Under The Sink Plumbing Parts

The plumbing system under your sink is a complex network of pipes, valves, and fixtures that work together to bring water into your home and drain wastewater away. While the majority of these components are hidden from view, it's important to have a basic understanding of how they work in order to troubleshoot common problems and make repairs as needed.

The main water supply line enters your home through the foundation and connects to a shut-off valve located under the sink. This valve allows you to turn off the water to your sink in the event of a leak or other emergency. From the shut-off valve, the water supply line branches off to two separate lines: one for the hot water faucet and one for the cold water faucet.

The hot water line is connected to a water heater, which heats the water and sends it to the hot water faucet. The cold water line is connected directly to the municipal water supply. Both the hot and cold water lines are typically made of copper or PEX tubing.

The drainpipes under your sink are responsible for carrying wastewater away from the sink and into the main sewer line. The drainpipes are made of PVC or ABS plastic and are connected to the sink drain by a P-trap. The P-trap is a U-shaped pipe that traps water to prevent sewer gases from escaping into your home.

In addition to the pipes and valves, there are several other plumbing parts that are located under your sink. These include:

Faucet aerator: This is a small screen that screws onto the end of the faucet spout. It helps to aerate the water, which makes it feel more gentle and reduces splashing.
Faucet handle: This is the part of the faucet that you turn to control the flow of water. It is typically made of metal or plastic.
Faucet cartridge: This is the internal part of the faucet that controls the mixing of hot and cold water. It is typically made of brass or ceramic.
Sink strainer: This is a small mesh screen that fits over the drain hole in the sink. It helps to trap debris and prevent it from clogging the drain.

By understanding the different plumbing parts under your sink, you can be better equipped to troubleshoot and repair common problems. If you are experiencing a plumbing problem that you cannot fix yourself, it is important to call a qualified plumber for assistance.