Water leaks are common under kitchen sinks and bathroom vanity cabinets, causing damage to cabinet floors and requiring replacement. To waterproof these cabinets, you can use inexpensive vinyl tiles from Home Depot, which are flexible, durable, and waterproof materials. Under-sink cabinet mats, made from flexible rubber, are also used to protect cabinet bottoms from damage caused by plumbing leaks, pipe bursts, and other kitchen messes.
To create a waterproof pan, use liquid rubber in a can (Flex Seal) on the base of a bathroom vanity or kitchen cabinet. This DIY project grew out of a previous leak from a faulty disposal or broken pipe. To prevent water damage under kitchen cabinets, use caulk or a sealant to seal up the area around the sink. Linoleum is a good option for covering the base, but modern waste pipes are PVC. Cabinet mats are designed to fit snugly under sinks and serve as a protective barrier.
To waterproof the joints of the sink and pipe connection, seal all joints with polyurethane sealant and other hard surfaces with cement. For sealing a kitchen sink or any water-prone area, choose a GE-branded 100 silicone sealant like GE Tub and Tile Silicone 1 sealant. This sealant will be durable enough to handle water leaks and moisture for many years.
📹 How to EASILY Waterproof Your Sink Cabinet
Have you damaged the bottom of your bathroom vanity cabinet or kitchen sink cabinet? Or you want to prevent future damage …
What should I put under my kitchen sink to seal it?
Apply plumber’s putty or silicone caulk along the sink’s rim to create a watertight seal between the sink and countertop. Ensure even application around the entire sink perimeter. If you believe you have been blocked, contact the site owner for assistance. If you are a WordPress user with administrative privileges, enter your email address and click “Send” to receive an email assisting you in regaining access.
What can I use to stop a leak under the sink?
Plastic or PVC pipes can be tightened with hands, but if this doesn’t work, a stronger fix may be needed. Rubber gaskets between joints can be changed to restore the seal. A two-part epoxy putty can provide a durable seal, but it’s a temporary solution and may require pipe removal. Self-securing silicone tape can be used for minor leaks, covering the edges and overlapping the tape. If the leak is from a crack in the middle of the pipe, an emergency plumber may be necessary. Currently, pipe clamps or sleeve clamps can be used to fix the leak. It’s important to wipe the area of the leak before applying the putty and clean the drain hole after.
How to waterproof around a kitchen sink?
Waterproof caulk is a popular choice for caulking around sinks due to its flexibility, durability, and long-lasting appearance. It can be applied to any countertop surface and can be completed quickly. To seal around a kitchen sink, remove any old caulking or silicone, clean the area thoroughly, and allow it to dry completely. Cut the nozzle of the sealant tube at a 45-degree angle, making the hole bigger if necessary. Punch the seal on the cartridge and insert the sealant tube into a quality caulking gun with a dripless handle release.
What can I put under my sink to prevent water damage?
To prevent water damage below your sink, consider installing an under-sink mat or an under-sink tray. Rubber mats are ideal as they prevent water from saturating and damaging your sink or kitchen cabinetry. They have grooves that can hold water and can hold several gallons of water. These mats come in various sizes and can be cut to fit tight spaces. An under-sink tray, made of metal, can also be used to hold water as it accumulates.
However, these options alone are not enough to prevent water leaks. Regular checks under your sinks are crucial to ensure that even mats that can hold more than three gallons of water are not overwhelmed.
Should you wrap pipes under kitchen sink?
It is imperative to insulate all hot and cold water pipes situated in areas where water supply lines are present, including the garage, kitchen sinks, and bathrooms.
How do I stop a leak under my sink?
If you notice water leaking while the sink is draining, it’s likely due to a blockage, corrosion, or loose part. To fix this issue, tighten the nuts at the point where the pipes meet or use plumber’s putty. Remove the drain, repack it with fresh putty, and reattach the drain again.
Leaky faucets can be annoying and run up your water bill, but they are usually easy to spot. Check for leaks from the top of the sink or underneath the sink. Replace any failed washers or worn-out gaskets, or replace the entire faucet if necessary. Replacing the faucet is simple, but if uncomfortable, call a local plumber for installation.
If your water supply is leaking, you may not notice it until it floods out of your cabinet, causing water damage. To determine if the leak is coming from your water supply, plug up your sink’s drain, turn it on, and let it run. If the leak is under the sink while the water is running but not draining, tighten the joint or pipe where the water is getting out. If the leak doesn’t stop, replace a corroded or failed gasket in the connector.
How to prevent moisture under a sink?
