a well assessment is needed.
  • You are not comfortable with well work.

Verification

  • No sand or sediment at fixtures when you run water.
  • If a sediment filter is installed, it does not clog excessively.
  • If the pump screen or pump was replaced, water runs clear after testing.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Confirm symptom Verify sand at multiple fixtures—not just one.
  2. Check pump screen Screen damaged or missing—well pro must pull pump to inspect or replace.
  3. Sediment filter Install whole-house filter as temporary fix.
  4. Call a pro Pump screen replacement, pump raising, or well rehabilitation—call a well professional.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Whether sand appears at multiple fixtures
  • How long the problem has existed
  • Well depth and pump depth (if known)
  • Steps already tried

Does sand appear at multiple fixtures?

Turn on water at several fixtures. If sand appears at multiple fixtures, the source is the well or pump.

Turn on hot and cold water at kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor hose. Good: sand at multiple fixtures—pump or well issue. Bad: sand at one fixture only—check that fixture or branch.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Is the pump screen damaged or missing?

The pump screen filters sand at the intake. You cannot see it without pulling the pump.

The pump screen is at the pump intake. A well pro must pull the pump to inspect. If sand appeared suddenly after years of clear water, the screen may have failed. Damaged or missing: replace screen or pump—call a well pro. Screen likely OK: check pump depth or install sediment filter.

Yes or unknown No (filter or depth)

You can change your answer later.

Replace pump screen or pump

A well pro pulls the pump, replaces the screen or pump, and reinstalls. Test for sand after work is complete.

Done

Install sediment filter or check pump depth

Install a whole-house sediment filter as a temporary fix. If the pump is set too low, a well pro can raise it. Check the well log for pump depth.

Done

Call a well professional

Call a well professional if the pump screen is damaged, the pump needs raising, sand appeared suddenly, or you need a well assessment. Pump work requires specialized equipment.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a submersible pump pump sand?
Common causes: damaged or missing pump screen, pump set too low in the well drawing from the sediment layer, or a failing well that is producing more sediment. The screen filters sand at the intake—if it is damaged or clogged, sand enters the system.
Can I fix a submersible pump that pumps sand myself?
You can check fixtures and install a whole-house sediment filter as a temporary fix. Replacing the pump screen or raising the pump requires pulling the pump from the well—that work requires a well professional.
When should I call a well professional for sand in the water?
Call a well pro if sand appears suddenly, the pump screen is damaged or missing, the pump needs to be raised, or the well may need rehabilitation. Pump work requires specialized equipment.

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