7 Easy Steps On How To Repair Water Damaged Shelf Under Sink

If you’re looking for an article on how to repair water damaged shelf under sink, you came to the right side of the internet. We provide quick and easy steps suitable for everyone. We’ll mention some tips to avoid the same problem on your shelf.

 

how to repair water damaged shelf under sink

Why Does Water Damage Shelf Under Sink? 

In this section of the article, we have a list of reasons why the shelf from your under sink gets water damaged. Here are the following:

 

Do not underestimate the power of humid air

Never disregard the natural works of humid air since mold and bacteria may start growing in its fabric fibers even though the shelf is soaked directly into the water.

 

Leak on the sink drain

Leaks usually happen because of clogs from the sink. Water can not pass through the drain, which means it may sit stagnant in the plumbing lines.

When enough water flows in, it can cause pressure in the plumbing that can put stress on the pipe. It may result in small fractures and small leaks that will allow a small amount of water that flows through the drain to leak out.

 

Leak on the faucet connection

The faucet from the sink needs to be connected to the main plumbing lines in your home, and when the connection is not that solid, leaks may occur. These may cause poor connection, rusted hose, old valve, worn-out seal, or one of plenty of other issues that could cause everything from a slow drip.

 

Questions to ask yourself before restoration 

Before starting the restoring process of the water damaged shelf, you’ll need to keep three questions in mind:

  1. Is it severely damaged?
  2. Which will be more expensive, restoring or replacing?
  3. Does its sentimental value outweigh the expense?

 

Repairing Water Damaged Shelf Under The Sink 

There are different areas of the house where you might have a cabinet or shelf under the sink. If you need more help, check out this guide on fixing water damaged undersink kitchen cabinets.

 

Step #1. Empty shelf

Remove all the objects inside your shelf. Ensure that you keep the food items stored in plastic or glass containers.

Throw anything in a bag or a box. You’ll also need to remove wash towels and other present fabrics and paper goods from the shelf.

 

Step #2. Remove water

You’ll have to get rid of the water as much as possible. If not fixed right away, it’ll soak into the shelf and cause more water damage.

Use towels or blankets that are thick to remove water. Wipe out the shelf and dry with rags or towels to feel dry enough to touch.

 

Step #3. Dry-out wet shelf

The next thing that you’ll need to do is to start drying out the wet shelf. Avoid using household fans.

These damages take too long to dry up the board. If not done immediately, your shelf will more likely fall apart before it dries.

Get a high-volume fan or any structural humidifier for drying. If you don’t own one, you may rent equipment from a rental company.

Dry out the shelf for about a day with two to three fans and a humidifier. Then check the shelf every four hours and reposition the fan if necessary. Don’t forget to dry underneath and behind the shelf as well.

 

Step #4. Repair water damaged shelf 

Suppose the water has delaminated the parts of the shelf. In that case, you’ll need to use a clamp and carpenter’s glue to spread between the delaminated layers of the shelf.

Use the clamps to press it right back together. For swollen shelves, screw the boards in as braces to help it straighten out. When dried, you can eventually remove the braces.

 

Step #5. Replace damaged under sink shelf

If severely damaged, the last option for you to do is to replace it. Water weakens the carpenter’s glue since particle boards are more likely to fall apart than solid wood.

Once these crumble, no amount of glue will fix this damage. The only option here’s to remove the damaged shelf and replace it with a new set.

 

Step #6. Clean water stains

Use oxalic acid to remove water stains. However, you’ll need to sand off the finish of the shelf first.

Mix the oxalic acid with water. Always follow the instructions from the label.

Get a brush to apply the solution to the stained shelf and let it dry; coat it twice. When the stain’s gone, neutralize the acid and wash the shelf with a mixture of half a cup of a gallon of water and baking soda. Once done, rinse it with clean water.

 

Step #7. Disinfect and deodorize

There are tendencies that molds and odors can develop over time. Wipe down the shelf with a solution of one cup of bleach per gallon of clean water.

It’ll kill the bacteria and vanish the foul smell. To remove strong odors, open the windows, sprinkle baking soda on the shelf at night, and vacuum it in the morning.

 

Conclusion

We’re glad to see you until this point on how to repair water damaged shelf under sink. It’s not that hard, right? It’s actually kind of the same thing as repairing a base cabinet under the sink.

Suppose the damage is too much to handle alone. In that case, it’d be best to call for a professional to avoid further damages.

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