Regular inspections are crucial for detecting water damage under a sink. Address leaks promptly, using a drip tray to catch spills and prevent damage. Maintain humidity levels to prevent moisture buildup, and consider using a dehumidifier if needed. Seal seams and backsplashes with caulking to prevent water seepage. Install waterproof boards or liners under the sink cabinet for additional protection.
Professional help is necessary in cases of extensive damage, hidden leaks, mold remediation, complex repairs, and insurance claims. Professionals can use specialized tools like moisture meters and infrared cameras to detect and handle these issues. Trained technicians can handle mold growth in high humidity areas. Complex repairs, such as replacing pipes or addressing structural issues, require specialized knowledge and skills.
Professional restoration companies can help navigate the claims process to ensure fair compensation from insurance providers. Overall, regular inspections, quick repairs, and professional assistance are essential for preventing water damage under a sink.
How do I protect my sink base from water damage?
To prevent water damage on wood cabinets, consider using waterproof stain sealant, which helps prevent water damage under the kitchen sink and preserves the cabinetry’s elegant appearance. Sand and prime the cabinets before applying a food-grade varnish, allowing the varnish to settle for a few days before reinstalling contents. Peel and stick vinyl tiles, similar to adhesive waterproof liners, provide adequate protection against water damage by cutting them to fit the cabinet surface. These methods can help maintain the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen.
How do I keep the area under my sink dry?
Plastic and waterproof materials are cost-effective solutions for under-sink spaces, reducing water dripping and board swelling. Wire and steel-based storage offers a wide range of sizes and options, making everything accessible and visible. Common materials used include stainless steel, aluminium, and regular steel coated in a plastic film. Stainless steel and aluminium are the most durable, especially for storing corrosive cleaning materials.
Regular chromed steel may have a shorter lifespan due to rust issues. Overall, plastic and steel-based storage solutions can help maximize space around plumbing while maintaining accessibility and visibility.
How to fix a water leak under a kitchen sink?
This article provides a solution for a leaky kitchen sink, stating that while it’s not as severe as a dishwasher leak, it can cause significant water damage. To fix the leak, tighten the pipe slip nuts, sealing them with epoxy putty or silicone tape if necessary. If the leak persists, replace the rubber gaskets. Keep a bucket and towels handy while working on the drain pipe. DIY skills can be satisfying and even help clean up water damage from a leaky sink.
How do I stop mold from growing under my sink?
To prevent mold growth in your home, consider using mold inhibitor solution, which can be added to paint or other solutions. Apply it under the sink in areas where mold might grow. To reduce mold occurrence, keep the humidity below 40 and use an air conditioner or dehumidifier. Inspect the area under the sink to prevent moisture leaks and mold problems from resurfacing. If mold returns, contact a professional contractor. Frontdoor® offers various ways to address mold issues, including video chats with trade industry experts, vetted professionals for repairs, and DIY tutorials.
📹 Waterproofing Hack For Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinets
Water leaks are all too common under the kitchen sink or in the bathroom vanity. Even a small water leak can damage your …
Unfortunately with the waterproof sheet just lying on top of the cabinet bottom, if you do get a leak or a large spill, the liquid will likely get pulled between the mat and the cabinet bottom by surface tension from around the edges (particularly at the back and sides). The mat may make it harder to notice the water underneath and will impede drying, likely causing more damage. What would be more effective would be a shallow-lipped pan. I’ve even considered using waterproofing paint or epoxy to waterproof the bottom and lower sides of the cabinet.
We were storing emergency water under one sink and the plastic bottles leaked. Under the kitchen sink we had a valve fail — and the “wood” go to mush… then the same valve went again after my husband used drain cleaner — our handyman put in a new plywood base under the kitchen sink and we lined it with contact paper but I much prefer your solution!
I did this many years ago under my then kitchen cabinet. It worked pretty good. Word of warning: moisture/gunk can get between the tiles so it is a good idea to silicone in between the tiles as you lay them as well, otherwise, this is a really good fix for under kitchen sink cabinets and it will last for years if done right. Also, this is a cheep fix – less than $10. 💖
I did this several years ago under my sinks and shelves. They had press and peel tile at Dollar Tree…3 tiles for $1.00 or a box of 27 for $9.00. I bought 4 boxes. They are still in perfect condition under there. Plus it makes it easier to clean and you don’t have to worry about spills because they are easy to clean up.
