How to replace bathroom cabinet shelf?

[SunnyZim87]

I've just discovered that the copper pipe under my bathroom basin is leaking on the left where it connects with the hot tap. Will I need a plumber to fix that or can I DIY (and if so, how?) and how do I remove and replace the particle board cabinet shelf which has been warped by the leak and started developing mould?

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @SunnyZim87,

When you say it is leaking, is it leaking from here?

You could try nipping up the nut, or it would be best to contact a licensed plumber to assist.

Replacing the shelf would not be so difficult. You would just need to get a piece of melamine, such as this CUSTOMpine 1800 x 445 x 16mm Carcass Shelving E1L White Standard Particleboard, then cut it to size ensuring the front edge, which has the edge banding, is kept intact.

It's likely that originally, the hole in the shelf would have been cut, the pipe slipped through and the threaded connector glued to the pipe and attached to the basin. Unfortunately, if this threaded connector can't slip back through the shelf, then you may need a plumber to assist you with replacing the shelf.

If that cover plate that sits on the shelf covers a hole that is wide enough for you to unscrew the trap at both ends, then slip it through, you may be able to do it yourself. If you can provide a photo showing how the trap connects at both ends, this may help us understand your options better.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[SunnyZim87]

Hi Jason,

Thanks for your response. The pipe is leaking from the black connector to the right of the silver pipe (where the copper pipe connects with the silver pipe). The hole in the shelf seems pretty snug but I've attached a picture for you to look at to let me know your thoughts. Would you know how to remove the shelf? Ie would it need to be cut out?

[JacobZ]

Hi @SunnyZim87,

It looks like the plumber used a SharkBite copper coupling, which has failed. You'd need to identify the diameter and type of fitting for us to identify a replacement. Is it possible to get any photos showing it from another angle? Also, what is the diameter of the copper pipe?

If you were just looking to just remove the shelf, then yes, you could cut it out. You would just need to be very careful when approaching the pipe to ensure you don't accidentally cut it along with the shelf. A reciprocating saw would likely be the best tool for this job, but you could do it with a hand saw like this Trojan Laminate Saw. If you cut 95% of the way through, then you should be able to snap the last little bit so your saw doesn't hit the pipe.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[SunnyZim87]

Thanks Jacob - I'll try and take some more photos when I get home later. Would you say cutting out the shelf is the best way to do it or is there another way? If I get a replacement, how would I attach it to the cabinet?

[JacobZ]

Hi @SunnyZim87,

The only other way to remove it would be to disconnect the trap at the top and bottom, then cut the pipe so the threaded connectors are no longer in the way, and it can be slipped through the shelf. If you cut the shelf off instead, you could cut a larger hole to slip the trap through with the threaded connector still attached, which would allow you to avoid having a plumber assist.

If you have a look underneath the existing shelf when you get home later, there will likely be some kind of angle brackets or shelf supports that are holding up the shelf. If not, then installing some would be the way to go. If you used the shelf support pins, you need to drill a hole in the cabinet carcass to insert the pins. If you use angle brackets, you would use screws like these 15mm Stitching Timber Screws to attach the brackets to the cabinet carcass and the shelf to the brackets.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[SunnyZim87]

Thanks Jacob, that's really helpful! I'll have a look when I get home and also send through the measurements for the copper pipe 

[SunnyZim87]

Hi Jacob, Here is another picture of the pipe. It's difficult to measure so I measured one of the more accessible copper pipes which look about the same size and the circumference was around 4.5cm. The shelf doesn't seem to have any brackets or supports or visible screws so I'm not quite sure how it's attached and how to therefore go about detaching it?

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @SunnyZim87,

Unfortunately, from this angle, it does not appear to be a Sharkbite fitting. You are going to need a plumber to assist with this one.

The shelf is likely screwed in place from the outside of the cabinet shell. You will either need to move the cabinet to access the screws on the outside or cut out the shelf, then use an Angle Grinder to cut off the screws.

You can then install brackets or shelf supports so the replacement shelf is in line with the old one.

You will however need a plumber to assist with the leak and reinstalling the trap. Unfortunately, due to the complexity of these tasks, they are not going to be achievable D.I.Y. and you risk causing further issues from leaks.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[SunnyZim87]

Thanks Jacob - what sort of tradesman would be best to help me remove and replace the shelf? Is it something the plumber could do as well?