RepairUpdated July 8, 2026
Most kitchens in Round Lake were built after 1990, and they have decent layouts by modern standards. Still, as families grow or habits change, the limits of a single sink or the hike from stove to faucet start to stand out. Many area homeowners want a pot filler above the stove or a second sink in a prep area. These plumbing upgrades sound simple, but they come with some crucial planning and know-how, especially where water lines and drainage are concerned.
Why Consider a Pot Filler or Second Sink
A pot filler lets you fill large pots right at the stove, so you don't have to lug gallons of water from sink to burner. A second sink (sometimes called a prep sink or bar sink) is handy for multitasking, rinsing vegetables, or keeping messy tasks away from the main cleanup area. Both updates make a kitchen more functional, which matters as homes in Round Lake keep getting busier and more crowded.
Key Plumbing Considerations Before You Start
Most kitchens in this area tie into municipal water sourced from Lake Michigan, which runs moderately hard. That means mineral buildup in pipes is common over time, especially on lines that don't get regular use. Adding a pot filler or second sink requires rerouting or tapping into existing water lines. Even in post-1990 homes, getting a new cold water supply up to a stove across the room from a sink may not be straightforward.
We often see these challenges:
- Access: Is the wall behind the stove open, or is it an exterior wall with insulation and wires?
- Pipe routing: Can we reach the closest cold water line without tearing apart finished cabinets?
- Draining a second sink: Is there an accessible branch in the existing drain line that handles added flow without leaving you with sluggish drains?
- Shutoff valves: Every new fixture should have its own shutoff for repairs and emergencies.
- Code compliance: Local codes in the Chicago metro area require air gaps and proper venting, and you don't want to fail an inspection over a missed detail.
What's Involved in Running New Supply Lines
For a pot filler, only a cold water line is needed. We look for the shortest, most practical route, often branching off under the nearest sink. In some kitchen remodels, this means snaking PEX through walls or between floor joists. If you want hot water at a prep sink, that means running both supplies, and sometimes a recirculation line if you want it to run hot without long waits. If existing shutoffs are aging or there's evidence of corrosion on galvanized supply lines, it's smart to update those as well. For major rerouting jobs, browse our pipe repair and repiping page to see our approach.
Drainage is just as important as supply. Second sinks must tie into the waste line with proper slope and venting, or you'll hear gurgling, see slow drains, or smell sewer gas. Some homes in Round Lake still have cast iron or clay-tile drain lines. These can be brittle or partially blocked by old soap scum or roots, especially if the kitchen is located at the back of the house. We often recommend drain cleaning before adding fixtures. If anything is questionable, full sewer line inspection is a good idea while the walls are open.
Special Round Lake Factors
Heavy clay soil and a high water table mean local basements are prone to moisture issues. When adding any sink, especially in a finished basement bar or kitchenette, you need to check for proper height and code-compliant drains. Sometimes, a new ejector pump or a backwater valve is needed to avoid backups that can happen during storms. That's why our sump pump services are a must-read for finishing lower levels.
With our cold, snowy winters, pipes near exterior walls are at higher risk for freezing, especially if you add a supply line for a pot filler on an outside wall. We recommend keeping any water lines away from uninsulated spaces or adding specialized pipe insulation. Shutoff valves accessible inside the house make it possible to winterize lines if needed.
Choosing and Installing Fixtures
It's important to pick fixtures rated for municipal water pressure and hard water. Some pot fillers come with built-in check valves to prevent backflow, which is required in many areas. Bar sinks and prep sinks should have easy-to-clean basket strainers and accessible P-traps for future maintenance.
Our team handles full faucet and fixture installation, including making sure every joint is leak-free and the new lines are properly flushed before use. We always pressure-test new runs and inspect connections after the job.
Warning Signs to Watch After Your Upgrade
- Decreased water pressure at the new fixture (could mean a partially blocked line)
- Dripping or sweating pipes around the new installation
- Slow draining or gurgling at the new sink (may point to venting problems or a partial clog)
- Unusual odors from new drains
If you notice any of these, check our leak detection and repair tips or call us for an inspection before a small issue turns into damage.
Ready to make your kitchen work better for your family? We're here to help Round Lake homeowners with every step, from planning to plumbing to clean installation. Call 224-308-1299 and our crew will walk you through your options.