RepairUpdated July 1, 2026
Kitchens in Deerfield see a lot of use, but older layouts don't always match how families cook today. Homeowners often ask about adding features like a pot filler above the stove or a second sink in the island. Both upgrades can streamline cooking and cleanup, but these changes require careful planning and expert plumbing work. Most homes here, especially those built 50 or more years ago, weren't originally piped with these upgrades in mind.
Why Add a Pot Filler or Second Sink
Carrying heavy pots of water from the sink to the stove can strain your back. A pot filler mounted above your range means you fill large pots right where you cook. Second sinks, often called prep sinks, make it easier for more than one person to work in the kitchen or keep raw foods away from clean dishes. If you're remodeling, it's an ideal time to consider these practical improvements.
Common Plumbing Challenges in Deerfield Kitchens
Many Deerfield homes have kitchens that have seen one or more renovations. We often find galvanized supply lines or older copper that may need updating to meet current code. Some houses have cast iron drains that can be slow or clogged. Running new water lines in clay and loam soil with a moderate water table, like we have locally, means working carefully to prevent future leaks or corrosion issues, especially if supply lines run through exterior walls in cold winters where freezing is a risk.
How We Install a Pot Filler
- Determine Water Source: We find the closest cold water supply, usually from below the kitchen floor or inside a nearby wall. If access is tough or pipes are old, repiping may be needed.
- Choose the Location: The pot filler mount must be supported, and pipes should be routed to avoid electrical wiring or stove venting.
- Valve and Shutoff: We always install an accessible shutoff for maintenance or repair. Having a point-of-use shutoff reduces the risk of leaks under pressure.
- Test for Leaks: Before finishing the wall, we pressure test all connections. With Deerfield's moderately hard Lake Michigan water, we select fittings that resist scale buildup.
- Finish and Seal: All work is finished to match your kitchen's design, and the area around the new fixture is sealed against future moisture intrusion.
Adding a pot filler often involves opening drywall and patching after installation, but quality work means you can rely on that new fixture season after season. We recommend flushing the line occasionally to prevent sediment from accumulating in the valve, especially if it's not used daily.
Plumbing Steps for Adding a Second Sink
Installing a second sink often requires running both hot and cold supply lines, plus planning drain and vent connections. In older Deerfield kitchens, reaching the island or another wall with new pipes may mean creative routing. Sizing the drain line correctly is critical, many older kitchens have only a 1-1/2 inch branch available, which might not be enough for two sinks if you plan a garbage disposal too. Pipe slope, venting, and proper trap installation (P-trap) ensure smooth drainage and prevent sewer gas from entering your home.
When we add a second sink, we always review existing supply and drain pipes for corrosion or weak spots, especially galvanized or cast iron. Sometimes older traps and connections need updating for the new work to comply with code and handle increased use.
Warning Signs of Plumbing Issues During Remodels
- Water pressure drops noticeably when two fixtures run at once
- Drains that gurgle or run slow even after cleaning
- Signs of rust, flaking, or dampness around old pipe joints
- Previous patches or DIY repairs on supply or drain lines
Spotting these issues early saves time and avoids bigger repairs down the road. If you see any of these, it's smart to bring in a pro for an inspection before finishing walls or cabinetry.
Other Considerations for Deerfield Kitchens
Kitchen upgrades are a smart time to review connected systems. If you haven't replaced your shutoff valves in years, it's best to upgrade them now. Water heaters supplying the new fixture should be checked for capacity and efficiency, especially if you're adding a second sink that will see regular hot water use. Our water heater services can help ensure you have enough hot water on demand.
Some homeowners also ask about installing a new garbage disposal with a prep sink. Proper drain sizing and dedicated circuits are essential here as well. Whenever drains are rerouted or new fixtures added, we check for signs of sewer line trouble, like tree roots or clay-tile issues, and can recommend sewer line services if deeper problems are found.
If you're planning a full kitchen remodel, our crew can handle fixture installation, water line rerouting, and all the rough-in plumbing so the finished kitchen will be reliable for years ahead.
Thinking about a pot filler, second sink, or other kitchen update? Talk with our licensed plumbers at 224-300-7452. We help Deerfield homeowners plan upgrades that last, built on decades of local experience.