Sediment in plumbing

[Not that Bob 743]

City replaced 50+ year old water lines to neighborhood which dislodged sediment which moved in to home water lines. Is there any technique for removing sediment in the home lines other than re-plumbing the whole house? I've seen septic lines cleared with compressed air, can this be done whole house? Is there some way to inject vinegar or phosphoric acid in to the lines? 

[Reagan1k 3042]

How much sediment are we talking about?  Enough to restrict flow or just to discolor water and leave deposits in tub, laundry, etc.

 

[Not that Bob 743]

Restricts flow in several, but not all faucets and toilets. One shower just a drip. Have cleaned shower head with no result. 

[EE2B 1569]

Have you pulled the aerators from the sinks?

[Not that Bob 743]

Yes. Have pulled aerators and have cleaned problem shower heads and have replaced toilet fill valves. Problem is upstream of those items. 

[Reagan1k 3042]

The clog may be at one or more of your shutoff valves.  Valves can become a pinch point for buildup.

Remove all the shower heads and aerators.  Then find all of your valves and manipulate them to see if that loosens the clog.  If flow increases, let it run for some time to clear as much sediment as you can.  That's a quick and dirty way to try an easy remedy.

[Reagan1k 3042]

May also want to try shutting off main incoming line.  Open everything after restrictors and aerators are removed.  Let the lines clear, then turn main feed back on to allow an inrush.  Do this multiple times.  Work in zones if necessary.  The variance in pressures may clear the debris.

[Gil Bang 26240]

replace the pressure regulator, and your problem will be solved. 

[Not that Bob 743]

That will push everything through?

[Gil Bang 26240]

the regulator is most certainly clogged.  

I'd 1) shut off the water  2) remove the regulator.  The regulator will be on a union.   3) crank up the main valve and let the main line to the regulator flush

4) install the new regulator.