The first unit to suffer in a kitchen is usually the cabinet under the sink. A small leak can go unseen for months while the edge of the base slowly swells and the edge banding lifts at the bottom of the door. By the time the owner notices, the damage has spread into the carcass. Yet a few simple decisions at the design stage can make this unit far more durable.
Where the water comes from
Moisture reaches the sink base from three sources. First, leaks from pipes, the trap and tap hoses: when a joint loosens slightly, the drip is often invisible. Second, water from above, seeping through the sink cut-out in the worktop or around the base of the tap. Third, everyday use: a wet sponge, a dripping bottle of washing-up liquid, a door opened with wet hands. Protection should address all three.
The carcass itself: edges and material
The face of laminated board repels water; its weak points are the cut edges. In the sink unit it is important to seal every edge with banding or sealant, including the back edge of the base, the pipe holes and the lower edges of the side panels. Pipe holes are particularly risky because they are often cut on site on installation day and left raw. Sealing their edges with silicone is a simple but effective step.
If more moisture is expected, moisture-resistant board or plywood can be chosen for this unit. Sometimes a plastic or aluminium liner is placed on the base: its raised edges hold leaking water for a while and keep it off the board.
The worktop cut-out and tap
The cut-out where the sink sits in the worktop is where water most often finds its way into the carcass. When fitting the sink, the edges of the cut-out should be sealed with sealant or a dedicated gasket. The base of the tap needs the same attention: when its seal ages, water runs into the worktop. Checking these points once or twice a year helps catch problems as soon as they start.
The type of sink affects the risk as well. With an undermounted sink, the edge of the cut-out is always in contact with water, so this option is usually paired with water-resistant worktop materials. With an inset sink, the edge is covered by the sink's rim, which makes it more reliable on a laminate worktop. If the dishwasher sits next to the sink, steam escapes when it is opened and hits the underside of the worktop; the protective strip supplied with the appliance should be stuck beneath the worktop for this reason.
Organising the space around the trap
Because of the pipes, the inside of a sink base is the hardest space in the kitchen to use. A standard shelf often does not work, as the trap lands in the middle of it. There are several practical solutions:
- U-shaped drawer: the back of the drawer is cut to wrap around the trap, making use of the space above and to either side.
- Low drawer: if there is enough height below the trap, a wide shallow drawer at the bottom suits cleaning products.
- Pull-out waste system: sorting bins attached to a door or drawer are among the most popular uses of this space.
- Narrow basket on the inside of the door for sponges, brushes and gloves.
The choice depends on the trap height, the tap hoses and the position of any water filter. If a filter system or water heater is planned, its size and service access need to be considered in advance.
Spotting leaks early
Drawer systems use the space well, but they hide the pipes. So in this unit it is important that the drawer can be removed and the pipes checked easily. A light-coloured liner in the drawer makes a damp patch easier to see. Some people also fit a small leak sensor, which is especially useful where the dishwasher is connected alongside.
A persistent damp smell inside the cabinet, swelling along the bottom of the door or a whitish stain on the base are the first signs of a leak. Calling a plumber and drying the carcass as soon as they appear stops the damage spreading.
Everyday habits
- Do not keep wet sponges and cloths shut away under the sink; a ventilated basket on the inside of the door is better.
- Close cleaning product caps tightly; some chemicals can damage laminate edges and edge banding adhesive.
- Wipe away water that reaches the bottom edge of the door straight away.
Zaferoğlu Mebel makes kitchen units to measure and installs furniture with its own fitters. The interior layout of the sink base can be planned during measuring, taking into account the position of the trap, filter and waste system.
