What Building Code Books Say About Drilling Through Wall Framing Studs - Plumbing And Electrical

[@brinkman4925]

These videos are so necessary. Thanks very much.

[@gregvancom]

You're very welcome!

[@SheilaSpencer1]

If you can't cut a hole big enough for a DWV in a 2x4 (non lb wall), then how do they do for dryer ducting that is 4"? I'm wanting to relocate my dryer ducting and hesitant to make any new holes in my studs.

[@christopherdekonstrukt444]

Need to strap both sides, I have a top plate on a non load bearing wall with a vent stack going through it. The original was termite eaten so now I know what to do.

[@RipRoaringGarage]

The closest so far to my question. How many screws are too much in a load bearing beam? Im not a carpenter, but this is a verticle doubled up beam (2, 2x4s) in the middle of a long joust (is that right) that runs in a two car garage, parallel to how the cars are, in between them. I want to mount a monitor arm, and I already have stuff mounted (no more than 10 screws, hooks, fire extinguisher mount etc). I plan on trippling up the beam, using this stake pocket brackets and bolt them together so the added beam won't move around. Of course, the piece of wood I have is not 2x4 (as in the standard. Its much less than 3-1/2..so I need some shims for the stake pockets...ie more work!) Does this matter? Is a monitor well in the ability of these beams to hold? Its a 27 inch touch screen, with a 3 joint gas adjust arm (the monitor was free from my Snap On guy). It would be a real nice touch to have it near the car while Im diagnosing. Thanks for any help...I'll owe you a tune up lol!

[@gregvancom]

It will depend on the beam size, materials and screws. Plus the weight of objects hanging from them. I would think that you could contact the product manufactures for more information.

[@Kevin-jx9xf]

Can i drill more than 2 holes if i have 2" pipe on 2x6 load bearing studs? Thanks!

[@andrew3453]

Inspectors on my area don’t seem to be enforcing this.. according to this video we break code all the time. -Confused apprentice

[@gregvancom]

Then keep doing it. Always check with your local building department to verify information you find. That's why I didn't say this is what all building codes suggest, but what some code books suggest.

[@Oldiesyoungies]

can you do a vid about joist spacing? like back in the 1970s, everyone built with 1x10 floor joists. What was the maximum span architects liked to use at that time? thanks

[@gregvancom]

I put your videos on our list of videos to be made in the future, but I don't remember ever using 1 x 10, did you mean 2 x 10?

[@Oldiesyoungies]

gregvancom ha yes. 2x10s. Thanks 👍

[@chrisalister2297]

Great info! Great videos! Subscribed.

[@gregvancom]

Thanks for the sub!

[@christopherdekonstrukt444]

I have a termite eaten 2x4 stud in the back garage wall that has a 2" drain pipe going through it. Even though it has a stud shoe on it there's no way it wouid pass code. I'm considering replacing it with a 4x4 post and replacing the PVC pipe with a splice and putting a double shoe on it. Won't be to code but covered up with Sheetrock no one will know. I wouldn't advise that for every situation, maybe in the future will rebuild with a 2x6 wall.

[@Simple_Youtube]

I bought a house and the king stud was notched twice on opposite sides... what structural adhesive would you recommend me use before I put a shoe on the stud. Its is definitely about 50% notched.

[@gregvancom]

If it was my house and it wasn't creating any structural issues, then I might leave it alone. If not, then You could remove stud and redo plumbing.

[@c182SkylaneRG]

You seem to be a guy to ask: I'm upgrading the wiring in my kitchen to comply with 12g for 20A breakers. When I went to take the wires out of the outlets powering the over-cabinet accent lighting (downstream of a countertop outlet), I discovered that one of the outlets was not in a box, and was simply notched into a 2x4 top plate with the wire plastered between bits of drywall to the face of the top plate, going up into the attic. Now that I've removed the offending installation, I'm trying to put it back in legally. Through the gap in the drywall, I appear to have three top plates, the notched bottom plate is a 2x4, turned sideways (what I'd expect), but the two above it are each 2.5 inches tall. The house was built in 1958, and I'm wondering if a 3x4 was ever a lumber dimension, if it was ever used in framing, and how far I can get away with notching the 2x4 at the bottom (trying to get far enough back to find the wiring hole, or if I need to relocate the notch to make it easier to drill a new wiring hole). Thanks!

