A kitchen leak soaks more than it shows. Water runs under cabinets, into the subfloor and up the back of the wall. Restoration finds that water with a moisture meter, removes what cannot dry and dries the rest before anything is rebuilt.
If water is still running or pooling, call the emergency line first. For slower leaks, this page explains the steps.
How kitchens leak in older Duncanville homes
Texas State Historical Association growth data show that Duncanville added about 24,000 residents between 1960 and 1980, so many homes are now old enough to have aged supply lines and original plumbing. Census counts list 14,227 housing units in the city.
The practical tie-back is this: with that many homes, kitchens that have not had a plumbing check in decades are worth looking at before they fail.
Where kitchen water comes from
- Under-sink supply lines and shutoff valves that weep slowly.
- A dishwasher hose, pump or door gasket that leaks onto the floor.
- A refrigerator ice-maker line behind the fridge.
- A sink drain or disposal connection that drips into the cabinet.
- A failed seal around the faucet or sink edge.
Small, slow leaks are common because they hide. A cabinet that smells damp, a floor that feels soft near the dishwasher or a toe-kick that has lifted are all hints.
What happens to cabinets and subfloor
| Part | What water does | Likely result |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet base (particleboard) | Swells at the bottom edge and loses strength | Often replaced. |
| Toe-kick | Wicks water along the bottom | Removed to dry behind. |
| Subfloor under cabinets | Holds water that cannot evaporate | Dried in place or cut out. |
| Solid wood face frame | Tolerates more water | Often dried and kept. |
Cabinet bases swell because most are made of pressed wood chips. Once the glue lets go, they stay swollen even when dry, so the question is how far the swelling goes.
Appliance leaks deserve a second look. A dishwasher can drip for months at the supply fitting, and a fridge line behind the unit often goes unseen. Pull the appliance out only when it is safe and the floor is not slick, and check the wall behind it too.
Kitchen safety: what to do first
Close the shutoff valve under the sink or at the appliance. If you cannot find it, the City of Duncanville utility page lists the water office and an after-hours line for water emergencies. Keep power off to wet outlets and appliances unless the panel is dry and you can reach it safely.
A plumber fixes the leaking part. We do not replace that trade, and we tell you when the plumber must come first.
Our process for a kitchen
Find
A moisture meter and thermal imaging camera locate wet cabinets, wall and subfloor.
Open
The toe-kick and sometimes a cabinet back come off so air reaches the wet areas.
Dry
Air movers and LGR dehumidifiers run, with readings on a drying log.
Plan
You get a clear list of what stays and what is replaced before rebuilding.
Drying a kitchen is slow work because cabinets box in the wet area. The crew often removes the toe-kick and drills small vent holes so air can move behind the cabinet. Those openings are small and are covered when the job is finished.
Leak under the sink?
Call us and describe the cabinet. We will explain the next step.
Cost factors for kitchen water damage
The price depends on how many cabinets are wet, whether the subfloor is wet, the flooring on top, the days of drying equipment and the rebuild scope. Exact numbers come after the crew sees the kitchen.
For the repair side after drying, see water damage repair. If the wall behind the sink is wet too, read wall and drywall repair.
Insurance for a kitchen leak
Texas Department of Insurance guidance says to tell your agent or company as soon as you are aware of damage. A sudden pipe or hose failure is often handled differently from a slow drip that went on for months.
Check your policy for how it treats each. Take photos of the cabinet, floor and appliance before anything is moved.
Mistakes to avoid with kitchen leaks
- Replacing the floor before the subfloor is dry.
- Painting or caulking over damp cabinets.
- Leaving the toe-kick on to hide the problem.
- Using only a fan with no moisture readings.
- Reconnecting an appliance before the plumber confirms the fitting.
We serve kitchens in Lancaster and Grand Prairie as well. Ask any company if its crews work to ANSI/IICRC S500, the published water damage standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is for non-emergency jobs, but the 24/7 emergency line is open every day if water is flowing. We offer same-day response when available and do not promise an arrival time.
Sometimes. Solid wood often dries well. Pressed-wood bases that have swollen usually have to be replaced.
Not on your own. Moisture readings tell us whether the subfloor needs to open or can dry in place.
Yes, for the leaking part. Restoration deals with the wet materials and the plumber fixes the source.