How High to Install a Pot Filler?

What’s Involved

• Pot fillers are articulated faucets controlled by one lever at the end of the spout or by two levers -- one at the base and one at the end of the spout. The two-lever spout, because of the lack of a drain, offers more control of water flow. Some pot fillers mount on the counter next to the stove top, and some mount on the wall behind it. Ceramic cartridges provide superior water control without need for periodic replacement -- a necessity considering the lack of an underlying drain. Pot fillers require extension of a cold water line, either to the adjoining counter or up into the stove’s backsplash.

Considerations

• In addition to the expense of the faucet itself, the height of adjoining cabinets from the counter and proximity of cabinets to the stove may control the type of pot filler you choose. Counter-mounted units have risers -- posts that rise from their bases -- that may not fit beneath counters, while backsplash-mounted units must be placed so they cannot bang on nearby cabinets.

Controlling Height

• Although height may not seem to be a problem, pot fillers that are mounted too high may be difficult to reach, particularly when mounted behind large ranges. Another problem with pot fillers mounted too high is that water may splash when the lever is opened. Using two-lever controls to moderate opening flow and positioning outlets just above the rim of the pot can limit splashing.

How High

• The tallest pot in the kitchen is not the only yardstick for determining the height at which the pot filler must be installed, although it provides a good guide if its installation is the only improvement planned for the kitchen. The height of a new stove, including the height of grill covers, and the thickness of new floor coverings should be added to installation height if these improvements are contemplated. Finally, consider the possibility that, with a convenient new pot filler, the cook will decide that the old soup pot may deserve a companion kettle that is wider and a few inches taller and add an inch or two for expansion.