Quck answer
To close openings around pipes under a kitchen sink, follow these steps:
1. Identify the openings: Look for any gaps or holes around the pipes under the sink.
2. Clean the area: Remove any debris or loose materials from the openings using a brush or cloth.
3. Choose a sealant: Select a suitable sealant such as silicone caulk or plumber’s putty, depending on the type of opening and material.
4. Apply the sealant: Using a caulk gun or your fingers, apply the chosen sealant to fill the gaps around the pipes. Make sure to cover the entire opening and create a watertight seal.
5. Smooth the sealant: Use a wet finger or a caulk smoothing tool to smooth out the sealant and create a neat finish.
6. Allow time to dry: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to allow the sealant to dry completely before using the sink.
By following these steps, you can effectively close openings around pipes under your kitchen sink and prevent any leaks or water damage.
Plumbers are not concerned with aesthetics, especially under a sink. They often leave large, unfinished holes for pipes, which are easily forgotten by homeowners since they are hidden. However, these openings can serve as entry points for pests and allow cold air to enter, hindering insulation efforts. Fortunately, filling gaps around copper and plastic pipes is a simple and quick project.
Using Spray Foam for Pipe Gaps
Pretty Handy Girl suggests using Great Stuff to seal pipe gaps. While her post is sponsored by Great Stuff, the advice remains valuable. Other brands, like Loctite Tite Foam, work just as well. Most spray foams consist of liquid polyurethane that expands into a solid foam, effectively filling gaps up to 2 inches wide or larger.
Polyurethane is an environmentally friendly material that adheres permanently. The hardened foam provides thermal insulation and is impervious to pests. It cannot be chewed through by rodents and, when applied correctly, leaves no openings for insects.
If you want to ensure that the foam keeps pests out, you can choose Great Stuff Pestblock Insulating Foam, but it does not contain pesticides. A comparison of the Safety Data Sheets for this product and Great Stuff Gaps & Cracks Insulating Foam reveals that they have essentially the same ingredients. Since Pestblock foam is twice as expensive, it is more practical to opt for the original and save money.
Using Spray Foam Properly
Spray foam is easy to use, but caution is necessary as it adheres to everything and is challenging to remove. Solvents do not dissolve it, so mechanical removal is required if it gets on your hands, clothing, or the sink cabinet. It may be difficult to remove from fabrics, so it is advisable to wear old or disposable clothing while using it.
The foam is contained in a 16-ounce aerosol can with a removable application tube. Fit the tube onto the nozzle, place it in the gap, and squeeze the trigger. Fill the gaps halfway, and the foam will expand to complete the job. Have a rag ready to cover the tube end as soon as you finish spraying to prevent any liquid from dripping onto the cabinet’s bottom.
Other Methods for Filling Gaps
If the pipes under your kitchen sink are exposed and you prefer not to use spray foam, there are alternative options. Caulk can be used for gaps less than 1/2 inch wide, while wider gaps can be filled with steel wool before caulking over it.
A different and more attractive approach to repairing drywall around pipes is to use patching compound. This compound is a powdered substance that becomes extremely solid when mixed with water. Apply the compound with a trowel, allowing it to set for approximately one hour. Afterward, apply a layer of drywall joint compound, which can be easily sanded until smooth. Finally, finish the job by painting over the repaired area to completely conceal the gaps.
