What is the silver thing next to sink?

Author: Dr. Nikko Abernathy  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 24, 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 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.

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.

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.

How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink

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 an aerator do on a faucet?

Aerators screw into kitchen and bathroom faucets. Holes in the screens add air to the water as it streams out of the faucet. Faucet aerators are screens at the end of a faucet. The devices reduce the amount of water that comes out of a faucet and control the stream.

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 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.

Is an air gap necessary?

Air gaps are the most effective means of preventing your drain from contaminating your dishwasher with waste. If you want to protect your dishwasher from flooding with contaminated water, you need an air gap.

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 a sink flange?

The flange is a ring that connects the disposal to the sink and is slightly sloped to allow water to run unimpeded into the drain; it's like a mounting bracket for the disposal.

What does a sink protector do?

This removable piece creates a barrier between the sink and piles of dishes, even the thickest, heaviest cast iron skillets won't scratch the surface. Not only do these grids protect the kitchen sink finish so it can stay looking its best for years to come, but they also make a perfectly beautiful addition, too.

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 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 does a sink trap look like?

A P-trap is also known as a sink trap. It's the strongly curved portion of piping under the sink. It's called a P-trap because the bend makes it look similar to the letter P turned on its side. It also looks like a U or a J when it's not on its side.

What is this thing next to my sink?

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?

What is the small sink next to the big sink for?

This secondary bowl is often around half the size of the main bowl, which is why we refer to them as '1.5 bowl' sinks. The second, smaller bowl is ideal for allowing you to continue using your tap without obstruction, should the main bowl be in use.

What is a nickel faucet?

Brushed nickel faucets and fixtures can add a timeless, classic appeal to your bathroom, turning an ordinary sink area into a luxurious one. The matte surface of brushed nickel is made by dulling the shiny metal surface via sanding it.

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 kind of outlet next to sink?

As a rule of thumb, any outlet within six feet of the kitchen sink should be a GFCI outlet.

Is it OK to remove aerator from faucet?

Is it OK to use a faucet without an aerator? Using a faucet without an aerator is OK. Water flows faster and more forcefully. Sometimes, it might be beneficial, like clothes washer hookups and bathtubs.

Is it OK to use a faucet without an aerator?

By introducing small bubbles to the water, the faucet aerator allows the faucet to run longer while using less water. An aerator is not necessary and may even be counterproductive on some exterior faucets (such as for garden hoses), shower or bathtub faucets, or clothes washer water supply faucets.

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