InstallationUpdated June 23, 2026
Homeowners around Elk Grove Village who want a more functional kitchen often ask about adding a pot filler or a second sink during a remodel. These upgrades offer practical benefits, but proper plumbing is crucial, especially in homes built several decades ago. We see plenty of older supply lines and mixed piping materials in this area, and those details matter when tying in new fixtures.
Why Add a Pot Filler or Second Sink?
A pot filler above the range saves steps back and forth to the sink, making it easier to fill large pots without heavy lifting. A second sink, usually called a prep sink, creates a dedicated space for washing produce or quickly rinsing dishes when the main sink's in use. Both upgrades are worthwhile if you cook a lot or have a busy household.
What Elk Grove Village Homes Need for These Installs
Kitchens here range from mid-century ranch layouts to newer builds. In homes 30-60 years old, supply lines might still be copper, galvanized steel, or a mix. Installing a new fixture means assessing existing pipe material, water pressure, and whether upgrades are needed. Galvanized lines, in particular, tend to be narrower and may have corrosion inside, which can limit flow if you're adding a fixture that needs good pressure.
We check for access to cold (and sometimes hot) water lines behind walls or in nearby cabinets. If the kitchen is above a basement, working from below can simplify things. We also look out for signs of old clay tile or cast iron drains nearby, since tying in new fixtures to aging drainage can bring its own issues. For those with water softeners due to the moderately hard Lake Michigan supply, we plan if your new sink needs softened water or not.
Installation Steps for Pot Fillers
- Locate a nearby cold water supply line, often beneath the kitchen or in a side wall.
- Assess pipe material and upgrade if necessary (replace galvanized or corroded copper with modern PEX or copper).
- Install a shutoff valve, usually inside a cabinet or basement, so you can service the pot filler without shutting water to the whole kitchen.
- Route piping up the wall to the installation height above the stove and secure with proper support.
- Install the pot filler, using Teflon tape and quality fittings to prevent leaks. Some units need reinforcement in the wall.
- Test all joints under pressure before closing up drywall or tile.
Careful planning ensures you get full water flow and a leak-free installation. If access is limited or you're running new lines through older clay or loam soils under additions, we may check drainage and recommend pipe repair or repiping as part of the job.
Adding a Second Sink in the Kitchen
A prep sink is usually installed in an island or a separate counter. The steps are similar to a pot filler, but you'll need both hot and cold supply lines and a drain. In Elk Grove Village homes, tying into the drain line may mean working with cast iron or ABS. In older houses, we inspect for signs of corrosion or previous leaks. If there's not enough fall (slope) for the drain because of flat terrain or basement layout, a small pump might be needed to avoid slow draining or backups.
We also check if your kitchen already has a garbage disposal, since a new second sink sometimes needs a separate air gap or extra venting to stay up to code. Proper venting is key to avoid gurgling or odors. If you have existing drainage issues in the house, slow sinks, gurgling toilets, or basement seepage, check out our drain cleaning or sewer line services before adding more fixtures.
Pitfalls Unique to Elk Grove Village Kitchens
Older homes in the northwest suburbs can have a tangle of original and retrofitted plumbing. We often find hidden galvanized or cast iron lines, low water pressure due to buildup, or slow drains from flat terrain and clay-rich soils. Freeze-thaw cycles in winter put extra stress on pipes that run along exterior walls, so new fixture lines need proper insulation. Cold spots behind cabinets can also increase the risk of frozen lines when winter hits.
If your kitchen remodel involves major layout changes, it may be time to upgrade old supply or drain lines entirely, especially if you're also updating your water heater or adding appliances like a dishwasher. Integrated planning saves hassle in the long run and keeps you within village plumbing code.
Warning Signs Before Upgrading Kitchen Plumbing
- Visible corrosion or rust on pipes under the sink or in the basement
- Water pressure that drops when multiple fixtures run at once
- Frequent clogs or slow drains in the kitchen
- Old shutoff valves that leak or won't close fully
- Drains with a musty smell, indicating buildup or venting problems
If you notice any of these during your remodel, get them addressed before installing new fixtures. It's often more cost-effective to fix hidden issues upfront than to patch work later.
Your Local Plumbing Partner for Kitchen Upgrades
We handle all aspects of kitchen remodeling plumbing, from pot fillers to prep sinks and fixture upgrades. Our crew knows the quirks of Elk Grove Village homes and can spot potential issues others might miss. If your project runs into hidden leaks, we offer leak detection and repair as well as comprehensive fixture installation, so the job stays on track.
Thinking about a pot filler or second sink? Call us at 224-877-7015. We'll help you get your kitchen set up right, with plumbing that lasts through every season in Elk Grove Village.