If you are looking for a step-by-step article that will help you on how to fix water damage under sink, you came to the right side of the internet! We will mention some tips and easier techniques for beginners out there.
What Are The Signs That My Under Sink Is Water Damaged?
If you question why there are puddles of water right when you open the cabinet under the sink, that has you wondering. This indicates either a problem with the drainage or some areas of the plumbing equipment found under the sink.
We have provided a list of signs that you can look out for when you check for any water damage beneath your sink:
Faucet connection leakage
Faucets usually connect to the main plumbing lines, and when this connection is not stable enough, leaks may occur. When this problem is solved, this can cause a worn-out seal, rusted hose, old valve, and poor connection, which may leave your under sink having mildew and mold.
Sink drain leakage
It will be easy to locate this type of damage since this is a common problem to the majority who are experiencing the same problem as you have. This leakage usually causes worn-out connections, shifting plumbing lines, and pipe corrosion that may cause fractures to the lines under the sink, resulting in the water flowing down slowly and leaking.
Restoring The Water Damaged Under Sink
There are several ways to repair your water damaged under sink; this only depends on how bad it has become. When the area is slightly damaged, it’s possible to be easily fixed.
On the other hand, if it is severe and shows signs that it cannot be restored, this may require you to replace it. However, if the damage beneath the sink is mild, you may follow these steps below to repair the under sink and bring it back to its normal state.
Step #1. Dry visible water
This is the first thing you will do to absorb the small puddles of water present beneath the sink. What you’ll need is a dry cloth and soak it up.
Step #2. Use a hairdryer or fan
After soaking up the water puddle with a dry cloth, it’s possible to remove more water by using a hairdryer or fan. Take the material you’ll be using, set it to one of the lowest settings, and leave it for about 3 minutes (the longer the time span, the better). Do this to the remaining spots and follow the same time interval.
Note: If you’re using a fan, set it to the highest setting.
Step #3. Dry the mold
If you have this type of water damage, there’s a huge possibility that you’ll be dealing with molds. Don’t worry though; it can be taken care of!
You can handle this problem by using good old bleach and water. Dampen the sponge with the bleach and mixture of water, then scrub the area surrounded with molds. This will also help disinfect the damaged area to make it safe for the people living in the household.
DISCLAIMER: Bleach is toxic to inhale and can irritate or burn your skin and eyes. When mixed with other chemicals like cleaners, it can produce toxic gases that can cause lung damage or be deadly.
Ensure that you open any windows to have proper ventilation. This procedure requires you to wear a face mask, rubber gloves, and safety goggles for your safety. This also stains the clothes, so it’d be best to do this procedure with working clothes.
Step #4. Apply a cleaner
Apply ammonia to another piece of cloth and rub the damaged spots. If there’s no available ammonia, you can use mayonnaise mixed with cigarette ashes as an alternative and apply it to the affected areas.
Another option for a good water damage cleaner is to make a paste consisting of toothpaste and baking soda. Mix the two items and apply the paste to the affected area.
Mineral oil on steel wool should be applied to the damaged area if you tried the options above that have gotten you nowhere to progress.
Step #5. Dry and rub
Right after you apply the cleaner, let it sit for about 20 to 25 minutes. After waiting, take off the cleaner.
Don’t use water. Instead, take a new dry cloth and rub it in a circular motion to remove the cleaner. This will help remove and lift the water damage.
Step #6. Rinse and polish
With cold water, rinse the under sink. After you’ve done the rinsing and dried it under the sink, polish it to be back to its normal state.
Conclusion
It’s nice to see you reach this point on how to fix water damage under sink. Just follow these steps, which are fit for beginners out there. What’s nice about this procedure is that it’s budget-friendly as well!
We hope that this read was worthwhile of your time and effort. Also, remember that when you have troubles doing this restoration independently, it’d be best to call for a professional to help.