Great article! I had heard of this hack a while back and bought some vinyl wood planks to put under mine (for that rustic look). The only advise I would add for you is, if it were me, I would put the uncut tiles in the front where it’s the most visible and put any cut/trimmed pieces in the back. That way you mostly just see the pretty tiles. 😉
You definitely got my attention. Seen the results of these types of leaks way too many times. Sometimes major damage. And if it’s particle board you can forget about it, not only is it damage but if there’s anything sitting in the bottom of the cabinet that shelf will collapse, and water damaged particle board attracts roaches. Just a landslide of a complete mess. People also tend to put way too much heavy stuff putting more weight on that bottom shelf than they’re supposed to, which usually contribute to bending or a collapse.
I did this on my condo after buying it 20 years ago. I chose a pretty pattern. Do many people thought I was crazy, but it’s been fantastic. Water leaks are bad enough, but spills of whatever is bad too. If something really nasty tips over, you can just remove the tiles and start over. This is a great suggestion.
find the low spot along the front of the cabinet, drill a 1/4″ hole near the front of the cabinet floor so that the water comes out on the floor where it’s visible, rather than pooling up inside the cabinet. The peel and press tiles would work well, but I’ve also had success using scraps of loose-lay sheet vinyl, for a $0 upgrade 😉
I am a renter myself and this is something I did in the cabinets in my place many years ago (been in the same house for 18 years so far). Initially I did this for an entirely different reason than for avoiding water damage from leaks. I have always had cats and they almost always have loved sleeping inside my bathroom vanity (which is always empty aside from the cats themselves). I wanted a way to be able to clean the inside of the cabinet without having to worry about the cheap liner or the particleboard of the cabinet becoming damaged over time. So I put in these vinyl tiles and it’s been so easy to keep the insides of the cabinets clean and undamaged. I “splurged” on some clearance wood-like vinyl that closely matched the interior look of the existing cabinets and paid about 60 cents per tile when I did it. My bathroom vanity had some cosmetic damage on the inside walls from previous renters so in that cabinet I did the walls and the base. In the kitchen I just did the base because the walls were fine and the vinyl matched well enough that it didn’t look out of place. My cats never go into the kitchen cabinets, but I wanted them to all have the same type of finish so that they were consistent. The house I rent definitely suffers from the “landlord special” for most of the repairs that were ever done to it. My landlord likes to “save money” by hiring the cheapest people to do the job and he definitely gets what he pays for. Most repairs he hires someone for look worse when they’re done than before they were started.
Great article! I removed the original rotten cabinet bottom & made a new one out of luan & cut it to the dimentions of the original & glued a leftover piece of vinyl flooring to protect the new cabinet “floor” from leaks/water damage. It has held up to the ravages of several different leaks for ten years:)
Thanks for the article! I’ve been doing this in all our rentals for about 15 years. I use sheet vinyl it’s so easy you can cut it with a rotary cutter & mat ! It’s amazing what kind of leaks and yucky stuff get on cabinets & shelves! Lots of great ideas ! I also put all this in our Son & DIL rental houses!
I like to use Formica and contact cement it down. Add a bead if caulk on the edge to finish. Not seams to catch grime. I also like to have a dish pan in each cabinet. They are great for storing liquid cleaning supplies to prevent leaks, and they fit under a p-trap to catch water while you are repairing/cleaning it out.
I just got done doing this today after replacing all the kitchen cabinets in our double wide manufactured home. It was an involved process because all the plumbing comes up through the floor (except for a supply line going through the exterior wall to a hose bib). So it took me a while to patch up the hole in the floor of the cabinet and putting vinyl tile on the floor of the cabinet covers that patch and makes everything look good… I mean great 😉!
We do the same thing on all of our rentals. Instead of those cheap glue and stick pieces we buy a little extra vinyl plank and use that underneath. Cost is negligible and can usually be completed with leftovers from the floor. The peel and stick eventually bubbles up and peals off and starts to not look very good. We use the waterproof lifeproof brand that locks together so no glue and can be taken apart if needed and not that it matters but when we show the units it looks good and matches the kitchen flooring lol good tip.
Very good article sir. I’ve done something similar in the past, but instead of adhering the tiles to the base of the cabinet I install a first layer of tile with the adhesive side up. The second layer goes adhesive side down, staggering the joints and all. In effect you have a floating tile mat. Then I caulk the edges as you did. I guess my concern originally was that water could get through a joint and still get to the cabinet base’s floor. I never tried adhering the tiles directly to the floor, so I may have overthought it. Anyhow, thanks for the article.
I would appreciate your professional opinion on putting a quarter width tile on the three in the sides of the base first. Then Installing the full tiles as you instructed, including the peripheral caulking. I suggest that this would Further website any moisture toward the front of the cabinet and prevent ugly mold from gradually accumulating. Looking forward to more such clever and low cost ideas. Thanks. David.
