One of the additional features that can maximize the functionality of your kitchen is a pot filler. Think about it. With a pot filler, you can fill up an entire pot for making stews or soups or for boiling right on the stovetop. There is no need to carry a pot full of heavy water from the sink to the stovetop. It also allows you to fill up bigger pots that you can’t fit in your sink. It just makes life a lot more convenient.
Installing a pot filler is easier than you think. There are instructional videos you can find online that will help you get started. If you have already chosen a brand and model of pot filler, the manufacturer may also already have instructions on how you can install it. You can also get the help of a plumber, if you don’t have a water line installed yet. Since it is a relatively easy plumbing work, it shouldn’t be too expensive.
When buying, make sure you get the ones that will suit your needs perfectly. Look for pot fillers with the same finish and materials as your other hardware and plumbing fixtures in the kitchen. A stainless-steel pot filler might look odd when you have black-colored plumbing in the rest of your space. Pick a finish that won’t get rusty easily.
Also consider how long the filler can extend. If you have a 6-burner cooktop, you would want to make sure that the pot filler can extend in all directions easily. Pick one that swings easily in all directions.
Decide whether to get a one-valve or a two-valve pot filler. One-valve pot fillers are easier to use and install but two-valve designs are better when it comes to preventing the possibility of drips. With this type of pot filler, you can avoid any damage that can be inflicted by drips and leaks to your stovetop.
But for stress-free installation, here are the steps you should take:
In This Guide
Step 1: Plan the process.
Plan how you are going to do the installation. You need to access the plumbing behind the wall, so it will most likely involve a little demolition job. There has to be water line installed, so you can put the pot filler if not, get the help of a plumber to install one for you. A hose can be installed to go right up the wall to the height that you prefer. This is where you decide how high the pot filler will go. The general measurement used is 16 inches but you can go higher or lower depending on how tall the pots you use are.
Also plan where you are going to place the pot filler. Most people prefer them to be installed right at the center to have easier access to it no matter which part of the stovetop you use. However, you can also install it to the side if that works better for you.
Check your water source as well. If it is too far from where the stovetop is, you might have to install more pipes, which can affect the water pressure. Also check nearby pipes and faucets. Since this type of faucet can be moved around, doing so can accidentally dislodge some of the pipes and cause a leak.
Since you will use this for cooking, make sure the water is filtered. If you are using well water, you need to install a filter to keep impurities out of your cooking water. That can be done to the main water source. A whole house filtration system can save you a lot of trouble.
Step 2: Prepare the work space and the materials you need.
Clear up the space, so you have plenty of counter space to work on. For those who do not have an existing water line, install it yourself. First, shutoff your water supply from the main. Also turn off electrical supply, so you can avoid any possibility of electrocution. Get under the sink and the supply riser for the cold and water supply. Cut the riser and then connect a T-fitting to it. You can do this step or you can replace your shut off valve with one that has a multiple outlet function.
Drill holes with ¾ inches in diameter into the framing of the wall. That will be used to keep the supply tubes in place. If they are close to the stud edge, adding protector plates is important. Get half an inch of PEX and run it from the plumbing’s supply riser and then through the holes you made and all the way to the location of the pot filler. Use nailing plates to keep the PEX in place. Attach the PEX line to the T-fitting found at the plumbing’s supply riser.
Go back to your cooktop and then put the faucet union. The manufacturer of the pot filler should have instructions on how to install a faucet union. Use an L-fitting to install the actual pot filler fixture. Use a compound to seal the faucet inlet.
Step 3: Build the drywall.
Patch the drywall once you have applied the pipe joint compound to the faucet threads. The next thing to do is to put the flange over the filler’s inlet. Be sure to test it out first. Turn on the pot filler and make sure there are no leaks on the side. After that, completely patch your drywall and let it completely dry up.
Step 4: Install your new backsplash.
Now is a good time to choose a new backsplash. You can opt for vintage-style backsplash to match your pot filler. Since pot fillers have an old world charm to them, they work better with vintage style backsplashes.
Now go ahead and enjoy your new pot filler. You should be able to fill up your pots easily now. Just like your faucets, make sure you maintain your pot filler from time to time as well. Just wiping its surface clean with a microfiber cloth can go a long way in maintaining the way it looks.
