Outdoor kitchens are booming in Sacramento — and it’s not hard to see why. With warm evenings, backyard space, and more people entertaining at home, a grill and a sink outside just makes sense.

But here’s what most folks don’t realize: the plumbing in an outdoor kitchen isn’t just a hose and a drain. If it’s done right, it’s a full system — and if it’s done wrong, you’re looking at leaks, clogs, and busted pipes by next summer.

As a Sacramento plumbing team, we’ve worked on dozens of these setups. Here’s what I tell homeowners before we run a single pipe.

What Kind of Plumbing Do You Actually Need?

Every outdoor kitchen is different. But at a minimum, most people want:

• Cold water for a sink
• A drain line (connected properly — not just spilling into the yard)
• Sometimes hot water (either from the main line or an on-demand unit)
• A gas line for built-in grills or cooktops

If you’re installing a fridge, dishwasher, or even an ice maker outside — we can plumb those too. But it all starts with a real plan.

Yes, You Might Need a Permit

This catches a lot of people off guard. Plumbing outside still has to follow Sacramento’s building codes, especially when it ties into your main sewer or water system.

Good news: we take care of that for you. We handle permits, inspections, and make sure it’s all by the book — so there are no surprises when you go to sell your home or run into insurance issues.

Outdoor Plumbing Has to Be Built Tougher

Sacramento doesn’t freeze often — but it does get cold enough to cause trouble. Outdoor pipes need to be properly insulated, pitched for drainage, and securely fastened to avoid movement or damage.

We use materials rated for outdoor use, run shut-off valves for winterizing, and make sure everything can handle heat, sun, and rain.

If your setup isn’t winterized? That first cold snap could wreck your investment.

Planning Ahead Makes a Huge Difference

We’ve seen outdoor kitchen projects that were gorgeous — until water started backing up or the gas line wasn’t vented properly. Most of those issues came down to plumbing that was added as an afterthought.

Our advice: call a plumber before you pour concrete or build the counter frame. It’s way cheaper (and easier) to run proper lines when the space is still open.

Ready to Build That Dream Kitchen?

Golden Valley Plumbing is your Sacramento partner for full outdoor kitchen plumbing — water, drains, gas lines, shut-offs, the whole deal. We work with homeowners and contractors, and we get it done cleanly, safely, and on time.

Let’s get your backyard ready for anything — BBQs, birthdays, or just quiet dinners under the stars. Call us today or book online — we’ll help you plan it right from the start.