How many times did you struggle to carry a pot full of water from the kitchen sink to the stove? If you’re young and healthy, this is unlikely to be a problem. Yet, all it takes is a bit of arthritis or low mobility for it to become an issue. That’s where pot fillers step in. These practical faucets allow you to fill the pot while it sits on the stove. Now, are you wondering how to install one?
Installing a pot fillerfaucet starts with rough-in plumbing. You should run the water line through the wall when roughing in your other fixtures. You can then install the faucet in a similar way you’d install a kitchen wall faucet or garden spigot.
Main Topics
DIY: Installing Pot Filler Faucet In 5 Easy Steps
If your home has had a pot filler installed already and you only want to replace the faucet, you’re in luck. Follow the steps below to do it.
Step 1 – Turn off the water supply
Locate the pot filler faucet’s shut-off valve. This valve is likely located under the sink, near the sink’s shut-off valves. If you can’t find it and don’t know where it is installed, shut off the water supply to your home from the main shut-off valve.
Step 2 – Remove the old pot filler faucet
Most pot filler faucets are installed on a stub-out with a threaded retention ring. This ring is then tightened with a nut to prevent leaks and to hold the faucet in place.
Use an adjustable wrench or a pair of pliers to unfasten the faucet from the stub. Turn clockwise and apply torque until you feel the nut coming loose. You can then continue turning by hand until the nut comes out, and you can remove the faucet.
Remove the escutcheon plate if your old faucet has one and the retention ring, too. Use a drill driver to remove the screws holding the ring in place and slip it off the stub-out.
Step 3 – Install a new retention ring
Slip a new retention ring on the stub-out and wrap the thread compound on its threads. Position the retention ring so that none of its screw holes are over the water pipe and screw it to the wall with the screws it comes with.
To make sure you don’t damage the waterline, you could fill the old retention ring’s holes with epoxy filler and fasten the new ring using the old holes as a guideline.
Step 4 – Install the new pot filler
Modern pot fillers come with escutcheon plates that provide a finished look once the installation is complete. Slide the new faucet’s plate over the retention ring, then screw the faucet on the ring – you can use a thread adapter if needed.
Tighten the faucet with a wrench, paying attention not to over tighten it, then tighten the hex nut at the bottom of the escutcheon plate with an Allen wrench.
Step 5 – Test the faucet
Once you’re done, turn on the shut-off valve and let the water run for a few minutes (place a larger pot under the faucet). Check the fittings and joints for leaks. That’s it.
How To Install A Pot Filler Water Line
If your home doesn’t have a pot filler installed, you’ll have to take care of the rough-in, too. This means cutting the drywall and installing a water line.
Step 1 – Make a sketch
Consult your home’s plumbing plans if you have them or locate the nearest water line – that is most likely the line under your kitchen sink.
Grab a pencil and paper and draw the plan of your kitchen. Add the sink and stove in their respective positions, then plan the best route for your new pipe.
Step 2 – Measure and cut the new plumbing pipes
Considering the route on your sketch, measure the distance from the water line to the stove, then from the bottom to the point where you want the faucet installed. Pot filler faucets must be placed about 20 to 24 inches above the range.
Once you have the measurements, measure the pipe length and mark the cutting point with a permanent marker.
Use a circular saw, miter saw, or hacksaw to cut the length of pipe, then do the same with the other length. You should end up with two pipe sections: one to connect to the nearest waterline and another one that goes up over the stove.
Step 3 – Cut the drywall
If you’re not planning a full kitchen remodel, you’ll have to cut the drywall to route the new pipe. You can draw the route with a pencil, then use a circular saw, reciprocating saw, or rotary tool to cut the section of the wall.
Step 4 – Install the pipe
Turn off the shut-off valve on the pipe from which you want to draw water and cut it with a circular saw or hacksaw.
Solder a fitting tee on it, then assemble the new branch line. Thread the new line on the tee or solder it for a longer-lasting result.
Place the new branch line in the wall slot you cut earlier. Fit a 90-degree elbow at its end and solder it, then attach the vertical line up to the point where you want to install the faucet. Solder all joints for a long-lasting result.
