How to Caulk a Kitchen Sink

Caulking kitchen sink

Our kitchen sink gets a lot of use on a daily basis. From washing dishes to filling up the pet’s bowl, to rinsing dishes. It is important to take a look at the caulking around the sink. The caulk is usually white, provides a seal, and is there to protect the cabinets underneath. It also helps to protect against mold, mildew, and water damage. If you notice the caulk is wearing out, you will need to know how to caulk a kitchen sink. To do this, you need to choose a new sealant, remove the old caulk, let the area dry and then add new caulk. Let’s take a look.

Why This Needs to Be Done

Everything ages and needs replacing; caulk wears out and needs replacing. If it isn’t replaced around sinks, bathtubs, baseboards, windows, etc., water or pests can get in. This is why it is important to keep an eye on the caulk around these areas.

 

Step 1: Choose a Sealant

Depending on the color of your countertops, you will want to choose a color of the sealant that looks nice. Some people will use a silicone caulk however, if you are on an acrylic surface, you will want to use a rubber sealant that is copolymer-based.

Removing old caulk.

Step 2: Preparing the surface

The next step is to prepare the surface. Chances are you have old caulk on there. If you do, you will need a utility knife. You will use the knife to pull the caulk away from the seam, however, do this carefully so you don’t damage the sink or the countertop. Then, any that is left, apply rubbing alcohol and remove it. Letting it dry is important before you apply the caulk as it won’t stick to wet surfaces.

 

Step 3: Apply Painter’s Tape

Applying painter’s tape in a straight line is a good idea as you can squeeze caulk onto the seam. Then, using mineral spirits, wipe the excess caulk off. This is a good time to

Then, use mineral spirits to rub away any remaining caulk and clear the surfaces of any debris, oils (including those from your fingertips), dirt, grease, mold or mildew. Rinse the area with cold water and dry it with a clean, dry cloth. Leave it to dry fully while you move on to the next step.

Prepare The Caulk

Getting your caulk prepared for usage is fairly simple. Place the caulk tube into your caulking gun and push the spring-loaded rod up to the backside of the caulk tube. Once the caulk tube is secured into the caulking gun, take your utility knife and slice the tip of the caulk tube off. Make sure to do this at a 45-degree angle.

Now you can push the caulk through the tube by squeezing the spring-loaded caulk gun. Double-check to make sure that the caulk is coming out at quarter-inch thickness. This allows you to prime your caulk tube and removes any air bubbles that have accumulated in the tube.

Caulking around the sink.
 

How Much Does It Cost

Caulking your sink should be rather inexpensive. Your biggest expenses are the start-up costs. Purchasing a caulking gun, caulk, tape, utility knife, and other materials needed could prove costly. Most contractors will charge you $.015 per linear foot. When caulking a sink, you are likely looking at a labor charge as your biggest expense.

Most handymen charge $150 to $400 per project. This all depends on what is involved with the project. Be sure to get multiple quotes from local professional contractors.

While you are in the kitchen, you may find you have chemical stains in the kitchen sink. How do you remove this? Using baking soda, water, vinegar, and soap can help get rid of the stains.

Continue to look around the kitchen and you may notice that there is a sewer smell. This may be because the sink trap is dry and the fumes are being released. You can try tightening the connection and if that doesn’t work, disassemble the sink trap.

Lastly, try running the faucet water. If you find there is low water pressure, it may be the aerator is clogged, the water heater needs to be flushed, clean the shower heads, or the water supply may be too small for your family.

 

When Do I Call A Professional

Caulking your home and the many projects within it might seem like easy projects. However, there are equipment and material needs that you might not want to invest in. Call on your local professional contractor to ensure that you have all of your projects completed with ease. Caulking a sink takes time and patience. You want to ensure a complete re-caulk is done.

Also, consider reaching out to your local home inspection team. You might have other areas of your home that could use a re-caulk. The home inspection team can point out all of your areas where re-caulking is needed. They can also share a list of reputable professional contractors to accomplish the projects.

Conclusion

Before you begin your caulking adventure, reach out to your local home inspection team. They can inspect your entire home and inform you what areas of the home can benefit from re-caulking. Caulking your kitchen sink does not need to be your only project.

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