What is the small side of the sink for?

Author: Keira King  |  Last update: Thursday, February 26, 2026

In some households, you may need more room for one side of the sink. Double bowl sinks with unequal sides have one side that is smaller than the other. Many people choose the smaller side for soaking dishes while they use the larger basin for working in.

What is the little side sink for?

It's the perfect place for washing vegetables, or simply pouring a drink whilst the main bowl is full of washing up. If you like the idea of a 1.5 bowl sink, the Caple ETT150U is made from durable white ceramic which would be a beautiful finishing touch to a new kitchen.

What is the little thing next to the kitchen sink for?

While you may guess that the valve has something to do with your kitchen sink, mainly because it's right next to it, you'd be incorrect. The valve is actually for the dishwasher and is commonly known as the dishwasher air gap.

What is the little faucet on my sink for?

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 is the thing on the side of the 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. It helps prevent dirty water from the dishwasher flowing back through the pipes and contaminating the clean water.

The Right Sink For Your Kitchen | How To Choose The Right Style Sink

What is the thing next to the sink 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.

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 the small tap for?

Smaller and mini taps are ideal for a cloakroom or en-suite and are typically cast from a solid brass before being layered in a chrome finish, ensuring long-term durability.

What is the second faucet for?

💦 Filtered Water: One for tap water, the other for filtered water. 💦 Instant Hot Water: One faucet for instant hot water. 💦 Specialized Uses: A second faucet for tasks like spraying or filling pots.

What is the half sink used for?

An extra half bowl is perfect for when you just 'need to get to the sink for a second', if someone is already working there. The extra bowl is ideal to drain pasta in whilst the used pots go in the main bowl, keeping your kitchen clutter free at mealtimes.

What is the metal thing next to the faucet?

“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.

What is the second part of the sink for?

The primary purpose of double-bowl sinks was to make dishwashing easier: one bowl for soapy water, the other bowl with clean water for rinsing. ... For instance, you can put dirty dishes in one bowl while you use the other for food preparation. It makes garbage disposal easier too.

What is the little hole in my sink for?

The overflow hole is aptly named, as it keeps your sink from flooding. It does this by diverting water, giving you more time to act before the contents spill over if you or someone in your household accidentally leaves the faucet on or if you have a plumbing issue.

Why do some sinks have a small side?

In some households, you may need more room for one side of the sink. Double bowl sinks with unequal sides have one side that is smaller than the other. Many people choose the smaller side for soaking dishes while they use the larger basin for working in.

What are the little sinks for?

While washing dishes in a larger basin requires a greater amount of water, the small tray allows you to use a limited amount of water for minor washing and rinsing activities. This way, you reduce overall water consumption in the kitchen.

What is the point of the small sink?

While larger sinks tend to be utilised for cleaning equipment or preparing food, the compact kitchen sink is more often used for hand washing and sanitisation to avoid having to wash hands in areas where food is being prepared.

What is the second compartment of a sink used for?

The second sink in a three-compartment sink is used for rinsing dishes to remove soap residue after they have been washed in the first sink. This step is crucial for food safety and hygiene as it ensures the removal of detergent before dishes move to the third sink for sanitization.

What is the tap under the sink for?

Underneath the sink are two isolation valves. One is for your main water supply and the other is for your external tap. We suggest you turn off the external tap isolation valve off before the cold winter weather starts, and then drain all of the water by turning on the garden tap until the water runs dry.

What is a spitting faucet?

Air in the Water Lines

When this air enters your water lines, it can cause the faucet to "spit" and make a gurgling sound as it runs. Allow the water to keep running in an effort to allow the air to escape. If this does not solve your spitting issue, give our team a call!

What is a second tap used for?

They are used to produce threads close to the bottom of blind holes. SECOND TAPS have a lead of 3-5 threads at 8 degrees per side. They are the most popular and can be used for through holes, or blind holes where the thread does not need to go right to the bottom.

What is the purpose of a tap aerator?

What is a Tap Aerator? A tap aerator is designed to reduce the required flow of water from your taps, which will in turn reduce your water usage. They are little round gadgets with many, tiny holes around - saving the planet and your pennies. They attach to the spout of your tap and are very easy to install.

Do I need a filter tap?

If you are satisfied with the taste and quality of your tap water, you may not need to use additional filtration methods. However, if you have specific concerns or preferences, installing a filtration system can provide you with added peace of mind and potentially improve the taste of your water.

What happens if you don't install an air gap?

What If My Dishwasher Has No Air Gap? Without a dishwasher air gap, contaminated water can flow back into the dishwasher. A dishwasher air gap prevents this from happening by ensuring that the water flows in one direction: out of the dishwasher and into the garbage disposal.

Should water come out of the air gap?

Your dishwasher does more than clean your dishes; it is an important part of maintaining your family's health. One way it does that is by draining away wastewater through the air gap. When your air gap leaks, it indicates a problem.

What happens if the air gap is too small?

If the air-gap is too small there is a possibility that the rotor will hit the stator and, of course, this is to be avoided. However, the benefits of a small gap are a lower magnetization current for the flux density needed. This improves power factor and reduces electrical power losses.

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