What is the metal thing next to kitchen sink?

Author: Kristopher Kohler III  |  Last update: Monday, December 15, 2025

The valve is actually for the dishwasher and is commonly known as the dishwasher air gap. An air gap's purpose is to prevent drain water from the kitchen sink backing up into the dishwasher, contaminating your cleanly washed dishes.

What is the metal thing next to sink?

What Is That Metal Thing? The metal thing in question is a small, cylindrical metal tube that sits next to the faucet on your kitchen sink. Reddit user @dominostracker wondered the exact same thing, and according to a few wonderful human beings who took the time to answer, that thing is an air gap.

What is the metal part next to the sink called?

Shut-off valve or stops: Often featuring an oval-shaped handle attached to a flexible braided metal line, a shut-off valve is located near a sink to help you control the flow of water. By turning the shut-off valve, you'll control the supply of water to the sink without turning the water off for the whole house.

What is that thing next to the kitchen faucet called?

“That thing” is actually called an air gap, and it prevents wastewater from siphoning back into the dishwasher, which can occur when sinks become clogged and no air gap is present. Without an air gap, contaminated water could be sucked back into the dishwasher, dirtying your clean dishes and making you ill.

What is the thing on the side of the sink called?

Tailpiece: Connects the drain opening to the P-trap. It serves as a connection between the drain stopper assembly and the P-trap, facilitating the flow of water from the sink to the home's waste system and sewer line.

How to Replace A Kitchen Sink Drain Strainer, Repair Leak

What is a sink escutcheon?

An escutcheon is a pretty metal piece used to hide a hole in your wall where a pipe comes through. They can be found behind your faucets, showers, toilets, and under your sink. During any bathroom renovation, escutcheons are either removed to install new fixtures, or they are completely replaced.

What is the switch next to the sink?

In a kitchen, an Air switch push button is installed on the granite countertop and controls the operation of the garbage disposal. The Air switch activates the garbage disposal's electric on/off switch by using an air tube, so water does not come in contact with the disposal's electronics.

What is the small thing next to kitchen faucet?

The dishwasher air gap is a chrome or stainless steel cylinder fitting that can be found at the back of the sink near the faucet.

What does a kitchen faucet aerator look like?

A faucet aerator on a sink looks and feels like a mesh screen disk.

What is the hose next to the faucet called?

CONNECTION HOSE

The hose that connects the faucet to the hot or cold water sources.

What is the vent on my kitchen sink?

Essentially, kitchen sink vents allow air to circulate, and as a result, equalizes pressure in the kitchen drain pipes. This helps sewage flow more effectively by reducing clogs. The kitchen sink vent also prevents odors from flowing back into the kitchen, thereby keeping it smelling clean and fresh.

What is the metal ring around a kitchen sink called?

It's called a rim, or frame, hudee ring.

What is a sink shroud?

A sink shroud – also known as a plumbing shroud or plumbing guard – is essentially a cover for any visible piping on the underbelly of a sink.

What is the purpose of the kitchen air gap?

The main thing an air gap is designed to prevent is flooding of wastewater back into your appliance. There's no question that an air gap would perform better during a back up than a traditional check valve or high loop.

What is the small faucet next to a big faucet?

The extra smaller faucet may be an instant hot water tap. Look for a tank under your second faucet with a cord into an outlet or junction box that helps keep the water hot. You don't have to wait for the hot water to travel all the way from the water heater to your sink.

What holds a kitchen faucet in place?

Faucets experience a lot of friction from running water and everyday use. A locking nut or screws keeps a faucet firmly attached to the sink.

What is the problem with the aerator on my kitchen faucet?

Common Causes of Clogged Aerators
  • Debris from plumbing work, such as metal shavings or particles, become lodged in the aerator.
  • Mineral buildup from hard water gradually accumulates on the aerator screen.
  • Rust particles from older pipes break off and collect in the aerator.

How do you remove a hidden aerator from a kitchen faucet?

A cache aerator (1) is "hidden" even with the end of the spout. Look on the end of the aerator for a circle of notches, like the crenulations on top of a castle. A small tool called an aerator wrench (2), which came with the faucet, is used to remove the cache aerator.

How much does it cost to replace a faucet aerator?

A typical price for Faucet Aerators is $12 but can range from approximately $3.74 to $240. What are common materials for Faucet Aerators? Metal, Plastic and Rubber are among the most common materials for Faucet Aerators.

What is the metal thing next to my kitchen faucet?

The valve is actually for the dishwasher and is commonly known as the dishwasher air gap. An air gap's purpose is to prevent drain water from the kitchen sink backing up into the dishwasher, contaminating your cleanly washed dishes. Now that you know what it is, how does it actually work?

Do air gaps go bad?

Air gaps have no moving parts, so they cannot fail. They work on the principle of simple physics. Water cannot siphon back through an unpressurized gap of air. If the drain tube becomes clogged the discharge water from the dishwasher will simply spill out of the holes in the air gap's heading.

What is the next switch called?

Nintendo Switch 2 is finally confirmed. After literal years of unverified rumors, dubious leaks and copious amounts of online speculation, Nintendo has lifted the lid on its next-generation console, and it's the Switch sequel the majority expected (and many of us wanted).

What is the button next to my sink?

A countertop air switch uses the pressure of air turn on or off your garbage disposal. And while at first glance you might not know exactly what it is, this button by the sink is quickly gaining in popularity for its good looks and advantages over the traditional wall switch.

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