Tips And TricksUpdated June 15, 2026
Older homes across North Chicago see their fair share of kitchen remodels. When you're updating your space, the idea of adding a pot filler above the stove or a second sink in a prep zone often comes up. These upgrades bring real daily convenience, but they also need careful, practical planning. In homes built between the 1950s and 1970s, original supply lines can complicate what seems like a simple project. Even newer lakefront townhomes have unique plumbing considerations due to water hardness and flat terrain.
Why Add a Pot Filler or Second Sink
Dragging heavy pots to the stove isn't fun, and in a busy household, just one sink can quickly lead to a traffic jam. A pot filler installed near your cooktop cuts down on lifting and spills. A second sink, whether on an island or in a prep corner, gives you more space for cooking, washing up, or separating chores. Both upgrades can boost a kitchen's utility, especially if you often cook for a group or have multiple cooks in the kitchen.
What to Know About Plumbing in North Chicago Kitchens
Many houses here still have galvanized steel or copper supply lines. Some kitchens have cast iron or even original clay-tile drains, and those can be trouble if you're moving fixtures or adding new lines. If your kitchen is above an unfinished basement, running a new water line for a pot filler or sink is easier. Finished or slab-on-grade basements make the route tougher, sometimes requiring ceiling or wall access elsewhere.
With our Lake Michigan water supply, scale and mineral buildup is common in older pipes. That's why we always check the condition of existing lines before tapping in. If you've had issues with slow drains or leaks, it's smart to address these before adding new fixtures. Our pipe repair and repiping services cover these upgrades as part of a bigger remodel.
Steps for Adding a Pot Filler
- Choosing the Location: Pot fillers work best when mounted above a range, but clearance from your vent hood matters. We check for enough space to swing the arm freely.
- Hot or Cold Water: Most pot fillers pull from a cold line, but some prefer a tempered line to limit condensation. We'll talk through options based on your day-to-day use.
- Running New Supply Lines: In older homes, this step often involves cutting into walls or ceilings. We always shut off water at the main, and carefully route copper or PEX pipes to the new fixture, anchored securely to avoid future leaks.
- Shutoff Valve: A dedicated shutoff (often a quarter-turn ball valve) behind the wall or in a nearby cabinet is a must for maintenance.
- Testing and Leak Check: Every connection gets checked under pressure. We watch for early signs of pinhole leaks, especially in areas stressed by freeze-thaw cycles in winter.
If you're dealing with older galvanized pipes, we may recommend updating that section to copper or PEX, as threading in a new branch tap can cause leaks in brittle lines. More on this is covered under our leak detection and repair services.
Considerations for a Second Kitchen Sink
A second sink often means new supply lines and a fresh drain connection. For island sinks, venting is the trickiest part. The Illinois plumbing code typically requires an air admittance valve (AAV) or an island loop to ensure proper drain venting. We size every drain run carefully so you don't end up with slow drainage or gurgling sounds after install.
Many homeowners use a garbage disposal on the second sink, especially for vegetable prep. If so, your under-sink wiring and breaker setup need to be up to code. We offer garbage disposal installation as part of these kitchen upgrades.
If you opt for a bar sink, we often have to check the length of existing supply lines, sometimes tying into the closest supply branch. Any time we run into aging or corroded pipes, we'll let you know if a partial repipe makes sense before the walls get closed back up.
Preventing Plumbing Surprises During Your Remodel
Old supply and drain lines sometimes look fine from the outside. Inside, mineral buildup or corrosion can restrict flow or start to leak after new connections are made. We often recommend a full inspection and, if needed, hydrostatic testing before finalizing fixture locations. If your drains have been sluggish, our drain cleaning service clears out debris or roots before you upgrade the sink. For any plumbing reroute, we also check for proper slope to avoid future backups.
In flood-prone areas, putting a second sink or pot filler in a basement or lower level? Make sure sump and check valves are in good shape. Our sump pump service team keeps the pump, pit, and discharge lines clear, important for flat lots near the lake.
Key Plumbing Tips for North Chicago Kitchen Remodels
- Have supply and drain lines inspected for corrosion or signs of leaking before cutting into walls.
- Ask about pressure regulators if you notice banging or vibrating pipes after adding new lines.
- Choose fixtures made for hard water areas to cut down on mineral buildup on aerators and valves.
- Check that water heater capacity matches the extra fixture, important if you're installing a hot water pot filler. See our water heater service page for more tips.
- Plan for easy shutoffs so maintenance doesn't mean turning off water to the whole house.
- Talk to your plumber about venting, especially for new island or bar sinks.
When you work with our team, we coordinate with other trades, cabinet installers, electricians, and tile setters, to make sure no one steps on the plumbing plan and all rough-in work meets current Illinois code.
Upgrading Fixtures and Building for the Long Haul
Whether you're adding a fixture or redoing most of your kitchen, we always recommend using high-quality shutoff valves, stainless steel supply lines, and code-compliant traps. In older homes, we check for adequate venting and sometimes recommend replacing old S-traps with modern P-traps to prevent sewer gas issues. Installation of new lines should include proper supports and insulation, key for pipes running through exterior walls, especially with our cold winters.
Fixture upgrades can also include touchless faucets and high-efficiency sprayers. Our faucet and fixture installation team helps you pick and install reliable models built for the region's hard water. We'll walk you through upkeep tips for new fixtures so you can get the longest possible service life out of your investment.
If you're planning a kitchen remodel in North Chicago, especially if you want a pot filler or second sink, give us a call at 224-524-1787. Our crew has decades of local experience working with the city's range of old and new plumbing systems. We'll help you avoid headaches and deliver a setup that works for your family's real needs.