How to install a pot filler faucet above a kitchen stove

April 27, 2023 Corey McNeill

How to Install a Pot Filler: Step-by-Step Guide for Wall and Deck Mount

Updated October 2026

Installing a pot filler means running a cold water line to the wall behind your stove, fixing a fitting to the framing, then mounting the faucet. It is easiest during a remodel, when the wall is open. In a finished kitchen you will need to open the drywall behind the range. Plan for most of a day if you are comfortable with plumbing, and check your local code: many areas require a permit, or a licensed plumber, for a new supply line.

Wall-mounted or deck-mounted?

Wall-mounted pot fillers are the classic choice: the faucet comes out of the backsplash above the cooktop and folds flat against the wall when not in use. They need a water line inside the wall. Deck-mounted pot fillers sit on the countertop next to the range, like a tall kitchen faucet. They need a hole in the countertop but no work inside the wall, which makes them the easier retrofit.

Plan the position first

Decide where the faucet goes before you open anything. The arm must reach the burners you fill pots on, clear the range hood, and sit high enough to clear your tallest pot. See our guides to pot filler height and measurements and pot filler placement.

Tools and materials

The pot filler faucet and its mounting kit
Stud finder, level, tape measure and pencil
Drywall saw, drill and bits
Pipe cutter, and the pipe you will use (PEX or copper)
A tee fitting to connect to the existing cold line, and a shutoff valve
A drop-ear elbow and a piece of wood blocking to anchor it
Plumber's tape (PTFE) and an adjustable wrench
Silicone sealant (for deck-mounted models)

How to install a wall-mounted pot filler

Shut off the water at the main and open a faucet to drain the lines.
Mark the faucet position on the wall and find the studs on either side.
Open the wall between those studs, big enough to work in.
Run a cold water line from the nearest cold supply, often the kitchen sink line or a line below the floor. Use a tee to branch off, and fit a shutoff valve where you can reach it later, unless your pot filler has its own shutoff.
Anchor the outlet. Screw a piece of blocking between the studs and fix a drop-ear elbow to it at the marked height, so the fitting cannot move when you tighten the faucet.
Pressure test by turning the water back on and checking every joint for drips before you close the wall.
Close and finish the wall: patch the drywall and tile or finish the backsplash.
Mount the faucet. Wrap the threads with plumber's tape, screw the pot filler onto the fitting, check it is level and tighten it with a cloth-wrapped wrench.
Test. Open the valves on the arm, run the water and check for leaks at the wall.

How to install a deck-mounted pot filler

Shut off the water.
Mark the hole on the countertop next to the range. Stone and quartz need a diamond hole saw; many people ask their countertop fabricator to drill it.
Run silicone sealant under the base and set the faucet in the hole.
Tighten the mounting nut from below.
Connect the supply hose to a cold water line with a shutoff valve.
Turn the water on and check for leaks above and below the counter.

Common mistakes to avoid

Connecting to hot water. Pot fillers are designed for cold water only.
No blocking behind the fitting. A loose outlet leaks and lets the faucet sag.
Closing the wall before testing. Always pressure test first.
Forgetting the hood. Check that the arm can swing and fold without hitting the range hood.

When to call a plumber

Hire a licensed plumber if your local code requires one, if the nearest cold line is far from the range, if you would need to cut into a load-bearing wall, or if you are not confident soldering or crimping pipe.

Frequently asked questions

Do pot fillers need hot water?

No. Pot fillers connect to cold water only. Water for cooking should come from the cold line anyway.

Can I add a pot filler without opening the wall?

A wall-mounted pot filler needs a line inside the wall. If you do not want to open it, choose a deck-mounted pot filler that sits on the countertop.

Do I need a permit to install a pot filler?

It depends on where you live. New supply lines often need a permit. Check with your local building department before you start.

How long does it take to install a pot filler?

A deck-mounted model can take an hour or two. A wall-mounted model with a new supply line usually takes a day, plus time for the drywall and backsplash to be finished.