You can usually spot sediment with simple observation. Fill a clear glass with tap water and let it sit undisturbed for a few minutes. If you see tiny particles settling at the bottom, or the water looks cloudy and then clears from the top down, there’s sediment present. Sometimes you’ll notice a fine layer of grit when you swirl the glass later.
Another sign is how your fixtures behave. Aerators and shower heads clog frequently, kettles and geysers build scale quickly, and buckets show a faint sandy residue after water stands for a while. In extreme cases, you might even see tiny bits of rust or discoloured flakes.
Sediment doesn’t always mean the water is unsafe, but it can damage appliances and reduce flow. If you notice it regularly, installing a basic inline filter or sediment filter on the main line or at sensitive points (like the kitchen) can make a big difference. It also keeps your plumbing healthier over the long term.