At the top of the vertical pipe, install a stub-out; you can either solder it to the pipe or thread and fasten it with a nut – you should install the stub-out following the manufacturer’s indications.
Step 5 – Repair the wall
Cover the cuts with freshly cut sections of drywall and fix them with masonry adhesive or caulk. Let the joints dry and cure, then sand the area with coarse-grit sandpaper to make it flush with the rest of the wall.
Remove the dust, then sand again with a fine-grit sandpaper. Clean with a damp cloth and let the wall dry completely.
Apply drywall primer with a paintbrush, then paint the wall in the desired color. If you have tiled walls throughout the kitchen, apply new tiles instead.
Once you’ve repaired the wall, you can proceed to install the pot filler faucet, following the steps we mentioned above.
Are Pot Fillers Still In Style?
Practical or not, pot fillers look old. They can add a vintage touch to any interior, so you may wonder if they are in style.
Surprisingly enough, they are. You don’t have to take our word for granted. Product managers, such as Dan Worst from Enkay, agree that pot fillers are trendy. Their popularity is growing, even if most homeowners prefer faucets with a sleeker, more streamlined appearance.
This trend is confirmed by the many pot filler faucets available from famous brands like Delta Faucets and Moen.
Thus, if you don’t have a pot filler already and you have doubts about this element, rest assured that installing one will keep you in trend.
Before You Start The Pot Filler Faucet Installation Process
We already established that pot fillers are trendy. Yet, this doesn’t mean that you should jump in your car and go buy one. Before you start, there are a few crucial things to consider.
Code Requirements
The first thing to consider before buying and installing a pot filler is the plumbing code in your area. Since a pot filler is essentially a kitchen faucet, you have to follow the same rules as you would for a sink faucet. Namely, the faucet shall not exceed a maximum flow rate of 1.8 gallons per minute at 60 PSI.
Like all regular kitchen faucets, pot fillers can temporarily exceed this rate, as long as they don’t exceed 2.2 gallons per minute at 60 PSI.
Despite the requirements above, you should also consult your local code. A constructor or plumber would generally be able to give you more specific information.
Location On Wall
Pot fillers are installed at a height between 20 and 24 inches above the stove burner, on a backsplash or wall behind your stove. This is an important thing to think about because if you plan to remodel your kitchen in the future and change the location of your stove, the whole purpose of a pot filler will be void.
Things You Will Need
Waterline pipes
Fire-resistant cloth
Miter saw or hacksaw
Hole saw
PEX cutter
Pliers
Pipe wrench
Adjustable wrench
Drill driver
Plumber’s tape
Screwdriver
Rib-joint pliers
Protective equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure if you want to install the pot filler yourself and wondering how much it cost to hire a plumber? Wondering why pot fillers have two handles or how far the faucet should sit above the stove? Check out the answers below.
How much does pot filler installation cost?
Installing a pot filler costs about $790 on average. A DIY installation won’t cost you as much; depending on the faucet type and materials you buy, you can expect to spend between $125 and $650. Professional installation is more expensive, with prices ranging between $475 and $1,100 for materials and labor. At the higher end, the prices also include the plumbing rough-in.
Why do pot fillers have two handles?
You may have noticed that pot fillers have two handles despite dispensing cold water alone. The design is actually due to safety. One handle allows you to turn the water on or off at the source, while the other allows you to fine-tune the flow as you’re filling the pot.
Sure, you could achieve the same result with one handle only, but you’d have to stretch your arm over the pot and perhaps maintain an unnatural position while the pot is filling. Moreover, the second handle is easier to reach if you’ve accidentally forgotten that your pot was filling, so you can stop the flow faster if needed.
How far should a pot filler be above the stove?
The faucet should be placed between 20 and 24 inches above the range. Consider this if you have cabinets or a range hood installed over the stove.
Conclusion
Pot filler faucets may look old, but they are incredibly practical. Not only that, but they’re also in style. Are you planning to install one yourself or hire a plumber for the job? Do you have to replace an old pot filler only or install the rough-in? Tell us in a comment.
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