[@gregvancom]

I would try to relocate the box, but if you can't then maybe but it in an electrical box and at the very least you would have something better. As far as the notching, I really can't provide a yes or no answer.

[@cmoral0912]

Thank you very much for sharing that information.

[@gregvancom]

Our pleasure!

[@jbrandt7]

Is there any problem with predrilling holes for 1" conduit (if you know your layout and plan to have all at the same height)? I am working on framing my basement and plan to run conduit for networking cables (so that I can run additional ones in the future or switch to fiber at some point).

[@bryanhunter1927]

Great video thanks

[@chriseee86]

Hi! I’m hoping to get some feedback. I drilled a 3/8 hole completely thru a 2x4 stud. The only problem is it was drilled through the 2” width part so the hole is 4 inches long. It was done to get an Ethernet cable from the kitchen to the garage. Do you think I’ll have any problems? I was thinking of patching it with a dowel since I don’t need the hole anymore. Also I don’t know how close to the side of the stud it got. The hole is around 10 inches off the ground. And there is a sheet of wood covering the garage part so I’m thinking it’s a sheer wall.

[@gregvancom]

I can't provide engineering information, but like the dowel idea using glue.

[@chrisalister2297]

If it isn't a load bearing wall, I wouldn't worry about it. If you still use the 1/3 rule at 1.5", technically, the hole could be up to 1/2". I don't think the code was intended for the narrow side of a stud. However, IMHO, I wouldn't sweat it.

[@Frankengruvin]

Does a non-load-bearing wall require a doubled-up top plate?

[@zorankristo7271]

No

[@jorgecallico9177]

Everybody is building with 2 x 6 walls these days. So just ignore all the data on 2 x 4s. I learned to use these, 1 & 1/2 inch' DWV pipe? = Use a 2 & 3/8s (I think! it might be only 2 & 1/4) drill bit 2 inch DWV? 2 & 9/16ths inch hole saw. I'm certain of this! All 1'', 3/4'' and 1/2'' H2O supply pipe = all 1 & 3/8ths bits MUST USE AN ISOLATOR to cushion the hole Ditto and gas pipe same size.

[@gregvancom]

Most defiantly some people, not everybody are using 2 x 6.

[@SheilaSpencer1]

Some of us are remodeling older homes; my house is over 30 yrs old; so that 2x4 info is valuable to me. 👍

[@Hutchy45445]

Great video 👍

[@gregvancom]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@catsmeow5566]

Could I run a nominal 1-1/2" (average 1.9"OD) pipe through a 2x6 in an exterior load-bearing wall for a plumbing vent? I think it would go through only one stud but possibly 2.

[@gregvancom]

You would need to verify with local building codes, but I've seen it done more than once.

[@catsmeow5566]

@@gregvancom Thanks. I'm having a slight problem figuring out how to run the vent for my toilet and lav because the exterior wall they will be against is parallel to the joists and the edge of the wall sits on support framing that can't be notched/drilled through (I believe). I need to get camera under there to confirm, but the perpendicular exterior walls have a small pocket where stuff could come down. Not sure on the one I need to go through. Got a toilet next to a lav and the attic ceiling is too low to run the vent to meet. My late plumber ran circuit vents from under the house up the outside of the exterior wall and around the eaves and then up again. Was thinking of doing something like that for this setup but its getting the lav vent to merge with the toilet vent and then eventually after a few feet I'll run the lav drain to meet with the toilet drain as they go toward the main soil pipe. Gotta tie in a washing machine 5ft after these tie in as well (washing machine is actually upstream but I was advised I need 5' past for suds relief). Basically its a clusterfk. LOL.

[@liamjones246]

How many holes can you drill on a stud and how far apart do they have to be

[@gregvancom]

Check with your local building department.

[@silverbackag9790]

Same question. Don’t have a local building department.

[@travisestes6217]

I was hoping to direct my 4" dia dryer exhaust up and above a door frame, through the studs on a non-load bearing wall. I was curious if this was feasible with a 2x6 wall if I were to double up studs around it. Any better alternatives to running horizontally, across/through studs over a door other than boxing it out?

