While cleaning under your kitchen sink, you notice small metal balls scattered around. They’re not perfectly spherical, and some show signs of rust. Naturally, you wonder: where are these coming from?

The Likely Source: Your Pull-Out Faucet

If your kitchen sink features a pull-out or pull-down faucet, this could explain the mystery. These faucets typically have a retractable hose that retracts smoothly thanks to a weighted device.

Inside that weight, there are often tiny metal balls that balance the hose. Over time, the weight may crack, wear down, or even break open, causing the metal balls to spill beneath your sink.

How to Inspect the Faucet Weight

To check if the faucet is the problem:

Open the cabinet below your sink.

Locate the hose connected to the faucet.

Look for a plastic or metal weight attached to the hose.

Examine the weight for any cracks, damage, or leaks.

If you spot a broken weight, that’s the source of the metal balls.

The Fix Is Simple

No need to worry—replacing the weight is affordable and easy. Most hardware stores or online shops carry faucet weights. Just remove the damaged one and attach a new weight to the hose.

What If the Faucet Isn’t the Cause?

If the faucet weight looks fine, consider other possibilities such as:

Dishwasher parts: Nearby dishwasher components might be breaking down and dropping metal fragments.

Garbage disposal: Worn internal parts can shed small metal pieces under the sink.

Prevent Future Issues

To avoid finding unexpected metal balls again, periodically check the faucet hose and plumbing under your sink. Early detection of wear can save you from bigger troubles down the road.

In Summary

Discovering small metal balls beneath your kitchen sink may seem unusual, but it’s rarely a serious problem. A quick check usually leads to a straightforward repair—and peace of mind.