Updating a kitchen usually consists of shopping for a new sink, faucet, décor, or coat of paint that matches your current tastes. But sometimes, it can be as big as remodeling the entire kitchen and adding something that not everyone has in their homes: a pot filler.
That said, if you don’t have solid plumbing experience, installing a pot filler won’t be a simple job.
If you install the pot filler too high, it may look awkward, cause splashes, and be hard to access. And if you install it too low, you may only be able to fit small pots underneath, which defeats its purpose.
You need to consider your ergonomics, the size of your burner, as well as the overall layout of your kitchen. It can be daunting not knowing where to start. But if you have the right guide and tools, you should be able to get your dream pot filler up and running in no time.
Below, we’ll walk you through an easy step-by-step guide on installing a pot filler faucet in your kitchen. We’ll also give you a few pointers about pot filler so you can decide whether or not it is a viable solution for you.
What Is a Pot Filler?
As the name suggests, a pot filler, also known as a kettle faucet and pasta arm, is a kitchen faucet used for filling pots. It’s typically installed on the wall above or behind the stove and is designed to swing out and extend over the stove or cooktop.
A pot filler is a convenient way to fill pots right on your stove. It gives you easy access to water when you cook with large pots, lessening the time and effort to carry their heavy weight from your sink to the stove.
Pot fillers usually come with two valves: one at the end of the spout and another at the base of the fixture. The valves make it simple to adjust the water’s flow and help with leakage. They also come in various designs and finishes that suit any kitchen style.
Different Types of Pot Fillers
Installing a pot filler is a serious investment. So, it’s crucial to find one that works for your kitchen style and needs. Luckily, there are several types available, each with unique features that suit different needs and kitchen layouts.
Fixed
This type of pot filler sticks out of the wall, typically only reaching one side of the burner. This means you won’t be able to move or adjust it, which may not work for everyone since it lacks the access points needed to reach multiple burners.
What’s good about fixed pot fillers is that they are inexpensive. They are also great if you only use one side of your burner, and that side is intended for using larger pots.
Swing-Out
These pot fillers have a single joint and give you more flexibility since you can, as the name suggests, swing them out to reach all burners. A swing-out faucet is installed on the wall and has a single handle that allows you to manage water flow. The main caveat is that it’s often more expensive to install than a fixed spout.
Double-Jointed
A double-jointed pot filler has double swing joints that are expandable and reach multiple burners. It’s loved by many homeowners because it can be pushed back against the wall after, offering a tidy look. This pot filler is a great solution if you have a large or oddly shaped cooktop.
That said, a double-jointed pot filler can be expensive. But with the flexibility it offers, it’s worth the price.
Different Finishes of Pot Fillers
Pot fillers come in a range of finishes to complement different kitchen design styles. Metallic finishes like bronze and gold are a wonderful choice as accents. A brushed nickel finish is also a popular choice due to its modern and sleek look in many kitchens.
Another modern take would be black matte faucets, which look stunning in white backsplashes. If you have a farmhouse kitchen modern stainless finish would be the ideal choice. It balances out the rustic look while being easy to maintain and clean.
The Pros and Cons of Installing a Pot Filler
While a pot filler is a great addition to any kitchen, installing one can have several disadvantages. Before deciding to include one in your kitchen remodel, weigh its pros and cons.
Pros:
- Convenience. Pot fillers save time and energy by eliminating the need to carry heavy and large pots from your sink to the stove. And by the same token, the faucet reduces strain on your arms, back, hands, and wrists. Plus, when you don’t need to carry your pots, there are less spills and accidents.
- Offers a clutter-free sink. Not everyone has large sinks. A pot filler helps free-up space in your kitchen sink since you can fill it with water right on your stove. This also helps provide ample space for other things like food that needs to be rinsed and dirty dishes.
- Increase your home’s value. Because not everyone has pot fillers installed in their kitchen, it can be a desirable feature to some buyers.
- Aesthetic appeal. A pot filler can be both functional and a statement piece. It can be a decorative element on an often empty wall area behind the stove. With a range of styles and finishes to choose from, you are sure to find one that complements your kitchen’s decor and meets your cooking needs.
Cons:
- Expensive to install. Many homeowners consider pot fillers a luxury. The price of one can be expensive and hiring a professional plumber to install it can quickly add up to the overall cost. It might not be a good decision if you have a limited budget.
