Plumbing 101: Understanding Your Kitchen Sink’s Anatomy

Your kitchen sink might look simple from the surface—but below it lies a network of parts that make daily water use possible. Understanding how these components work can help you troubleshoot problems and communicate better with plumbers.

At the top is the faucet and basin, where water flow begins. Beneath that, you’ll find the strainer or basket, which connects the sink to the plumbing. This piece keeps large debris out of the pipes.

Next comes the P-trap, the curved pipe that holds a small amount of water to block sewer gases from entering your home. If your sink smells bad, this is usually the culprit.

The drainpipe connects the trap to your main plumbing line, while supply lines deliver hot and cold water from shutoff valves beneath the cabinet. Add a garbage disposal, and you’ve got a complete kitchen plumbing ecosystem.

At I Hate My Sink, we make sure every installation—from faucet to drain—is secure, leak-free, and optimized for long-term performance. Because the better you understand your sink, the easier it is to love it.

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