Discovered Metal Balls Under Your Kitchen Sink? Here’s What They Are and How to Handle Them
Finding strange objects in your home can be surprising—especially when they appear in hidden spots like the cabinet under your kitchen sink. If you recently discovered tiny metal beads while cleaning, you’re probably wondering how they got there and whether it signals a plumbing disaster.
The good news? This is a common issue with a simple explanation. Let’s dive into why those metal balls are under your sink and how to fix it quickly.
The Mystery Solved: It’s Probably Your Faucet
If you’re asking, “Where did they come from?” the answer is likely right above your head. Many modern kitchens have pull-out or pull-down faucets. These faucets are great for rinsing dishes and reaching every corner, but they rely on a small mechanical part that can fail over time.
The Real Culprit: Your Faucet’s Retractable Hose Weight
To make sure the spray head snaps back after use, manufacturers attach a counterweight to the hose under the sink. Inside many of these weights are hundreds of tiny metal ball bearings or “steel shot,” which give the weight enough mass to pull the hose down using gravity.
When the outer shell of the weight cracks or breaks, those little balls spill out—creating the “mystery” you found.
Why Do the Metal Balls Fall Out?
You might be thinking, “I didn’t put them there!” Here are common reasons:
- Repeated Use: Pulling the faucet head up and down constantly can wear the plastic casing thin.
- Moisture & Rust: Under-sink areas are humid. Water exposure can rust the balls inside, causing them to expand and crack the housing.
- Physical Impact: Bumping the weight with a cleaner bottle or trash bin can split it open.
How to Confirm the Problem
Before calling a plumber, look for these signs:
- Faucet Style: Do you have a pull-out or pull-down faucet? If yes, this is probably it.
- Inspect the Balls: Are the beads silver or gray and roughly 1/8–1/4 inch in size?
- Test Retraction: Does the faucet head feel “limp” or hang instead of snapping back?
Simple Steps to Fix It Yourself
The great news: this is usually easy to fix without replacing the whole faucet.
- Locate the Hose: Open your cabinet and follow the flexible hose from the faucet head. Look for a plastic or metal cylinder clipped onto it.
- Check for Damage: If it’s cracked or feels empty when shaken, that’s the source.
- Replace the Weight: Universal faucet weights are available at hardware stores or online for $8–$15. Most clip or screw around the hose—no heavy tools needed!
Could It Be Something Else?
If you don’t have a pull-out faucet, consider:
- Dishwasher Parts: Some older machines can break down internally.
- Garbage Disposals: Failing disposals may release metal fragments, usually larger and jagged.
- Water Filters: Some systems use beads, but they’re usually plastic or resin, not metal.
Maintenance Tips
Keep your sink area in top shape with these habits:
- Check Every 6 Months: Inspect for leaks, cracks, or debris.
- Be Gentle: Don’t yank your pull-out spray head.
- Use a Liner: A waterproof mat makes cleaning future spills easier.
Mystery Solved! Those metal balls just mean your faucet has seen a lot of use. Replace the weight, and your faucet will work like new again.
