Tips And TricksUpdated July 18, 2026
When Tinley Park homeowners start planning a kitchen remodel, functionality is right at the top of the list. Families that cook often or entertain know the extra convenience a pot filler or a second sink can bring. Getting these features installed takes more than picking out fixtures. It means thinking through your plumbing from the start to avoid headaches, especially with the mix of housing ages and plumbing materials common in this area.
Why Homeowners Install Pot Fillers or Second Sinks
Adding a pot filler above the stove saves the hassle of carrying heavy pots from the sink to the cooktop. A second sink, often called a prep or bar sink, gives extra workspace for cooking and cleanup. In kitchens that see a lot of action, these upgrades can prevent bottlenecks and keep things moving. They also bring added value if you ever decide to sell your home down the road.
Plumbing Considerations in Tinley Park Kitchens
Most homes in this south suburb were built between the 1970s and early 2000s, but some neighborhoods have older houses with galvanized steel or even cast iron supply lines. If your project involves running new water lines, it's crucial to know what type of piping you already have. Older galvanized pipes are prone to corrosion and may need upgrading. Even with newer copper or PEX, placement and access matter. Pot fillers require a dedicated cold water line brought up to the backsplash, and a prep sink will need both supply and a new drain tied into your existing kitchen waste line.
With the local clay soil and flat terrain, which can challenge drainage, proper venting for any new sink is critical. A vent helps prevent slow drains, and in some cases, an air admittance valve may be the most practical option when tying into existing vent stacks proves tough. Our drain cleaning team sees a lot of kitchen backups caused by poorly routed pipes or improper venting. Laying out your plumbing right from the start pays off in the long run.
Installing a Pot Filler Steps and Pitfalls
- Planning the Route: Pot fillers go on an interior wall above the stove. If there's no water line nearby, we have to fish a supply through finished walls or cabinets, sometimes drilling through studs.
- Cold Water Only: Most pot fillers only use cold water, so we tap into the cold branch, usually under the sink or at the basement ceiling, and bring it up inside the wall. Proper shutoff valves are essential.
- Protecting Against Freezing: With Tinley Park's cold winters, we avoid placing these lines on exterior walls where freeze risk is highest.
- Pressure Testing: After running new lines, we always pressure test for leaks before patching the wall.
We recommend a fixture with a high-quality cartridge to avoid drips, since repairs can mean opening up the wall down the road. If you have an older home, expect some extra work if we discover corroded lines or cramped spaces.
Adding a Second Sink Layout, Drains, and Venting
Installing a second sink usually means running both hot and cold lines, plus routing a new drain. If the sink is going in an island, it gets more involved. The flat terrain and clay-heavy soil in Tinley Park means careful attention to trap height and drain slope, otherwise you get slow drainage or sewer smells. We always use a P-trap and make sure there's enough vertical drop to prevent standing water in the line.
Any new sink has to tie into your home's existing vent system. If you add a prep sink far from the main stack, it might call for an air admittance valve. Venting mistakes are a big source of kitchen odors and slow drains. Before we close up any cabinets or walls, we check all the connections and make sure the slope is right.
Other Plumbing Upgrades to Consider
While you're remodeling, it's a good time to look at related improvements. If your home's water lines are noisy or show signs of corrosion, our pipe repair and repiping crew can help bring things up to code. Consider updating fixtures with help from our faucet and fixture installation specialists. If you plan to install a garbage disposal at your new sink, double-check that your electrical and drain setup can handle it (see our garbage disposal services for more on that).
If your kitchen is in the basement or at risk for water backup during heavy summer rains, you might want to review your sump pit and pump. The high water table and periodic storms mean overflow protection is critical in some homes, so our sump pump services can prevent a wet mess ruining your investment.
Smart Steps Before You Start Remodeling
- Check your existing water pressure and consider a pressure reducing valve if it's excessive
- Inspect visible piping for rust, leaks, or past repairs
- Map out new supply lines and drain routes to minimize disruptions
- Decide on fixture location before any tile or cabinets go in
- Coordinate plumbing rough-in with other trades (electricians, countertop installers)
- Plan for easy access to shutoff valves and cleanouts
Skipping these steps can mean extra costs or delays, especially if hidden issues surface once the walls are open.
Why Hire an Experienced Local Plumber
Plumbing codes in Cook County and Tinley Park set clear rules for pipe sizing, venting, and fixture placement. After decades working in this area, our team knows what local inspectors look for and how to adapt older homes with tricky layouts. We spot potential problems early, whether it's outdated galvanized supply lines or kitchen drains that aren't pitched right due to slab construction or flat yard grades.
If you're ready for a new pot filler or second sink, we can walk the project with you, advise on fixture choices, and make sure the plumbing is done right, from rough-in to final hookup. Give us a call at 708-726-9466 and talk with a crew who understands the real issues behind Tinley Park walls and floors.