Flushing

To flush the faucets in your home or building, first remove the aerators from all sink faucets, laundry tubs, utility sinks, etc.aeratorFlushing for Everyday Use

Turn on all cold water faucets, beginning with the lowest level of your house, and working to the upper levels of your house. Once all faucets are turned on, run the water for at least 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, turn faucets off in reverse order, starting with the highest level of your house. Before placing aerators back on faucets, clean them by removing any debris and soaking them in vinegar for 5 minutes. Or, if they are too worn, replace them with new ones.

Flushing after lead or galvanized service line replacement

Turn on all cold water faucets, beginning with the lowest level of your house, and working to the upper levels of your house. Once all faucets are turned on, run the water for at least 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, turn the faucets off in reverse order, starting with the highest level of your house. Before placing aerators back on faucets, clean them by removing any debris and soaking them in vinegar for 5 minutes. Or, if they are too worn, replace them with new ones.


Fire Hydrant Flushing Program

 At different times of the year, the city flushes fire hydrants to help maintain water quality standards and the fire protection system. The process of flushing fire hydrants helps flush out any sediments or minerals that have collected in the city’s water mains and ensure water keeps flowing through the water mains properly. Because the flushing process stirs-up sediments and minerals, it may cause the water to become temporarily cloudy or discolored. If you experience such conditions, please flush your COLD water faucets per the “Flushing for Everyday Use’ directions described above. It may be necessary to run your faucets slightly longer to clear out the cloudiness or discoloration.

While city crews flush hydrants, it is unlikely that customers will notice a drop in water pressure. However, if you do notice a drop in water pressure, it should last no longer than 30 minutes.