Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: rerouting pipes and support beam

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Plumbing
Remote Name: 207.82.209.53
Date: 16 Nov 2001
Time: 10:51 PM

Comments

When you say you need to reroute some pipes, are you referring to drain pipes (such as 1-1/2"-2" or more diameter) or water supply pipes, such as 1/2" or 3/4" copper pipes?

Generally, you should not route pipes vertically through a load-bearing beam, as this weakens the beam or may reduce its load-bearing surface.

The building codes are very specific about the size and location of holes in support members. If you can provide us more information about the beam, the thickness of the wall, the size of the pipes, etc., we may be able to make some recommendations. But drilling vertically through a beam is not advised.

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