Seasonal PrepUpdated June 24, 2026
Kitchen remodeling gives Oak Forest homeowners a real chance to add convenience that makes a difference every day. Installing a pot filler above the stove or a second sink in a prep area are both projects that come up often. These upgrades can take a lot of stress out of big family meals or holidays, but they take careful planning, especially around existing plumbing systems common in our area.
Why Add a Pot Filler or Second Sink?
Both features add function right where you need it most. A pot filler lets you leave heavy pots on the stove while you fill them, so you don't have to carry water across the kitchen. That reduces spills and back strain. A second sink, often set in a kitchen island or prep zone, keeps dirty dishes away from the main work area and makes cooking with family easier. These upgrades can also add appeal if you plan to sell your home down the line.
What Makes Oak Forest Kitchens Tricky?
Oak Forest homes have a wide range of plumbing setups. Many kitchens in our area were built 30 to 60 years ago. That means some houses still have galvanized supply lines, older shutoffs, or original cast iron drains that can make new runs a challenge. Our municipal water is moderately hard, which means older lines may already have some scale inside. Access for new piping isn't always straightforward, and in ranch or split-level homes, running a new water line above a stove or into an island can involve opening walls or floors.
Plumbing Requirements for a Pot Filler
A pot filler needs a dedicated cold water line run up the wall behind the stove. It must be properly supported and use materials that meet current code. If you have older copper, galvanized, or even PEX lines, our team checks for any signs of corrosion or scale buildup and addresses those during installation. Since a pot filler is usually on an exterior wall, pipe insulation is essential given Oak Forest's cold winters. Our freeze-thaw cycles can split unprotected pipes, especially near the edge of the house.
- Shut off main water before any cutting or tapping into existing lines
- Plan for proper backflow prevention
- Use only code-approved materials (no leftover garden hose lines or makeshift parts)
- Add insulation if running lines in outside walls or unheated spaces
- Check all joints for leaks before closing up walls or backsplashes
If you're dealing with aging supply piping, or want to swap out copper or galvanized for a more modern material, our pipe repair and repiping crew can review the best solution.
Adding a Second Sink What to Consider
Putting in a prep sink isn't just a matter of cutting a hole in your counter. You need a cold and hot supply line and a proper drain. If your home still has cast iron or galvanized drains, we check for slope and condition first. Newer sinks require an adequate vent and a P-trap, with the drain typically tying into an existing waste line nearby. Sometimes, especially in homes with clay-rich soils and flat terrain, slow drains can be a problem, so we always test the existing system before connecting anything new. For persistent backups or sluggishness, our drain cleaning team can clear existing lines before work starts.
It's also an ideal time to look at the garbage disposal setup. If you don't have one, or your old one is failing, we can handle garbage disposal installation right alongside your new sink.
Preventing Leaks in Older Homes
Anytime we open up walls or floors in older Oak Forest homes, we inspect for previous leaks or water damage. Clay-rich local soil and a moderate water table can affect how drains settle over the decades. Even a tiny leak in a new supply line or fitting can cause headaches if missed, especially behind cabinets or stoves. When we install any new line or fixture, we pressure-test and inspect every connection, and we double-check for hidden drip points with proper leak detection methods. For peace of mind, our leak detection and repair service can address any concerns uncovered during remodeling.
Timing Your Kitchen Remodel for Chicago-Area Weather
In Oak Forest, cold winter months bring freeze-thaw cycles that are tough on pipes, especially those near exterior walls or in unheated spaces. We recommend planning major kitchen upgrades, especially any project involving new supply or drain lines, for spring or early fall. This helps avoid frozen-pipe risks and lets you air out dust and odors as work wraps up. If you notice slow drainage, now is also the time to handle it before family gatherings or holiday meals put your system under stress. For issues with water temperature or pressure at new fixtures, our water heater services team can diagnose or upgrade aging equipment.
If you're ready to plan a kitchen remodel, or just want to talk through the steps and see what it would take to add a pot filler or second sink, reach out to our local crew. You can call us at 708-729-6139. We know Oak Forest's homes inside and out, and we can help make your kitchen work for your family's needs.