How to Fix Water Damage on Baseboards

Most plumbers do not cover the replacement of your water-damaged baseboards by default. Thankfully, it’s rather simple to fix water damage on baseboards by yourself whether you are reusing the baseboards or replacing them with new ones. Meanwhile, remember to turn off power and any appliances in the water-damaged area and leave them off until the problem is fully addressed.

Why Should I Fix Water Damage on Baseboards?

If you don’t fix water-damaged baseboards promptly, the water will seep into the wall behind, which leads to water damage on wall plasters or drywalls underneath. This can warp the walls and dislocate the baseboards, leading to a much more severe problem. Large areas of warped plaster or drywall will require a professional to repair and would take much longer. In some cases, insurance companies cover water damage, so it’s worth checking with your insurer before moving forward with repairs.

Cost of DIY Baseboard Repair

Material cost is your only real expense when repairing water-damaged baseboards yourself. Most hardware stores sell baseboards in bulk. Popular baseboard materials include PVC and MFK, and their prices are fairly similar. On average, baseboard mouldings cost about $1 to $1.40 per linear foot. Most hardware stores sell them in 12-ft or in packages of four. You can also ask a store clerk to help you cut the baseboards to size without additional costs.

Signs of Water Damage on Baseboards

The most obvious signs of water damage on baseboards include discoloration, visible stains, and peeling paint or wallpaper. If it feels like the baseboard has warped or detached from the wall, the water damage has seeped into the walls behind, indicating a much more severe issue that may require professional help. The same goes for water seeping through the floor from the bottom of the baseboards.

How to Fix Water Damage on Baseboards

Your baseboards are made of three major components: cap moulding, baseboards, and shoe moulding. Cap moulding is the decorative border at the top of the baseboard, creating a more elegant look. Shoe moulding, or “base shoe,” is a thin moulding strip at the bottom of the baseboard that helps hide any gaps or unevenness between the baseboard and the floor.

Use Sandpaper for Minor Water Damage

If the water damage is minor, you can use sandpaper or a chisel to remove the affected portion, such as peeling paint or brown stains. Then, paint over the baseboard and apply a waterproof seal on top.

Remove the Baseboards and Assess the Situation

For more severe damages, remove the baseboards.

Before you start the project, make sure everything has completely dried. Use a sharp utility knife to loosen the caulk seal between the baseboard and the wall behind it. Run your blade along the top edge of the baseboard a few times. Once the caulk is loose, use a pry bar to remove the baseboards.

You can evaluate the situation now that the plaster or drywall is exposed. Does the wall feel moist? Do you notice signs of mold growth? Is there a busted pipe or any visible leaks that need to be fixed first? If baseboard water damage is your only concern, move forward to the next step. Otherwise, call a professional to discuss the problems.

Take Measurements and Purchase New Baseboards

Measure the height and width of the area needing replacement. Then, measure the thickness of the existing baseboards. Purchase your material from your local hardware store and ask them to cut the boards to size for you. Most places can also sand down the edges for a better fitting. You can also cut the baseboard yourself with a saw fairly easily.

Also, remember to purchase new shoe mouldings if you didn’t salvage the existing ones.

Install New Baseboards

Depending on the severity of the water damage, you may need to add a drying window before the new baseboards can be installed. Apply dabs of caulk to the back of your new baseboards and press them onto the wall. For bathrooms or kitchens, use silicon caulk instead. Hold the baseboard in position until it's fastened to the wall. Make sure the ends join the existing trim securely.

Drive finishing nails through the baseboards and caulk along the top edge to seal. Next, place the shoe moulding over the bottom of the baseboard and drive some nails through. The shoe mouldings should be attached to either the baseboard or the floor, but not both.

Preventing Future Water Damage on Baseboards

Unless you have addressed the root issue causing the leak, your baseboards will continue to suffer water damage. Even waterproofing your baseboards is only a temporary fix, as the leak could be causing more harm to the structures underneath. Therefore, the best way to prevent future water damage on your baseboards is to have someone inspect where the damage happened and ensure nothing else is wrong.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Repairing water damage on baseboards is easy and perfectly doable by yourself. However, real professional help is usually needed to repair the leak or treat larger water damage. On average, water damage restoration costs $1,307 to $5,912, or $3.75 to $7 per square foot. The cost depends on the type of water you need to deal with and the size and severity of the water damage.

Before hiring a water damage restoration company, see if they’re willing to come out and provide you with a free inspection, check their online reviews, and ask them about their insurance coverages.