You’re cleaning out the cabinet beneath your kitchen sink when you notice something strange — tiny metal beads scattered across the bottom. They’re not perfectly round, and some may even show signs of rust. It’s enough to make anyone wonder: Where did these come from?
The Most Common Source: A Pull-Out Faucet
If your kitchen sink has a pull-out or pull-down faucet, you may have already found the answer. These faucets rely on a retractable hose that slides back into place with the help of a counterweight.
Inside that weight are small metal balls designed to balance the hose. Over time, the casing around the weight can crack or deteriorate. When that happens, the metal beads spill out into the cabinet under your sink.
How to Check If Your Faucet Is the Cause
You can easily confirm this with a quick inspection:
- Open the cabinet beneath your sink
- Locate the hose connected to the faucet
- Look for a plastic or metal weight attached to the hose
- Check the weight closely for cracks or damage
If the weight is broken or leaking beads, you’ve solved the mystery.
The Fix Is Simple
The good news is this is an easy and inexpensive repair. Replacement faucet weights are widely available at hardware stores and online. Just remove the damaged one and attach the new weight to the hose.
Other Possible Sources
If the faucet weight looks fine, consider a few other possibilities:
- Dishwasher components: A nearby dishwasher may have a worn or damaged part shedding metal beads
- Garbage disposal: Aging internal components can sometimes break apart and release small metal pieces
How to Prevent It in the Future
Make a habit of checking under your sink every few months. Inspect the faucet hose, weight, and plumbing connections to catch wear early and prevent unexpected messes.
Final Takeaway
Finding tiny metal balls under your kitchen sink can be surprising, but it’s usually harmless and easy to fix. A quick look underneath often leads to a simple solution — and peace of mind.
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