What about preventing water from being able to go through the spaces between the tiles? I was thinking maybe putting and entire sheet of something onto the bottom of the cabinet first that has an adhesive backing to prevent water from seeping through the spaces in between and then put the tiles on top of that?
I’ve had water leak problems under my kitchen sink cabinet. My kitchen was remodeled in 2015, so my cabinets aren’t that old. There is a water alarm under my cabinet, and it’s been sorely needed. This floor tile plus caulk layer would be a nice addition of protection. As it is, I keep a large plastic bucket beneath the drain/pipes/disposal and my RO system sits on a large plastic tray. Water has still managed to find a way onto the floor of my cabinet. Most recently, water leaked when the faucet sprayer loosened up at the head and dripped down the hose. Every leak I’ve had so far originated from a different source. I suppose the next one will come from the dishwasher.
Excellent idea. I had used rubber carpet runner in places I lived in before, but they were never big enough to cover the entire area, were not permanent and shifted. It was also not as tough as the floor tile. For those recommending painted coatings, another hazard to watch out for is leaking household chemicals. I have had that happen more often than water. Those chemicals will eat away at anything. Couple of suggestions: rough up the bottom with sand paper to remove the paint and crud to help adhesion. And put 3″ rubber base molding around the perimeter to capture any backward water flow.
We did our kitchen with vinyl flooring and had some left over ..i put it in the bathroom lower cabinet and the kitchen under the sink too..then i put a metal door strip on the edge to hold the front secure..no seams to let water in between tiles..and no extra cost because it had been paid for with the kitchen floor.
Want a simple waterproof easy to clean way to protect under sinks? I line all my cabinets with yoga mats. 6’X2’ from the dollar store – oddly enough they are NOT a dollar, more like $4. I started doing it with my first home which had older cupboards. The interiors looked unappealing. The added advantage of using cheap dollar store yoga mats is the cut easy. The also allow you to ‘stand’ plates without them sliding down and breaking – giving you more room. Now that I’ve sold my homes and rent an apartment, I still do this. It the simplest way to have a clean convenient water proof interior. (Even inside my drawers to prevent my knifes etc from sliding around)
Question: would you ever put caulk on the seams between tiles? Not a thick bead, but maybe lay down a small bead and smooth it down and leave just enough to keep water from possibly seeping into the seams? Also, after using the Goo Gone, I would wipe the surface with a dry paper towel before using a wet one. A dry one will absorb at least some of the oily residue that might prevent the adhesive from sticking properly.
In place of or in addition to this, I’d also use clear organizer bins. Depending upon pipe placement, the pipe might hover right over one of the bins. You might then see water in one of the bins, before things get bad. This was useful for me as, although I certainly didn’t know what I was doing, Igor sick of looking at that pipe in my apartment bathroom. Do I bought a cheap cabinet from Target, cut off the legs, cut out a hole and slid it under the sink. I also used decorative window film for the windowed door and I’m about to put in a couple of motion activated strip lights, which will be attached to a couple of power banks.
I would use something like a boot or shoe tray, but it would only go in up to the supply lines. I used some self adhesive rubber soundproofing to cover the big cut out hole for the supply lines from what I had leftover. I used the rubber on the bottom of my stainless steel sink because the original stuff fell off. I had water damage on my bathroom vanity, chipped off the bubbled bloated wood an filled it with Bondo, then painted it.
3:34 putting silicone caulk around the perimeter of the cabinet bottom sounds like a great idea but only if you know the cabinet bottom is level to begin with. If there has ever been any heavy items placed in the cabinet or any previous leak from before, what usually happens is the cabinet will have a small dip in the middle and will slant downward towards the back. Meaning if there is a future leak, the water will go towards the center/rear of the cabinet and collect there, then drip underneath the cabinet.
I hope you will be kind enough to help with this situation (speaking of leaking sinks.) My house settled, causing just enough of a difference that the down pipe from the sink tilts slightly. The connection leaks where the down pipe enters the P-trap section. There is nowhere near enough separation to get an offset pvc pipe between the sections. I have man-handled the downpipe into the P-trap, but I’m afraid that it will cause silicone to break open between the sink and counter top (which would not be much better.) I have seen rubber sleeves that can be fit over these pipes, but I haven’t found one that will fit over the top pipe and into (smaller diameter) the P-trap. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Liked, Subscribed and looking forward to online classes, if you expand. Looked for you on Patreon, but didn’t find “Everyday Home Repairs.”
I’ve seen plastic bin lids and vehicle floor mats with the lip on them used in some homeowners sink cabs. The thing is none work unless you notice right away. You can only go up 1/8″ because that’s all the lip you have on the front of the cab. Then it destroys the floor, shoemold, toe kick, then subfloor (if your away or sleeping) when a leak happens. Need higher front lip for it to matter.
