RepairUpdated July 3, 2026
Making upgrades in your kitchen means dealing with more than cabinets and countertops. Plumbing changes, like adding a pot filler above the stove or installing a second sink, call for careful planning and the right know-how. In Mokena, homes tend to be 20 to 40 years old, so many kitchens were designed before these features became popular. That means adding them isn't always straightforward.
Why Mokena Kitchens Need Smart Plumbing Upgrades
Most houses here were built in the 1980s, 1990s, or early 2000s. Much of that original plumbing is still in place. Pipes may run behind finished walls, and supply lines aren't always close to where you want a new fixture. Clay soils and shifting from freeze-thaw cycles each winter can also stress pipes hiding behind your kitchen walls. Our team has seen that kitchen remodels sometimes reveal issues like corroded supply lines, old shutoff valves, or outdated connections.
What to Know About Pot Fillers
A pot filler is a cold-water faucet installed above the cooking surface, making it easier to fill large pots without lugging them from the sink. Adding a pot filler usually means running a new water line behind the wall to the stove. In some newer homes, there's easy access, but in older kitchens we often find tight spaces and obstacles. We check for:
- Wall cavity depth (enough room for a water line)
- Proximity to existing cold supply lines
- Type and age of current piping (copper, PEX, or older materials)
- Access to a shutoff valve (required for safety and repairs)
- Risk of pipes freezing along exterior walls
We recommend installing a dedicated shutoff, often in the cabinet below or basement, for easy access. Making sure the new pipe is properly insulated is especially important given our cold winters, which help avoid the threat of frozen lines.
Adding a Second Sink Planning and Pitfalls
Second sinks, like prep sinks or bar sinks, give you more space for food prep or cleanup. Installing one means not just water supply, but also safe and reliable drain connections. In Mokena's typical kitchen layouts, adding a sink on an island or separate counter often means running both supply and drain lines through finished cabinetry or the floor.
The main things we check for are the path to the nearest drain stack and the slope of the drain pipe to prevent backups. We've seen that island sinks, for example, sometimes need a venting method called an air admittance valve (AAV) when tying into the main vent isn't practical. It's also important to tie into the dishwasher or garbage disposal correctly, especially if adding extra features.
If you're interested in replacing or upgrading any other fixtures, our faucet and fixture installation service covers the latest in kitchen designs.
Signs Your Plumbing Needs Attention During a Remodel
- Low water pressure at the sink or existing taps
- Visible corrosion on supply lines or shutoffs
- Signs of leaks inside cabinets or under the floor
- Any musty or moldy smells in the kitchen
- Noisy pipes or water hammer when fixtures are turned off
If you spot these issues while opening up a wall or working on cabinets, it's smart to have us check your system. We handle pipe repairs and repiping for older supply lines and can upgrade connections as needed.
Steps We Take for a Reliable Install
Our approach always includes a full inspection of your home's current plumbing. For a pot filler, we plan the shortest, safest route for the new water line, use proper insulation, and install a shutoff valve close by. For a second sink, we look at drain slope, venting, and tie-ins to the main stack. We also test fixtures for leaks before you close up any drywall or tile.
We work with your remodeling contractor to keep everything on schedule. If you're putting in new appliances, sinks, or garbage disposals, our garbage disposal team can help get things set up safely. For new water runs, our water line specialists check for proper water pressure and code compliance.
Other Plumbing Concerns in Mokena
Older homes in Mokena sometimes have supply or drain lines that are showing their age. If your project uncovers rusted galvanized piping or you notice slow drains, we offer drain cleaning to clear blockages and keep everything flowing. Routine maintenance can prevent major headaches down the line, especially as suburban homes age and kitchens see heavier use.
If you're considering a pot filler, a prep sink, or any other kitchen plumbing update, give us a call at 708-734-5878. Our crew knows what works for Mokena kitchens, and we're ready to get your project done right.