Small balls appeared under my sink. The cabinet is below a sink with a disposal and dishwasher

Small balls appeared under my sink. The cabinet is below a sink with a disposal and dishwasher | November 10, 2025

Finding small metal balls under your kitchen sink can be puzzling, especially when they seem to appear without explanation. These balls, often rusty and metallic, are likely remnants from some component of your kitchen setup, including your garbage disposal, dishwasher, or even faucet fixtures. Here’s a closer look at the possible causes for their appearance:

Understanding the Kitchen Setup

Most modern kitchens feature a sink with a garbage disposal and nearby dishwasher, all of which are connected by plumbing systems. These systems can sometimes lead to unusual occurrences, such as objects becoming dislodged and ending up under the sink, where they might be overlooked.

Possible Sources of Metal Balls

Faucet Weights: Many pull-down or pull-out faucets use weighted balls to retract the hose back into place after use. Over time, these weights can degrade or come loose, leading to small metal pieces breaking off and ending up in hidden spots like under the sink.
Rusty Metal Objects: The presence of rust can indicate exposure to moisture, which is common in a kitchen environment. These rusty balls might be part of deteriorating metal components, such as faucet weights, garbage disposal parts, or even plumbing components.
Garbage Disposal or Dishwasher Parts: While it’s less common, it’s possible for small metal parts from your garbage disposal or dishwasher to break off over time. Internal components in these appliances could become loose or corroded, leading to debris accumulating under the sink.