Kitchen Water Damage Repair: Tukwila Homeowners’ Step-By-Step Guide

Kitchen water damage is a frequent problem in Tukwila, WA, where homes are typically decades old and built with wood. Day-to-day use keeps kitchen surfaces constantly wet, which could cause water to seep into gaps and cracks. This could then result in gradual moisture buildup, which eventually damages the kitchen structure and encourages destructive mold growth.

Let’s discuss the steps for kitchen water damage repair Tukwila residents can do on their own. Note that this merely applies to minor water damage under safe conditions—anything more serious, and you will need to call the pros. 

Can I Fix Water Damage Myself?

You can repair the water damage in your kitchen on your own. However, it’s only possible under the following conditions: 

• The water that caused the damage is relatively clean. Take a look at the standing water that might have pooled under your sink. If it is clear and does not smell bad, the water is not contaminated, and you may proceed with the repair.
• The damage is small and localized. If moisture has only damaged a small part of your kitchen, such as a spot on your cabinet base, you can salvage the situation on your own. 
• The damage is new. Soft but firm discolored surfaces are telltale signs of recent moisture infiltration. Be sure to deal with it within the next 24 to 48 hours to maximize your chance of success and keep mold colonies from taking hold. 
• Your home insurer approved of your repair plan. Most insurance providers require homeowners to document the damage and provide a repair that complies with local building codes to make a claim and recoup repair costs.

Repairing Water Damage In Your Tukwila Kitchen

Once you have determined that the water damage is minor, recent, and caused by clean water, you may go ahead with the DIY repair. Before you proceed, though, here’s a quick tip: document everything. Take photos and write notes at each step to ensure proper repair, and keep a reference in case you need to redo the work. Additionally, it helps you record the damage for home insurance claims, as well as demonstrate due diligence and compliance with King County building codes. 

That all said, for proper kitchen water damage repair, Tukwila residents need to follow these steps:

1. Find and stop the leak. Investigate your kitchen and look for the sources of errant water. Check your sink for loose caulking, and apply caulk in the gaps. The pipes are also suspect, and if there are any leaks, just shut off the valve and patch the holes with epoxy. This is a temporary fix, so it’s wise to get professional help from a licensed plumber to deal with the leaks. 
2. Remove the standing water. Before you address the cause of the water damage, ensure your kitchen is dry. Start by removing any standing water. Letting puddles sit for any longer than the moment you’ve spotted them only puts your kitchen at risk of further water damage. 
3. Open the windows. Open the windows around your kitchen to promote adequate air circulation. This is a good way to let humidity out of the room and further dry your kitchen. If you’re repairing an outdoor kitchen, skip this step.
4. Dry the area completely. Make sure that your kitchen is thoroughly dry before you start any actual repair work. Consider using fans and dehumidifiers in this case.
5. Remove unsalvageable material. Once the area is totally dry, inspect the previously waterlogged area to check for the extent of the damage. Mark the rectangular area around the soft, rotted wood, and remove it using a saw. If the joists are affected, simply remove the damaged section without removing the entire beam. 
6. Patch the damaged area. Cut a wood of the same thickness and in a shape that matches the removed material. Apply wood glue around its edges and on the exposed joists, and press the piece into the gap. For damaged joists, you may replace the removed part with new, matching wood, sistering it with the existing joists to maintain the structure’s integrity. 

When to Call a Kitchen Repair Professional?

As mentioned earlier, DIY repairs apply only to small, isolated patches of recent damage caused by clean water. For kitchen water damage that involves any of the following, you will have to call a professional:

• Extensive damage. The water has decayed several layers of material, including the joists, leaving the kitchen structure compromised. The damage may have also spread to the floor or the adjacent room. 
• Suspected mold. Your kitchen emits a notable damp, musty smell. This is likely caused by molds, the presence of which indicate moisture damage that has gone well beyond the surface and may have spread to other parts of your house. 
• Electrical hazards. There are live electrical components near the damaged area. Attempting to repair water-damaged wood under these conditions exposes you to the risk of electrocution and electric shocks. 
• Contaminated water. The water is either gray or black. Gray water contains cleaning chemicals and—possibly—decaying food matter; meanwhile, a black hue indicates backed-up sewage. Either way, both are contaminated wastewater, contact with which poses a health hazard.
• Compliance with insurance requirements. If you’re looking to file a claim to recoup the repair costs with your homeowners’ insurance, hiring a contractor is highly recommended. They work in accordance with industry standards and within the scope of local building codes; have liability insurance and offer warranties; and accurately document the damage and repairs undertaken. 

How Expensive Is Kitchen Water Damage Repair Tukwila Rates?

When dealing with kitchen water damage repair, Tukwila homeowners typically pay within the national average range of $1,382 to $6,360. This is for professional repair jobs, and the actual price depends on how far the water damage has gone. DIY repairs are well below the lowest end of this scale, as the fixes are minor and involve utilities and small amounts of material.

Final Thoughts

Water does more than get parts of your kitchen wet. It can seep below the surface and cause damage that could set you back a few thousand bucks. Fortunately, you can repair it yourself at low cost if you catch it early. However, if the damage is significant and DIY repair poses risks of harm, don’t hesitate to get professionals involved.