Seasonal PrepUpdated June 28, 2026
Upgrading your kitchen means more than new cabinets and countertops. For Arlington Heights homes, details like a pot filler or a second sink can make a real difference in how smoothly your kitchen works, especially when preparing meals or entertaining. Many houses in this part of Cook County date from the 1950s through the 1970s and have plumbing layouts that aren't designed for these features. Adding specialized fixtures takes planning, especially with our region's clay and loam soils, moderate water table, and those cold Illinois winters that can freeze pipes if a remodel isn't done right.
Why Homeowners Choose Pot Fillers and Second Sinks
Pot fillers reduce heavy lifting and trips between stove and sink. Mounted above the range, they connect directly to your cold water supply, making it easy to fill large pots without crowding the main sink. A second sink, often called a prep or bar sink, creates another work zone for chopping, washing produce, or mixing drinks. Both options help kitchens function better for families and guests. In older Arlington Heights homes, kitchens often weren't designed with multiple users or modern appliances in mind, so a smart plumbing upgrade can change how you use the space every day.
What to Know About Plumbing Changes in Local Homes
Most single-family homes built before the 1980s have original plumbing behind the walls. These can include galvanized water lines prone to scaling or corrosion, and cast iron drains that can develop leaks or clogs over time. When adding a pot filler or second sink, we often have to run new supply lines, and sometimes upgrade old ones for safety and flow rate. With the hard municipal water from Lake Michigan, it's important to install shutoff valves and check for any buildup that could affect new fixtures. Sizing the lines correctly and ensuring proper insulation, especially for pipes routed through exterior walls, keeps everything working through winter's freeze-thaw cycles.
Planning a Safe and Smooth Remodel
- Determine the best route for new supply lines, avoiding exterior walls when possible to prevent freezing
- Inspect existing shutoff valves and upgrade as needed for code compliance
- Choose fixtures compatible with your home's water pressure and pipe material
- Check for adequate venting and drain slope if adding a new sink
- Consider a thermal expansion tank if your remodel includes new high-output appliances
- Schedule inspections to ensure everything meets local plumbing code
We find that adding a pot filler above a stove often involves pulling a new water line, connecting through joists or wall cavities. For a second sink in a kitchen island, you'll need both water and drain lines, sometimes requiring concrete slab coring in slab-on-grade homes or careful routing in homes with finished basements. Our crew always recommends pressure-testing new lines and checking fixture placement before closing up drywall or cabinets.
Common Plumbing Pitfalls in Arlington Heights Kitchens
Older drain pipes, especially galvanized or cast iron, can collect debris and support less flow than today's fixtures need. If you're adding a new sink, we strongly encourage a drain cleaning before installation so you're not fighting slow drains after the remodel. Should we find significant corrosion or leaks, repiping sections with PEX or copper is the right move. For homes with a history of leaks or low pressure, start with a leak detection before bringing in new fixtures to avoid hidden water damage down the road.
Many kitchen remodels uncover issues like missing or outdated air gaps, unvented traps, or old saddle valves. These all affect performance and code compliance. Running new lines without considering winter exposure can create risk for frozen or burst pipes, especially with our climate. Proper insulation and placement matter, as does verifying you have enough hot water for increased usage, sometimes a kitchen upgrade highlights the need for water heater updates as well.
How We Tackle Installation
Before cutting tile or drilling through cabinets, we map the plumbing routes and check structural framing to avoid anything hidden in the walls. We install robust shutoffs on the new branches for easy servicing. For pot fillers, it's essential to use high-quality supply lines and backflow prevention, since the fixture sits above a cooking surface. When adding a second sink, we set the P-trap and drain at the right height and pitch, connecting to the existing stack when possible for proper venting. Our team always water-tests and pressure checks before signing off on any new hook-ups.
If the project scope touches gas lines, say, moving a range for a pot filler, we coordinate with gas line service specialists. Good communication with your remodel contractor, electrician, and our plumbing team keeps the process on schedule. We use approved fittings and follow all Cook County and Illinois plumbing codes for lasting, safe results.
What Else Should You Prep For?
Even well-maintained homes can throw a surprise or two during a remodel. If your project involves opening basement ceilings for new lines, it's a good time to check your sump pit and consider sump pump maintenance. With our flat terrain and moderate water table, Arlington Heights homes often lean on their sump systems to keep basements dry, don't let new plumbing work interrupt flood protection. It's also smart to audit your whole kitchen's faucet and fixture condition. If you're planning more upgrades soon, see how our faucet and fixture installation can tie into your remodel so everything matches in age and function.
If you're thinking about a pot filler or second sink for your Arlington Heights kitchen, our crew has the experience to handle the plumbing details. Call us at 224-347-7053 and we'll help you process, so your kitchen works better year-round.