Remodeling Your Kitchen? Things to Consider to Avoid Water Damage

Although a kitchen may not involve as much water use as your bathroom might, it is still essential that you take steps to waterproof the kitchen. If you’re planning on remodeling your kitchen anyway, this is the perfect opportunity to incorporate waterproofing to avoid any future instances of water damage. 

Whether it’s from leaky taps, old pipes, or inefficient and old appliances, water damage can be a really tricky situation to navigate. It can lead to thousands of dollars worth of losses and ruin your home. The longer water sits in your home where it shouldn’t be, the worse the damage gets. It can even get to the point where the moisture causes mold. 

It is better to be safe than sorry and take pre-emptive measures to prevent water damage before it occurs. Here are a few steps you can take as part of your kitchen remodeling to avoid any future problems related to water:

Waterproof the Countertops

If you have wooden countertops that you want to keep, make sure to waterproof them adequately. You can do this by first sanding down the wooden surfaces, adding one or two coats of primer, and then a fresh coat of paint. All of this can be sealed off with a clear varnish specially designed for waterproofing. If there are any cracks in the counter, be sure to caulk them in to avoid any extra leakage. 

Consider Quartz or Marble Countertops 

If you have space in your kitchen remodeling budget for new counters, quartz or marble would be a very good choice. These counters can be a bit on the expensive side, but they are non-porous and completely waterproof. They also last for many years and would be a great investment for your home. 

Waterproof the Sink Cabinets and Under the Sink

Like your wooden countertops, you can waterproof your sink cabinets by applying fresh primer, paint, and a varnish. Water usually ends up in the cabinets under the skin no matter what we do, so you can also take some additional steps like laying out rubber floor mats in the cabinets. These mats are easy to clean and withstand moisture. 

Update Your Pipes

Old pipes should be replaced every few years to avoid any leaks or burst pipes. It is important to check the pipes in your kitchen often so that no problem goes unnoticed. Traditionally, older houses have been installed with copper piping. These pipes are durable and reliable and are also good for using both hot and cold water. More recently, however, PVC pipes are becoming more popular. They are more affordable than copper, and you can find many different sizes and fittings in PVC. 

Make Sure Appliances That Use Water Are Properly Connected 

Your sink is not the only place in your kitchen with a water connection to worry about. Appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, coffee makers, and washing machines can also cause water damage if they are not properly connected to their water supply. Ensure that these appliances are connected properly and that there is no leakage. You can use rubber or PVC fittings to ensure that all the water pipes are securely in place. 

Consider Different Flooring Options 

If you have a wooden floor, you have to seal it properly or run the risk of water seeping into the wood. You can do this by applying a polyurethane seal to your floor or using vinyl tiles on top of the wooden tiles. If you have space in your budget, it would be a good idea to install new flooring that is water-resistant. Laminated wooden flooring, tiles, and linoleum are all options to consider. If you end up choosing tiles or flooring with spaces and gaps, be sure to have proper grouting in place so that no water can leak in between the tiles. 

Install a Backsplash 

Water and any other liquid splashes from the sink or the stove can travel down the wall and damage your cabinets. Installing a backsplash is a relatively cheap, quick, and easy solution to this problem. A backsplash can make your kitchen look more modern and up to date while also protecting your walls from water damage and, as an extension, protecting your cabinets as well. 

Invest in a Leak Alarm

If you’re remodeling your kitchen and getting the newest appliances and fixtures, you may also want to invest in a leak alarm. A leak alarm can be great because it alerts you whenever it detects a leak and can save you from all the water damage that an undetected leak can cause. 

Our Final Thoughts

It is super important to make sure that your kitchen is properly waterproofed to avoid any water damage. If you have already suffered from water damage and are in the process of remodeling your kitchen, 911 Restoration of Denton County is the service provider you need to get in touch with. Our technicians are trained to handle water damage, mold, sewage leaks, and much more. 

So, follow the tips we’ve provided and get in touch with the best experts to get started on your kitchen remodeling!