Hey Guy, even though your article was a few years ago, it was case in point to what’s going on in my house, under the upstairs hallway bathroom Now, we already had 3 water leaks, within 1 yr. One in the upstairs hallway bathroom where the plastic line running from the tank to the toilet has burst and not notice for 1/2 hr. That leak damage the ceiling downstairs, all the carpet upstairs. Got that fix. Then shortly thereafter the water line burst under the concrete floor in open area downstairs. Got that fix. Before replacing the carpet upstairs I decided to reinforce the floor decking to stop any squeaking with decking screws. Well, not realizing where to pipes ran I inadvertently hit the water pipe, leak again. Got that fix. Sometime went by. A few days ago, sitting at the table I notice a dip coming through the ceiling speaker I installed. I turned off all the pipes and tried to find the leak. I couldn’t, so I called a plumber. He couldn’t find the leak either. The next day, I decided to try and find the leak. I turned on the water and ask my wife to turn on the sink water and move all that stuff under the sink. After a little while here comes the water. When upstairs and the cabinet floor had a hole in it caused from the water over a period of time. The nut that secures the pipe under the sink had loosen. Tighten the nut and no more leak. I thought about your preparation before I saw the article and I like it. I removed the entire damage decking to the cabinet floor base. I rigged up a hair blower to assist in the drying process for a few days.
I’ve done this for decades in every bath and kitchen I’ve had…also…I use mirror tiles across the back of the wall…this allows you to see what’s behind the front layer, and it also doubles the light so you can see…The tile I just peel and stick, but the mirrors I hot glue…it affects the mirror surface a bit, but it’s for practicality, not pretty.
What do suggest for the side of my cabinet that is near my sink that had water damage? I need to cover it up so tenants won’t damage it more. Do you have any ideas? I have a beige backsplash around my kitchen. My oven is beside my sink and there is a cabinet on the side. My husband mentioned putting some type of plexy glass up there? Do you have ideas?
Better to use sheet vinyl remnants that are a bit larger than the cabinet base; that allows you to run the vinyl up the cabinet sides and back. This article showed all of the pipes running inside the wall and coming into the cabinet through the back, but inevitably there will be plumbing coming up through the base; for those, you might want to consider caulking around the pipe openings and any slits that had to be cut to put the vinyl into place.
Is this method recommended over using some type of marine paint? I am having new cabinets installed next week and plan to waterproof my kitchen and bath vanity. Small leaks in my old ones left the bottoms bubbly and mushy. I rolled cabinet liners in them but only after the water damage ocurred and want to do that before a leak happens with my new ones. Also I don’t mind spending a little extra money to have it water resistant and looking snazzy.
This can be done without a tape measure. Turn tile upside down and use a knife blade to mark the cut on both edges and then I use a 14 inch aluminum angel iron section to make the cut. This will allow you to keep your fingertips if you wish to keep them. (Do not ask me how I know that) keep all fingers on the side away from the blade
Any tips for drying out underneat the cabinet itself? I installed a dishwasher recently and noticed it was leaking pretty badly. I thought that I just didn’t level it quite enough so I adjusted and did another cycle and it still leaked. I pulled it out, removed the insulation, and noticed that the top of each side of the dishwasher had about a 10″ long crack! (Most likely damaged during Shipping) Anyway, now there is a ton of water underneath my sink cabinet 😡😑
Everyday home repair, How’s it going. I put up a article about a year ago, Were I tiled under my bathroom cabinet, I did not used Thin set. My article has been stolen, I’ll have to put another one up! If you ran across a article; That has black stained cabinets Gray patchy tile underneath the sink it will be mine, I’ve created a few original things in that article as well. I look forward to hear from you by for now your new friend Ken.
Looks nice, although if your a tenant you can’t go about transforming the furniture. As a plumber I object to the assumption you’ll even have any leak to begin with! Unless the plumbing is ancient, or poorly installed you should have zero leaks/drips. A real leak will damage the unit and likely the floor and beyond with or without vinyl tiles. Very often the reason for damage is a very minor leak which has been ignored for many months or even years!
Too much time and not effective to deal with a little water leak. You really want to do this right? Get a can of flex seal, they have it in white or black. Use painters tape a few inches above the bottom, ie making a “back splash” . Then with your flex seal spray lightly across the bottom and sides. Dont go heavy, go lightly otherwise will look messy. Let it dry then remove painters tape. Nice even line for your back splash. This way you have something that is effective in preventing damage if you have a leak.