- Takes up space. For large and bustling kitchens, a pot filler may not be such a big deal when it comes to wall space. But for smaller kitchens, installing one may not be the smartest option.
- Hard to clean. Since pot fillers are often installed over a range or stove, cleaning them can be a bit difficult. For one, they are subjected to grease from the hot pots. They also tend to get hot from the heat of the stove’s surface. It also doesn’t help that most pot fillers don’t come with drainage.
How To Install a Pot Filler in an Existing Wall
If you have existing water lines in your wall, the installation process shouldn’t be tricky. The process is also a lot easier if you’re starting from scratch (e.g., entirely remodeling or building a new kitchen). But if you want to retrofit a faucet behind your stove, the process can be challenging as you need a rough in plumbing.
You’ll probably need the help of a professional plumber. It’s a complex undertaking, and doing it on your own with limited knowledge can result in damaging leaks, poor water pressure, or other plumbing system issues.
Here’s how to install a pot filler in an existing wall:
- First, you need a water supply on that wall. Know exactly the pot filler location before doing the rough-in. Make sure to check the instructions from the manufacturer so you’ll know the length of the stub-out pipe. It’s typically about half an inch past the mounting surface but you should check.
- Install the pot filler line to the wall. You also need a short hose and a threaded elbow so the water goes through the pot filler.
- Now, connect your cold water line hose to the threaded elbow. Use a sealant to prevent leaks.
- Put the mounting plates in place and tighten them with screws. Some pot filler models have multiple points of attachment that connect to the plate, which is typically mounted on the pipe before being screwed into the wall. Other faucets will have two points to the mounting plates.
- Use sealant paste to make your thread durable and prevent leaks. Make sure to not overtighten the pot filler so you won’t damage the thread, causing drips and leaks.
- After installing your pot filler, run the water for a few minutes and check for any leaks. Doing this also helps eliminate impurities in the water. Put a bucket or a basin underneath just in case. If everything seems to be in good working order, you can now use your pot filler.
How High Should a Pot Filler Be?
It depends on your preferences. We’d like to say you should refer to your own ergonomics, but what if you’re not the only person in the kitchen using the pot filler? It’s important to consider the height at which each member of the household feels the most comfortable.
The safest starting point is between 16 to 36 inches higher than your stove’s cooking surface. If you’re tall, you may get away with any height. But if you’re short, the pot filler needs to be lower, but not too low that you could not fit large pots underneath.
In addition, the faucet can get really hot and greasy from the steam of the pots and the heat from the burner’s surface. To get a good idea of how high the faucet should be, grab your tallest pot, place it over the stove, and measure its height.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Should You Install a Pot Filler?
It’s always a good idea to check with your local building codes to find out whether there are any guidelines to help you decide where you can install it. But in general, pot fillers are typically installed over or behind a stove or cooktop.
However, if you’re only using one side of the burner for large pots, you can have the pot filler installed next to it. You may also install it on a side wall if your stove is situated next to it.
And wherever you wish to install your pot filler, consider how far the arm of the pot filler extends to the burners. This allows you to swing the faucet’s arm, making it easy to fill pots with water without removing it from your stove.
What Plumbing Is Needed for a Pot Filler?
Just like any other faucet in your home, pot fillers require a water supply line to install a pot filler. The only difference is that it doesn’t require drainage because the water empties into a pot. Some faucets, however, do come with this feature.
Is It Worth Installing a Pot Filler?
It depends on the style and demands of your kitchen. If you find yourself frequently cooking and have a large and busy kitchen, then a pot filler may be worth having. Some homeowners add a pot filler to upgrade their kitchen. It’s a serious investment but not exactly a necessity.
Does a Pot Filler Need a Shut Off Valve?
Of course. Pot fillers need to have a valve to help with stopping leaks. A shut-off valve allows you to turn off the water when there is leakage, which comes in handy when you’re not home and your faucet unexpectedly drips.
Wrap Up
Pot fillers are a convenient addition to any kitchen. It’s a great option for bustling kitchens because it reduces the amount of time you need to travel from your sink to your stove. Plus, they offer a decorative element that is sure to impress anyone that walks into your kitchen.
That said, installing one isn’t always a simple process. It’s always a good idea to hire a professional plumber. But if you have the tools and solid plumbing skills, it will save you money on labor costs.
We hope you’ve found our guide helpful in installing your pot filler. If you have any more questions about how to install a pot filler, feel free to reach out and we’ll be happy to help. Good luck!
