Seasonal PrepUpdated July 6, 2026
Upgrading a kitchen in Hickory Hills isn't just about picking cabinets or tile, plumbing changes shape what's possible. Adding a pot filler above the stove or a second prep sink can make cooking and cleanup a lot smoother, especially as families spend more time at home. But these "simple" add-ons are anything but plug-and-play, especially in houses built back when Eisenhower was president. Our team sees the same issues with water lines, drain placement, and old pipe material in mid-century homes throughout this area.
Why Pot Fillers and Prep Sinks Are Popular in the South Suburbs
With much of Hickory Hills' housing stock dating back 50 or more years, kitchens were built for a single sink and not much more. Modern families cook more meals and want faster cleanup. A pot filler above the stove stops you from hauling heavy pots of water, while a second sink gives an extra spot for washing veggies or handwashing. Both upgrades need new supply lines, and in homes with galvanized or cast iron plumbing, that brings special challenges.
Core Plumbing Considerations for Adding Fixtures
Our first step is checking pipe material and water pressure. Many older homes here still have some galvanized steel or cast iron supply lines, especially in the kitchen walls or basement. Galvanized lines corrode over time, which can restrict flow or even cause leaks when you add new branches for a pot filler or prep sink. We often recommend upgrading to copper or PEX in the work area or beyond. If you're already thinking about a larger remodel, this might be the right time for whole or partial repiping.
Water pressure is another key. Pot fillers need good flow but not excessive supply, too much pressure strains shutoff valves and fixture seals. If pressure is over 80 psi, we'll check if a pressure reducing valve (PRV) is in place or needs service. Older kitchens are unlikely to have extra lines stubbed for new fixtures, so we plan the path for new supply lines, making sure they're insulated, especially along exterior walls. Our region has cold winters and frequent freeze-thaw cycles, so any pipe exposed to the cold without insulation is a risk for winter freezes and bursts.
Drainage Matters for Prep Sinks
Adding a second sink also means planning for proper drainage. In Hickory Hills, flat terrain and clay-rich soil can sometimes mean slow drains, especially in older homes with outdated traps or lines. Every new sink needs a vented drain line that ties properly into the main kitchen drain. Using an air admittance valve (AAV) can be an option in some cases, but we check if the existing stack is accessible and in good condition before choosing this route. We make sure the P-trap is easily accessed for cleaning, and that all connections are tight, we've found that even small leaks in these areas can lead to wood cabinet damage. If we spot signs of gunk or slow draining in existing pipes, a professional drain cleaning service can give those lines a fresh start before adding new fixtures.
Steps We Take When Adding a Pot Filler or Prep Sink
- Shut off the main water supply and drain lines before any cutting or rerouting.
- Open up the wall or cabinet as needed to reach the plumbing work zone.
- Inspect old pipe material and joints for signs of corrosion, leaks, or previous repairs.
- Install new supply lines (copper or PEX) with reliable shutoffs for each new fixture.
- Run drain and vent lines with correct slope, support, and backflow prevention (as needed).
- Pressure test and visually inspect all joints before closing walls or cabinetry.
- Check fixture operation, flow rate, and look for any weeping or drips at connections.
If you're also installing a new dishwasher, disposal, or water-using appliance, let our crew know early, it can affect how lines are routed and which upgrades we recommend. For certain setups, we may need to coordinate upgrades to existing faucets and fixtures to make sure everything functions as a system.
Seasonal Prep Preventing Freezing and Leaks
Pot fillers are often installed on exterior-facing walls above the stove, and second sinks sometimes land near windows or outside walls too. In the cold, damp winters we get in the Chicago Southland, these locations are prone to freezing if pipes are uninsulated or exposed in crawl spaces or exterior walls. We always recommend pipe insulation and, where needed, rerouting lines slightly deeper into the home's warm zones. In homes with a history of frozen pipes, we check for insulation gaps and suggest repairs before finishing any new drywall or tile. If you ever notice a sudden pressure drop or water stains, our leak detection and repair team can help find and fix the trouble before it spreads.
With local water being moderately hard, mineral scale can build up inside new fixture valves and aerators over time. We suggest regular cleaning and, in some cases, checking your water heater for sediment buildup too, it can affect flow and fixture lifespan.
Do You Need a Permit for These Changes?
In Cook County, and especially in older suburbs like ours, most kitchen plumbing changes, adding new fixtures, rerouting supply or drain lines, installing venting, require a permit. It's not just red tape. Inspections check for things like proper venting, backflow prevention, and code-compliant installation. Our crew handles all necessary permits and makes sure your project passes the final check.
A remodel is a good opportunity to address past plumbing headaches. If you've seen rusty water, frequent clogs, or slow draining, this might be the right time to assess your main drain and sewer lines. We always check for warning signs during prep work and can run a camera inspection or hydro jet the lines if there's evidence of buildup.
Common Signs You'll Benefit from a Second Sink or Pot Filler
- Frequent bottlenecks when prepping, cooking, or cleaning up in the kitchen.
- Heavy or awkward lifting of full pots across the kitchen to the stove.
- Multiple cooks working at the same time (holidays, hosting, or big families).
- Slow drainage or signs of scale in your current kitchen sink or fixtures.
- Old, corroded pipes that make renovations the right time for upgrades.
Our crew combines practical remodeling experience with a focus on local plumbing realities, hard water, old supply lines, clay-heavy soils, and the unique challenges of mid-century homes. For kitchen projects large or small, we make sure water gets where you need it, drains work reliably, and new fixtures stand up to Midwest winters.
Ready to talk about your kitchen project in Hickory Hills? If you're thinking about a pot filler, prep sink, or any plumbing upgrade, give us a call at 708-729-5614. Our experienced team is here to help you create a kitchen that's practical, safe, and ready for years of use.