Found Metal Balls Under Your Kitchen Sink? Here’s What They Mean

 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.