Cost GuideUpdated June 27, 2026
Mid-century homes are common across Bridgeview, and a lot of kitchens carry layouts and fixtures that haven't changed much in decades. When it's time to remodel, additions like a pot filler over the stove or a second sink in a prep area come up often. These upgrades bring real day-to-day convenience, but both require plumbing work that goes beyond basic fixture swaps. Solid planning keeps the project moving smoothly, and avoids headaches with hidden pipes behind old plaster, tight crawl spaces, or outdated supply lines that are still common in our area.
Why Consider a Pot Filler or Second Sink?
Pot fillers install above the range and deliver cold water right where you cook, saving trips to the sink with heavy pans. Second sinks, sometimes known as prep sinks, give you a separate spot to wash produce, fill glasses, or handle messy jobs away from the main cleanup area. These features are practical, especially for busy families or anyone cooking from scratch.
With a lot of Bridgeview homes built in the 1950s and 60s, the original kitchens rarely planned for these extras. Adding them means working inside walls or cabinets that may hide galvanized plumbing or old shutoff valves that have seen better days. As plumbing contractors, we know these jobs usually require more than just surface carpentry. Carefully mapping the water supply, especially with older pipes or tight wall cavities, matters as much as picking a faucet style.
Typical Installation Steps in Older Bridgeview Homes
- Shutoff and prep: We locate and test the main shutoff valve. In older setups, these can be stiff or leak, so we check them before starting.
- Wall or cabinet access: For a pot filler, we open up the wall behind your stove. Second sinks may need cabinet modifications to run both hot and cold lines plus a drain.
- Piping upgrades: If we run into corroded galvanized or thin-walled copper, we usually recommend replacement in the affected run. This avoids future leaks and brings the line up to current code.
- Valve and fixture installation: We use quarter-turn ball valves for reliable shutoff. After mounting the fixture, we pressure test the connections before closing up the wall or cabinet.
- Finishing and clean-up: Patchwork and finish carpentry come last. Water lines are flushed until clear, especially with Bridgeview's moderately hard Lake Michigan water, which can leave some sediment after work.
If you're already planning countertop or cabinet changes, it's usually most efficient to coordinate all plumbing upgrades at once. If you need new fixtures, see our faucet and fixture installation page for more on what fits standard sizes and which options are easier to retrofit in older homes.
How Plumbing Age and Water Quality Affect Cost
Bridgeview's housing stock means a lot of homes still have original piping, especially in kitchens that haven't been updated since the home was built. Galvanized supply lines can be slow to fail but are often already corroded on the inside, making new branches tricky. In some cases, a short run of replacement with copper or PEX is enough. Other times, old shutoff valves or tees need to be swapped out. This is where costs can increase over a basic fixture change.
The municipal water is moderately hard, so if you're adding a pot filler, it's wise to pick a good-quality fixture with ceramic disc valves. Cheaper units may clog or drip after a few years. If your home's water pressure is low, sometimes an issue with aging pipes, we diagnose that before adding new runs. See our pipe repair and repiping guide for more on common fixes in older cook county houses.
Second Sink Drainage and Local Plumbing Considerations
Adding a second sink takes more than just a water supply. You'll need a drain line tied to the existing stack, and a properly vented P-trap to avoid slow draining or sewer gas. Many Bridgeview kitchens still use cast iron or galvanized drains, which can be tough to tap into cleanly due to corrosion or buildup. In some layouts, running a new drain requires opening floor cavities or soffits. Planning the path, and checking for existing kitchen venting, keeps surprises down.
If you've dealt with past backups, or your kitchen drain runs slowly already, make sure to handle cleaning or repairs before tying in a new sink. We often recommend a drain cleaning as part of any major kitchen update. Old clay-tile or cast iron lines are common in the area and can be a root cause of repeat clogging.
Budgeting and Cost Factors for Pot Fillers and Second Sinks
Every installation is different, but certain factors reliably affect cost in Bridgeview homes:
- Accessibility: Kitchens with easy access to the wall or cabinet make the job faster. Tight or finished spaces take more labor.
- Pipe condition: Corroded or leaking supply and drain lines will need replacement in the work area.
- Fixture choice: Heavy-duty or designer pot fillers cost more and sometimes require reinforcement in the wall. Prep sinks come in a range of shapes and mounting styles.
- Additional upgrades: If you haven't updated your kitchen in decades, you may want to include items like a garbage disposal. Our garbage disposal service page covers what fits best for Bridgeview's municipal water.
- Permit requirements: The Village of Bridgeview does require plumbing permits for most remodels, so plan for the permit cost and inspection process.
We help you plan a realistic budget before anything gets opened up. If you're concerned about hidden plumbing issues in your older home, check out our leak detection and repair service for tips on catching small problems before they grow.
Do You Need to Upgrade Water Heaters or Supply?
If your current water heater struggles to keep up, adding a second sink, especially one you'll use for hand-washing or prepping, can be the last straw. For many homes, a standard 40-gallon tank is enough, but combining a new fixture with a water heater past its prime can mean tepid water at one or both locations. Our water heater services page breaks down options if it's time to upgrade or if you want to add a recirculating line for fast hot water.
If you're ready for a more efficient, frustration-free kitchen, our crew has been working in Bridgeview kitchens for decades. For a quote or honest advice about adding a pot filler or prep sink, call us at 708-734-6210. We're glad to help local homeowners plan their projects and avoid plumbing headaches down the road.