Cost GuideUpdated June 27, 2026
Kitchen remodels offer the chance to solve daily hassles, whether it's lugging heavy pots from the sink to the stove or dealing with dinner traffic jams when there's only one spot to wash up. In Burlington, most homes use municipal water with moderate hardness, and a lot of the housing stock was built between the 1950s and 1980s. That means adding plumbing for a new pot filler or a second sink usually means working with existing copper or, in older homes, sometimes galvanized pipes. Both upgrades can make meal prep and cleanup much simpler, but there are important details and costs to consider before you start cutting into walls or cabinets.
Why Add a Pot Filler or Second Sink?
A pot filler is a cold-water fixture mounted above or near your stove. It lets you fill large pots right on the cooktop, so you don't have to carry them from the sink, this is especially useful if you cook a lot or have a big family. A second sink, often called a prep sink, makes it easier for more than one person to work in the kitchen at the same time, or gives you a separate spot for washing produce and draining pasta. In both cases, adding new plumbing has to be done right to avoid leaks, pressure drops, or code issues.
What Burlington Homeowners Need to Watch For
Since many houses in our area still have original mid-century supply lines, you might run into galvanized pipes that are prone to corrosion inside the walls. These can complicate adding new fixtures. If you're seeing rusty water or reduced flow, you may be facing more than just a simple tie-in for your new line. Sometimes we recommend checking for hidden leaks or planning for partial repiping if the old pipes are in poor condition.
Another factor is Burlington's hard water supply. Excess mineral buildup can clog small fixture valves over time, especially on new pot fillers with fine aerators. It's a good idea to check your main shutoff and existing water pressure. Homes with stubborn clogs or slow drains near the kitchen might also need drain cleaning before you add a second sink.
Steps Involved in Installing a Pot Filler or Second Sink
- Shut off the main water supply and check for pressure issues.
- Map out the exact location for the new fixture. For pot fillers, make sure it reaches all burners without overextending the arm.
- Open up drywall to access supply lines. In older homes, be ready to deal with galvanized, copper, or sometimes even flexible PEX added in later years.
- Cut in a new tee or run a dedicated supply line, sometimes requiring a pressure balancing valve if your water pressure is high.
- Secure the pipe with proper hangers to reduce vibration. For a second sink, install new drain and vent connections using a P-trap and check that the vent ties into the existing waste line correctly.
- Install the fixture, test for leaks, then patch and finish the walls or cabinets.
Whenever we add a fixture, we double-check for hidden corrosion and test all joints with water under pressure, not just air. For kitchens above finished basements, it's especially important to look for signs of past water damage or mold.
Cost Factors to Expect
Costs can vary in Burlington, but most of the expense comes from labor and how much new plumbing is needed. Pot fillers usually require cutting into the wall behind the stove and running a new cold water line. If the main supply is nearby, the job is more straightforward. If your kitchen is on an exterior wall or far from existing supply, you might need more demolition and pipe routing, especially if old pipes are rusty or inaccessible.
Adding a second sink is a bigger job. You'll need both supply and drain lines, and the drains must be properly sloped and vented to prevent slow draining or sewer gas smells. If there's no drain nearby, this can mean opening up large sections of wall or even the floor. We often check for proper venting and can tie new drains into the main sewer stack, but older homes might need sewer line upgrades if there are signs of cast iron drain failure or root invasion.
Don't forget, you'll also need the right faucet or fixture for the job. Some homeowners want high-end units, which can increase the price. The work often goes smoother when paired with other updates, like new fixture installations or water heater upgrades.
Hidden Issues and Unexpected Costs
One thing that trips up projects in our area is old piping hidden behind walls. Galvanized lines, in particular, are notorious for clogging and springing leaks. Running new copper or PEX is usually the best option if you want long-term peace of mind. We often check for signs of previous water damage or patch jobs, which sometimes means an extra visit for leak repairs you didn't expect.
If your home's water pressure is too high or inconsistent, we may need to install or adjust a PRV (pressure reducing valve). This is worth addressing before you put in any new plumbing fixtures, since excess pressure can void warranties and cause future problems.
Kitchens located above a basement or crawl space can present their own challenges. The flat terrain and higher water table in Burlington make sump pumps an essential part of home protection. If you're routing new drains, check for any signs of previous moisture problems. Sometimes a sump pit upgrade or sump pump service gets bundled in with the job to protect your investment.
Preparing for a Hassle-Free Upgrade
To avoid surprises, start with a thorough inspection of your kitchen's supply and drain lines. Look for water stains, slow drains, or any spots where pipes have been patched. Decide if you want just cold water to your pot filler or both hot and cold at a prep sink. Think about future needs, adding isolation valves and access panels now can save you trouble later. If you're pairing your project with other renovations, plan the timing carefully so contractors don't work against each other.
We always recommend using licensed plumbers familiar with older Burlington homes. This reduces the risk of code violations and keeps your renovation on schedule. Need help planning or pricing a new pot filler or secondary sink? Give our team a call at 224-490-1812. We can handle everything from fixture selection to proper installation, so you end up with a kitchen that works for your family's real needs.