how to fix this undercabinet/drain pipe mess

7 years ago

The U-bend for my kitchen is actually in a non-sink cabinet. (I live in a 1921 co-op apartment building, which means I'm an owner, but I can't change the in-wall plumbing, and it's old cast-iron, so you don't want to risk breaking it anyway).

When we put in the new kitchen, we wanted the sink off to the side, so we ran a slanted pipe over to the new position. It all works well.

The U-bend is still in the old position. My contractor built a box around the opening in the back of the cabinet and put a plastic clip-on access panel to cover it. He did NOT cover over the hole in the wall (and it's a pretty big hole). Dirt and chunks of plaster fall through the hole and make their way outside that access panel sometimes.

We had a leak once and the bottom of that cabinet was ruined (I think that's the green on the seam for the cut-off valve--it's been fixed). So I finally found some shelf lining that I thought would cover it, and I pulled everything out to put it in. Including the access-panel door.

And I discovered that there was seepage at one of the newer seams of the U-bend.

That's fixed now--so how do I make this less of a godawful mess?

I have an oscillating multitool (a hand-me-down from a guy at work because of this project).

I thought I'd cut away the bottom of that box, just above the mold/water damage (cut straight back on the sides, and then cut the box away from the cabinet).

And make a new U-shaped bottom to the box, and attach by sistering the sides by a few inches. And acrylic-caulk around the joint with the cabinet back.

But before I do that, I'm wondering about that hole--can I paper over it with kraft paper glued at the edges? Or maybe a manilla folder, or similar lightweight cardboard?

I figured I should use something that a plumber could easily rip away if they needed to, right?

Any other suggestions?

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GN Builders L.L.C

7 years ago

You can make a new frame using white composite material and get a plastic access panel they come in many sizes. Fast and simple and it looks nice and clean. Do a search on Amazon "Access Panels".

If you don't want build a small frame you can also do a search on Amazon for "Extension Valve Box". Pick the size you need to cover all that up, screw it to the wall and you set and you can paint the box any color. It will look nice and neat.

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Comments (6)

talley_sue_nyc
Original Author
7 years ago
I have an access panel already; I've googled them at Home Depot, and the 14x14 size I have is the closest, I think.

I'm not sure I want to remove the existing frame--at least not any part I don't have to; I'm not sure how I'd attach a new one to the back.

Though, I suppose I could cut a piece of the world's thinnest plywood or masonite and manufacture an entire new back, and then attach it to the existing one. (I just fear creating voids that bugs will lay eggs in)

But I'll look into that extension valve box--thanks!
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kudzu9
7 years ago
Since it sounds like the P-trap is leaking (that's the thing you call a U-bend), getting that repaired is the first order of business. The cosmetic fix is easy to do, but don't waste time on it until you get the real problem taken care of. I suggest you rip out that crappy, rotting box, which is also splitting at all the corners because whoever built it in the first place just screwed it together without drilling pilot holes. Then call in a plumber to fix the leak, and have someone build a proper enclosure. If you're really neurotic about bugs, have a piece of plexiglas cut for a front cover so you can still see the P-trap and not have to worry about a hidden leak.
User
7 years ago
I would build a new box...Caulk all the edges..caulk is easily removable for access and you won't have to worry about bugs. I would make one piece, but you won't be able to caulk along the bottom because there's no room, so I would make the frame, caulk all of the inside, then caulk the outside three sides...then you can attach the front.

It will hold just fine.
talley_sue_nyc
Original Author
7 years ago
pennydesign, how would you attach the box to the cabinet back?
User
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I would caulk it. We recently re-did out bathroom and we have one of those big drop in jacuzzi tubs...the facing was a huge piece of cultured marble. When we removed it, we couldn't believe that caulk was the only thing holding it in place. But the plumber said that it wasn't unusual to do it that way so that they can access the motor. So I'm pretty sure your little box will be fine :)

I say try it out. Not much to lose, right?