How To Install A Pot Filler In An Existing Wall

If you’re ready to be done hauling hefty pots of water back and forth from your kitchen sink to your cooktop, a pot filler might be exactly what you need. These handy fixtures eliminate the slow, careful balancing walk from the sink to the cooktop.

While you’ll still have to dump the water out in the sink, it eliminates half of the trip. 

Installing a pot filler isn’t tricky, but a few factors can complicate the process. Whether you’re working with a kitchen remodel, starting from scratch with a new home build, or working with an existing wall, installing a pot filler is doable. 

Is It Difficult To Install A Pot Filler In An Existing Wall?

In some cases, installing a pot filler in an existing wall can be tricky. The process is considerably simpler when renovating the kitchen entirely or starting from scratch with a new build. For instance, if the wall behind the stove is composed of a hard surface that requires special tools to drill through, the process may be complicated. 

You need to bring in a water line to the inside of the wall behind the stove, which can be complicated, especially if you’re not familiar with DIY projects like these. Many times, there isn’t a water supply line within close vicinity of where you need the new water line. 

This means you’ll need to tap into the closest existing line, which could be the line to your kitchen faucet, refrigerator icemaker, or dishwasher. New water lines need to tie into the pipe, then run to the new pot filler location. 

If installing a pot filler isn’t something you’re not comfortable doing, it’s best to hire a professional to install the new fixture for you. Mistakes in this part of the process can result in various unwanted things, like damaging leaks, low water pressure, or other problems within your plumbing system. 

So, unless you’re an avid DIYer with experience doing this kind of project, the plumbing rough-in may do better in the hands of a professional. 

How Do You Install A Pot Filler Line?

Before you can install a pot filler, you need to run a water supply line to the area. To rough in a pot filler, you need to know the exact location you want it to sit. Specific instructions for plumbing may vary from one model to the next, so double-check with the owner’s manual before you get started. 

With any plumbing project, you need to turn off the water supply to the area. So, before you start tinkering with water supply lines, make sure you turn off the appropriate water shut-off valves. 

You need to have a stub-out pipe coming from the water supply. Generally, pot fillers require a threaded elbow to direct the water out of the wall and into the pot filler fixture. For this, you’ll probably need to attach a ½-inch nipple.

Since instructions and particular specifications vary from one model to the next, make sure you carefully review the pot filler instructions. The instructions should include the proper stub-out length, which is typically about ½ inch past the wall or mounting surface. After the rough-in plumbing is complete, you can attach the pot filler. 

Like the plumbing, the mounting mechanism may vary slightly from one model to the next. However, most pot fillers come with mounting plates that secure them to the wall. The plate usually fits over the plumbing, then attaches to the wall using screws.

Some models come with two attachment points where they connect to the mounting plates. Some pot fillers come with clips or gaskets to connect the fixture to the water supply line. Follow the installation instructions to install these pieces and thread the pot filler faucet onto the pipe. Tighten the screws attaching the faucet to the mounting plates as necessary.

After you finish the installation process, double-check your handiwork. It’s better to find out that it’s leaking now instead of later when you’re not expecting it and have a mess on your hands. So, turn the water supply back on, then place a bucket or a pot underneath the pot filler. 

Turn on the pot filler faucet and make sure water flows easily without leaking. Let it run for a few minutes, as this will help flush out any debris or impurities from the line. Shut it off and dump out the bucket as necessary. If everything looks good, you’re good to go!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Pot Fillers Expensive To Install?

The cost of installing a pot filler hinges on a few factors. For example, the specs of the pot filler itself, the installation, and the professional you hire may impact the cost. Depending on how complex the installation is, it may be rather pricey. 

Generally, it costs around $300 (on the low end). 

Do Pot FIllers Need Both Water Lines?

Most pot fillers don’t need both water lines. Pot fillers don’t have a mixer, so they only dispense whatever they are hooked up to. So, you can run either a hot water line or a cold water line to the pot filler. 

Pot fillers often have cold water lines, but a hot water line is possible. 

Where Should A Pot Filler Be?

Generally, a pot filler should be either on the left or right-hand side of the cooking surface. This helps avoid reaching over the cooking surface to access the faucet, which may be difficult when there’s something cooking. 

How High Should The Pot Filler Be Above The Stovetop?

Pot fillers usually sit anywhere from 16 to 36 inches above the cooktop’s surface. The drastic range is primarily due to personal preference. You want to make sure you install the faucet high enough to fit the largest pots you have underneath it. Large dishes may not fit under pot fillers at too low of a height, so pick the height that works best for you.