Tips And TricksUpdated June 9, 2026
Remodeling a kitchen in Homer Glen often means more than new cabinets and counters. Plenty of homeowners here want features that make daily life easier, like a pot filler over the stove or a second sink for prep work. Both upgrades sound straightforward, but tacking on extra plumbing in our local homes involves real planning, especially with the mix of new and older construction around town.
Why Pot Fillers and Second Sinks Appeal to Local Homes
Anyone who hauls heavy pots of water across the kitchen can see the draw of a pot filler. It saves strain and keeps water messes off the floor. A second sink, often on an island or bar, helps with multitasking and keeps things moving if you cook or entertain. With most Homer Glen homes being single-family layouts, the extra workspace fits right in. But both features depend on smart plumbing choices. We see that skipping steps or cutting corners leads to leaks, weak water pressure, or code issues down the line.
The Plumbing Challenges in Homer Glen Kitchens
Our local housing stock ranges from newer builds to homes that have been standing for decades. In some older houses, supply lines may be copper, PEX, or even outdated galvanized pipe. Running new lines for a pot filler or island sink means working around these materials. Clay soil in Homer Glen also makes it important to avoid unnecessary foundation cuts or moisture problems, so routing pipes above the slab (in walls or ceilings) is usually safest. Cold winters can freeze pipes in unheated spaces, so we keep all new water lines insulated and away from exterior walls wherever possible. Municipal water pressure is normally strong, but adding fixtures can still mean rebalancing hot and cold supply, or even adjusting your pressure-reducing valve if things change too much.
What to Know Before Installing a Pot Filler
Pot fillers look simple, but they have their quirks. They need a dedicated cold water line brought up behind the stove, which is sometimes trickier than it seems. In finished kitchens, reaching that spot without making a mess of the walls takes planning. If your range backs up to an exterior wall, pipe freezing is a real risk. We use pipe insulation and make sure any valves are accessible in case of leaks. Local plumbing code also requires a shutoff valve, ideally inside the cabinet below, for easy isolation. When possible, we recommend a recessed box to mount the pipe and valve, since it protects the shutoff from damage and keeps things tidy. For peace of mind, routine leak checks after install are wise, especially with the freeze-thaw cycles we get every winter here in the southwest suburbs.
- Check wall cavity space and studs before agreeing on placement.
- Confirm cold water supply path (floor, ceiling, wall) matches plumbing code.
- Use a shutoff valve in an indoor, heated location.
- Ensure all fittings are lead-free brass or copper, not plastic.
- Test for leaks after installation and again after the first freeze.
Adding a Prep Sink or Second Sink
Second sinks are all about location. We often install them on kitchen islands, which means both supply and drain lines have to reach out from the main plumbing wall. That usually means opening up floors or cabinets, a bigger job if you're remodeling in a home with a slab foundation. We check for proper venting too, since island sinks need either a loop vent or air admittance valve to prevent sink gurgle or slow drains. Kitchen drains in this area sometimes clog up with grease or food. Prepping the piping layout for easy drain cleaning down the road is a good idea. If you want a garbage disposal on a second sink, make sure the electrical and circuit panel can handle the extra load. And don't overlook the hot water run, in sprawling kitchens, it can take a while for hot water to reach a distant island, so sometimes we recommend a small point-of-use water heater for instant supply. You can read more about those on our water heater services page.
Hidden Issues That Can Pop Up
We've seen homeowners surprised by unexpected hurdles during kitchen projects. In some cases, old pipes are too corroded to safely tie into, so partial pipe replacement is needed. Sometimes main shutoffs can't be isolated, or there's not enough water pressure for another fixture, especially if you've got several running at once. If your home has had past water leaks or slow drains, it's smart to handle any underlying issues before adding new fixtures. Our team often checks for signs of previous leaks or clogged lines. Early leak detection, even with a quick fixture test, can prevent headaches later. We handle a lot of leak repair and detection for that reason.
Practical Steps for a Smooth Install
- Plan fixture locations with enough cabinet or wall space for valves and lines.
- Check local code requirements for venting, shutoffs, and backflow prevention.
- Use supply lines sized for full flow (usually 1/2-inch or 3/8-inch copper or PEX).
- Insulate pipes near any exterior wall, garage, or unheated basement.
- Schedule drain and supply tie-ins before cabinets or countertops go in.
- Run a leak test on all connections before closing up the walls or floor.
For homeowners who want the job done right, we offer faucet and fixture installation as part of our kitchen remodeling work. We've adapted our methods to suit both older, established homes and newer construction in Homer Glen, and we always keep local conditions and code requirements front and center.
If you're planning a kitchen remodel in Homer Glen and want to add a pot filler or second sink, talk to our crew at 708-726-3053. We know the quirks of local homes and can help you get the upgrade you want, done safely and cleanly.