• By-pass water softener prior to the start of flushing.
• Try to refrain from using water during the flushing, as you will introduce particles into your piping.
• After flushing is complete, open an outside faucet closest to the point of entry to your home to help clear any discolored water you may have.
• Put the water softener back on-line and manually start the regeneration cycle.
• Drain and refill hot water tank, if necessary. We recommend that you flush out your hot water tank annually.
• Use caution, as water is hot!
• We recommend that you clean your faucet aerators twice annually. Aerators are the screens that screw into the end of the faucet.

We flush the system to remove settled particles such as iron from the system. This helps to reduce discolored water in the system.

Yes. The discoloration of the water is caused by iron particles and it not a health concern. Understandably, you may not want to drink discolored water even though it’s not a health risk. That’s why we recommend that you store some water prior to the system flush for drinking and cooking purposes. It’s also okay to use water for showering, etc. Just remember that any water use while the system is stirred up may bring the discoloration into your home plumbing.

It doesn’t hurt to check the outside faucet in the morning. If the water is discolored after running the faucet for several minutes, limit indoor water use.

We flush the water system twice per year, each spring and fall.

Postcards are mailed to each billing address stating the date(s) that we will be flushing the water supply system that services your home. Water system flushing dates, along with corresponding larger subdivisions noted, are listed above. Of course, it’s possible that these subdivision date(s) may change if we run into any unanticipated problems occur during the flush. However, we strive to stick with our published schedule.

We do not recommend doing laundry when the water is discolored. If the clothes in your washer are stained, do not dry them. Rewash the load when the water is clear. Some customers have used iron removal products in their wash to remove staining. Iron stain removal products can be found in the detergent aisle at most grocery stores.

Yes. We flush from 7:00pm to 7:00am. Based on our customers’ comments, night flushing reduces inconvenience. It also decreases traffic interference and utilizes the lower flow demand period.

That’s our recommendation. Large water systems often take several nights to flush. You may experience discolored water on any of the dates listed, but particularly when we are in your neighborhood. If the system is stirred up when you use water in your home, you could draw the discoloration into your internal plumbing causing discoloration at your faucets, etc. Our recommendations are trying not to use the water at all on the night we are flushing in your neighborhood and limit activities that cause the greatest discoloration concern such as doing laundry on all dates that the system is flushed.

Yes. We suggest you bypass your softener during the period your system is being flushed. When the flush is complete, open an outside faucet closest to the point of entry to your home or start your sprinkler system to help clear any discolored water you may have. Then, put the water softener back on-line and manually start the regeneration cycle.

Drain and refill the hot water tank. Please use caution to prevent burning!

Contact our Billing Services Unit at 248-858-1110 to schedule a low-pressure flush. A low-pressure flush consists of removing the meter in your home, attaching a hose to release the water outside while opening and closing valves to flush particles from your service line – the piping from the water main to your home. There is no charge for this service, but an adult must be home when we arrive because we need access to the meter. Low pressure flushes are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. We are in your area on certain days of the week, so the number low pressure flushes we can complete in one day is limited.

Give us a call. Contact our Billing Services Unit at 248-858-1110 for additional questions or concerns.