Designing and installing an outdoor kitchen can be so rewarding. Once it is set up, you can enjoy cooking outside, right where your family members and guests are gathering. It is important, however, to design your outdoor kitchen in a way that is not only attractive but also functional. That means putting some thought into how the plumbing is run and installed. For best results, make sure you work with a plumber who has experience with outdoor kitchens. Here are some tips to keep in mind and discuss with your plumber.

Run hot water lines.

Especially if your hot water heater is located on the opposite side of your house from the outdoor kitchen, it may be tempting to skip the hot water and just install a cold water tap. But having a sink with only cold water will be miserable once the weather gets the tiniest bit chilly. You're going through the trouble of installing an outdoor sink, so you want it to be usable whenever you need the outdoor kitchen. Run hot water lines so you have hot water at the sink. It may cost a bit more and take more time, but you'll be glad you did it when it's 50 degrees outside and you're able to wash your hands comfortably.

Install a separate shut-off valve for the water lines.

Make sure your plumber installs a valve that controls the flow of water specifically to the outside water lines. If the temperature falls below freezing, you will need to turn off the flow of water to keep it from freezing in the lines. Plus, if the lines ever spring a leak, being able to turn them off separately will mean you're able to continue using the water in your home. 

Consider installing two sinks.

Two sinks may seem like a lot for an outdoor kitchen, but consider how you plan on using the space. Most people use their outdoor kitchens for backyard parties. Having two sinks means one of your guests can wash their hands while you're washing a dish, prepping veggies, or performing other cooking tasks in the other sink. This not only makes the kitchen more usable but also makes it easier to keep things safe and sanitary.

With the plumbing tips above, you can do an even better job of designing your outdoor kitchen. Don't hesitate to ask a plumbing service like Spartan Plumbing and Services to see if they have any other good ideas.

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