The arrival of spring marks the start of the outdoor entertaining season. Perhaps this year, you’ve decided to embrace the outdoors by adding an outdoor kitchen to your home. The idea of cooking and grilling outside sounds great. But when it comes to practicality, there’s a lot to consider to make that happen! You can install an outdoor kitchen on your own, but you may need the help of an expert. In preparation for May, which is National Barbecue Month, here’s what to know to get started.
Give Yourself Time
Many people embark on a DIY plumbing project with the best intentions of finishing a job. But for a variety of reasons, they get sidetracked and never complete the work. If you are installing a home kitchen, it’s essential to give yourself enough time so that you’ll be able to complete the task without feeling rushed and without making mistakes. It takes approximately one day to configure basic plumbing for an outdoor kitchen. At a minimum, this means installing a gas line for the grill and plumbing fixtures for the sink. If you’re not sure how to complete these installations, contact a Henderson plumber for expert guidance.
Get the Right Tools
No matter what kind of plumbing problem you’re planning to fix, you will never get the job finished (or finished correctly) without the proper tools. You should at least have a standard set of tools on hand to complete an installation, but some tools are also job-specific. At a minimum, your toolbox should contain a level, a shovel, groove-joint pliers, a hole saw, a posthole digger, fittings, and supply pipes, drain pipes and their fittings, a trap, and gravel. At the worksite, it’s a good idea to keep a garbage can on hand for proper waste disposal, too.
Making the Connections
There are several considerations to keep in mind for creating successful outdoor kitchens Las Vegas Nevada. First, you’ll want to make sure that you run water lines from the house to the outdoor kitchen. These water lines should include shut-off valves and drain plugs. After installing water lines, make sure to connect the supply line from the house to the outdoor kitchen. The pipe should be routed through the base part of the cabinet that holds the outdoor sink. Next, install adapters to the sink tubes and a PVC drainpipe that connects to the sink adapter. The sink and trap should then be connected.
Selecting Materials
Along with the basic steps you need to follow to complete an outdoor kitchen, keep in mind that you’ll need to select the right materials to complete the installation. Before you get started, be aware that certain codes may govern what materials you can or can’t use. Before spending all that money on getting supplies, check with your town’s building department to make sure you have the right materials or that you can easily access materials that are required to complete the project. While your local building codes might suggest otherwise, two standard supplies that are universally accepted are CPVC and PEX. PVC is a standard material for a drainpipe.
Do You Need a Sink?
A sink in your outdoor kitchen is not required. However, most people find that it comes in handy. By installing a sink, you won’t have to make frequent trips back to the house for water. This saves time and aggravation with cooking, food preparation, clean-up, and more. However, installing a sink can be tricky, which requires the helping hand of the best plumber in Henderson.
If you like to spend time outdoors or entertain, you’ll benefit from having an outdoor kitchen on your property. Installing a kitchen is possible on your own if you have the right tools and follow some simple steps. Ultimately, however, you may need to call in an expert. If you have questions or need help with your outdoor kitchen project, don’t hesitate to contact Service Plus Plumbing.
