You’re cleaning under the sink, reach behind the pipes, and suddenly feel something strange — a handful of tiny metal balls, some shiny, some slightly rusty. You didn’t leave them there. You don’t own tiny metal balls.

So where did they come from?

Don’t panic — this isn’t a sign of sabotage or a hidden science experiment gone wrong. In most cases, those little metal beads have a very logical (and common) explanation: your pull-out kitchen faucet.

Let’s solve the mystery.

 The Real Culprit: Your Faucet’s Retractable Hose Weight
If you have a pull-out or pull-down kitchen faucet, it likely uses a retractable hose for rinsing dishes, filling pots, or cleaning the sink.

To help that hose smoothly snap back into place instead of dangling loosely, manufacturers install a counterweight along the hose or at its base inside the cabinet.

That weight is often filled with small metal ball bearings or steel shot — the exact “mystery balls” you’re finding under your sink.

 How It Happens

 How It Happens

Over time, due to:

Constant pulling and retracting

Water exposure

General wear and tear

… the plastic or rubber casing around the weight can crack, split, or degrade.

Once the casing breaks open, the metal balls spill out and roll to the bottom of your cabinet — hence the surprise discovery during cleanup.

 Signs this is the issue:

You have a pull-out faucet

The metal balls are silver-gray, 3–6mm in size, and not perfectly round

You notice the hose doesn’t retract as smoothly as it used to

 How to Check & Fix It

1. Inspect the Hose Under the Sink

Open the cabinet beneath your sink.

Locate the spray hose — follow it from the faucet down into the cabinet.

Look for a small bulge or weighted section on the hose, or a separate plastic/metal cylinder attached nearby.

2. Look for Damage

Is the weight cracked, swollen, or leaking metal beads?

Does the hose hang limply instead of retracting?

3. Replace the Weight (Easy & Inexpensive!)

Most faucet weights are universal and cost between $8–$15.

Available at:

Hardware stores (Home Depot, Lowe’s)

Plumbing supply shops

Online (Amazon, eBay) — search “kitchen faucet hose weight”

Installation usually takes minutes:

Disconnect water supply (turn off valves!)

Remove old weight (often clips or screws)

Attach new one in the same spot

Restore water and test retraction

 Pro Tip: Lubricate the hose occasionally with plumber’s grease to reduce friction and extend life.

 Could It Be Something Else?

While the faucet weight is the #1 suspect, other possible sources include:

Dishwasher drain hose or pump

Older models may have internal components that degrade into small metal fragments

Garbage disposal

Worn impellers or internal parts could break apart — but usually produce larger shards

Water softener or filter system

Rarely, resin beads (usually plastic, not metal) can leak — but they’re typically smooth and colorful

Old pipe fittings or valves

Corrosion or disintegration of internal washers/springs

If you don’t have a pull-out faucet, investigate these appliances next.

 Prevent Future Messes

 Check under your sink every 6 months — look for leaks, cracks, or debris

 Handle the hose gently — avoid yanking it out forcefully

 Replace worn parts early — don’t wait for total failure

 Place a drip tray or liner — catches future spills and makes cleanup easier

 Final Thought: Mystery Solved!

Those mysterious metal balls aren’t alien tech or forgotten science fair supplies — they’re just a sign your faucet’s working hard (and maybe needs a little love).

Now that you know the truth, you can fix it fast, restore smooth hose action, and stop wondering, “What on earth?”

Because sometimes, the weirdest discoveries have the simplest explanations.