Ever dealt with old insulation under the kitchen sink? Unfortunately, many homes don’t have insulated water pipes, whether they carry cold or hot water, and face difficulty in freezing temperatures. But most of the time, it can be insulated easily without spending a lot of bucks. So, how to insulate under kitchen sink?
First, learn what type of insulation is suitable for your kitchen sink. Then gather the materials, and measure the water pipes. Next, cut the insulation to fit around the pipes. After that, attach the insulation with adhesive and install it correctly.
Continue reading the below step-by-step process to complete the method of your own.
Contents
Why Do You Need to Insulate Under Kitchen Sink?
Whether your home water supply pipe carries hot or cold water, insulating them is crucial. Here are a few advantages of insulting under the kitchen sink.
- Minimizes the Growth of Pests
Water droplets are a good source for developing small insect link cockroaches, earwigs, silverfish, mold, and mildew.
By insulating all your cold-water pipes, you are basically creating a barrier between warm environments and cold surfaces. As a result, harmful insects will fail to build residence beneath your kitchen sink or near the walls.
- Reduces Moisture Problem
Localized moisture issues can happen due to the accumulated moisture on the surface of the pipe. This issue is similar to the condensation on unheated windows. Moisture can flow to the insulating materials, adjoining wood, or drywall.
This way, the materials or drywall start decaying, losing structural integrity. More dangerously, the damage may spread to other nearby components. Plus, the air quality of your interior will suffer greatly.
What are the Best Materials to Insulate Under the Kitchen Sink?
The kitchen sink is the underside of the sink that you will be working with. You can’t use any materials to insulate under kitchen sink. The below materials will provide you with the best results.
1. Mass Loaded Vinyl
This insulation material is commonly used by homeowners for its flexibility and mass. Adding mass is one of the best methods for insulating a kitchen sink. This way, vibrations produced by dropping utensils in the sink or high-pressure water flow can easily be reduced.
Mass-loaded vinyl is expensive. However, you will only require a little of it for insulating under the kitchen sink. A 40 sq. ft. mass-loaded vinyl is enough for insulating average-sized sinks.
2. Sound Deadening Mat
Sound-deadening mats are commonly found in cars. This can also be used to insulate under kitchen sink. It is much cheaper than mass-loaded vinyl and a good alternative but less effective.
3. Rubberized Undercoating Spray
You can effectively apply some rubberized undercoating spray to tackle a noisy sink. This product also prevents corrosion and rust from vehicle components like fenders, undercarriages, or hoods.
This will be a great option if your kitchen sink is already installed. The reason is, spraying them is more effortless than sticking sound deadening mat or mass-loaded vinyl.
4. Rubber Sheets
Old tire tubes or leftover roofing is a good source of rubber sheets. So, you will never have to think about getting rubber sheets to insulate under kitchen sink. This material is also an excellent substitute for the sound-deadening mat and mass-loaded vinyl.
How to Insulate Under Kitchen Sink
Insulation under the kitchen sink is not a great deal. Moreover, you will not require professional help to do so. Here I described the process step-by-step for your convenience. Read them carefully to achieve the best insulation.
Step 01: Gather Your Components
You won’t require specialized components for this project. The common components are a sink cabinet, a piece of insulation materials for pipes, a strong adhesive, insulation foam for pipes, etc.
Moreover, you may require a utility knife to help you cut the insulation material to fit. Before buying the insulation material, kitchen sink, and specific pipes, it would be best to measure the cabinet.
Step 02: Measure the Size of the Pipe
Generally, a cabinet sink includes a drain and separate pipes for hot and cold water. The insulation material needs to be cut correctly according to the diameter of the pipes. This will ensure a snug fit of the material. In most cases, the standard diameter of the pipe is 1 ½” or 2”
However, cutting the insulation to fit is necessary if the pipe size can differ from the standard sizes. Take assistance from a marker and a straightedge to mark where you must cut the insulation and pipes. This way, you can prevent damaging them.
Step 03: Start Cutting the Insulation
Grab a utility knife and start cutting the insulation. I recommend you roll out the insulation. This will assist you in placing the insulation under the kitchen sink at once. Also, you can measure how long the insulation material is required to fit around the pipes.
Typically, standard measurement is equivalent to 30” or more. Make sure the insulation is enough to work.
After cutting the insulation up to the correct lengths, place it into the cabinet. Thus, a specific pipe can be surrounded by each piece easily. Ensure the pieces of insulation should seamlessly fit inside the cabinet. Also, there should not be any gap between the insulation.
Step 04: Attach the Insulation
Attaching the insulation to the sink cabinet is a must in this project. You must buy a premium-quality, standard adhesive so that the pipes attach themselves firmly against the insulation. Avoid using low-grade adhesive, as the parts will be loosened soon.
Begin by applying 1 strip of adhesive around the insulation pieces on each side. Then, leave it to dry for a minimum of 10 minutes and add the next layer. Two layers of adhesive are good enough to get the best results.
After applying the second layer, leave the adhesive for 24-48 hours. This will ensure a complete cure.
Step 05: Start Installing the Insulation
Once insulation and adhesive are appropriately cured and dried, start installing. There shouldn’t be any metal lines or gaps between the insulation. A marker will be beneficial to create an outline around the pipes, and use a utility knife before cutting into the insulation.
Finally, the insulation must be removed from the box and installed around the cold and hot pipes.
Step 06: Complete Insulating Under the Kitchen Sink
Once insulating is done around the cold and hot water pipes, remember to screw everything up into the wall. Assemble any shelving units and reinstall them in their place.
How to Maintain the Insulation Under the Kitchen Sink?
Proper maintenance of the insulation is vital. If you don’t do so, the whole thing will fall apart, and your hard work will go in vain. For this, maintain the below points to get long-term efficient service.
- Clean the insulation using a damp cloth every 4-5 days. The insulation should be free of dust and dirt.
- Use soapy water to clean the insulation thoroughly every month. If you keep dirt and debris out of the insulation, it will give you years of service.
- Every 6 months, inspect the water lines of your sink for rust or corrosion. If you find any damage in the pipes, don’t hesitate to replace them before it becomes a safety concern for your family.
FAQs on Insulate Under Kitchen Sink
Is it mandatory to insulate pipes under the sink?
Insulating pipes under the sink is significant, but it must be done cautiously. Incorrect insulation will do more harm than good. An air pocket can enter the pipe if you insulate pipes under the sink. This way, water will trap, causing leaks and potential flooding.
Does PVC pipe need insulation?
Many people think that PVC pipe doesn’t require insulation. In reality, they also need to be protected against energy loss and condensation. So, insulating PVC pipes will be a good idea.
Is aluminum foil a good insulator?
Aluminum foil is well-known for its high heat conductivity, meaning it conducts heat well. At the same time, it is lightweight and features low thermal capacity and low density. You can use aluminum foil to seal the gaps and empty spaces after insulating.
What are the benefits of insulating under floorboards?
Insulating under floorboards offers several benefits. Lowering cooling costs in summer and heating costs during winter lets you save energy bills. Filters the air supply of your home by preventing the growth of mold, mildew, allergens, dust mites, etc. Keep the moisture level at a recommended level in your home.
Final Words on How to Insulate Under Kitchen Sink
Kitchen sinks usually come with a decent level of coatings or layers to fight against condensation. But the coatings are not great enough to stop the accumulation of mold growth and prevent a moisture problem. That is why you must know how to insulate under kitchen sink. Insulation is incredible and can be done without costing too much money.
Choose the right material that works best for you. Ensure to follow the process mentioned above meticulously for the best results.