[@gregvancom]

I don't know if it will work, but if it's a non load bearing wall, it might. What about a Indoor Dryer Vent Kit.

[@stevefoust8964]

I understand the notch depth limits, but is there a notch "height" limit for load bearing studs?

[@gregvancom]

Most engineers don't want to see notches any more in load bearing wall studs. I've never heard of any height limit and good question, can you have a 6 foot notch in an eight foot stud. I've never seen it in any building code books, but it doesn't mean it's not there.

[@dragon32bro]

Can I do 2 holes for a 1 1/2 drain pipe in the same 2 x 4 lead bearing stud ?

[@gregvancom]

I've never found anything suggesting that you couldn't drill more than one hole.

[@rea8755]

In Florida, electricians drilled 3 consecutive holes 1 1/4 " on my top sill in 3 different sections where my garage roof ties down with hurricane straps. Load bearing? I guess cause it's my garage roof.

[@gregvancom]

Isn't that the truth, but they do it to other homes also, if it makes you feel any better :)

[@johnmerone1289]

Is there a maximum number of consecutive studs you can drill through in a non load bearing wall? The video shows 5. Is that the maximum? Thx

[@gregvancom]

I would contact your building department for the exact number, but I've rarely seen more than 5 studs with inch and one half holes in a non load bearing wall.

[@afewthebrand]

does this 40% diameter rule apply to load bearing foundation walls, meaning the concrete or block wall sitting on footings? Like, can plumbing be put in later through that?

[@gregvancom]

You would need to check with your local building department, but I've seen large holes drilled through concrete and block walls and the dimensions of the holes uses a different set of rules than wood framing.

[@afewthebrand]

@@gregvancom right on, I'm gonna do that, our inspections department does sign offs on remodeling permits / building permits, so they probably have resources there or something there to either look at or read up on too

[@zefrum3]

What about stud shoes? How many holes in a load bearing wall with max hole if each has a stud shoe?

[@gregvancom]

I don't know if stud shoes will allow you to drill more holes, but I've never seen any thing suggesting a maximum number. I would check with an engineer or your local building department for more information.

[@zukzilla2144]

Need to put 2 1 3/8'' holes about 3 inches apart on a load bearing wall for an AC line set. Need to drill through 3 consecutive studs is this okay?

[@gregvancom]

I can't help with that question. Maybe contact you're local building department for more advice.

[@capefearcapt4679]

Not okay. The code states that any holes over 3/4" must be spaced at least 6" apart.

[@FJ-xh7gz]

I want to install a washer and dryer box that are located at a load bearing wall. Is there a limit for the cut out on the bottom plate being they are next to each other.

[@gregvancom]

I cannot provide engineering advice, but can tell you that I've seen plenty of jobs where they cut sections out of the bottom plates in between the wall framing studs.

[@FJ-xh7gz]

@@gregvancom thank you for your info

[@annquach6613]

Are there any specific codes regarding staggered stud walls

[@gregvancom]

There might be if the wall is loadbearing. I would think 16 inch on center studs would be fine, because I've seen lots built that way.

[@businessman5894]

I live in California, I have a 2x6 floor stud that is supported by a load bearing beam underneath it. The stud is doubled and I need to drill a hole min 2 inches or maybe 2 1/2 can I do that?

[@gregvancom]

Probably not.

[@MindKontrolleProject]

I thought LB had to due with support above such as your roof joices that would be perpendicular to said wall

[@paulg8252]

Can you notch the width defined by code all the way down to the sole plate do you need to be x" from the bottom (or top) before notching? Thanks

[@gregvancom]

You might be better off checking with your local building department to answer that question. Keep in mind that some of the building codes I refer to from the international building code books might not apply to your area.

[@paulg8252]

gregvancom thanks but my question is more theoretical. Is there a limit on how long a notch can be?

[@stevefoust8964]

@@paulg8252 Same question.

[@joshscott8678]

Why is there a minimum? I'm assuming this is only for plumbing drains not water source or electrical

[@gregvancom]

Larger holds like plumbing pipes. It's not a good idea to remove more than half of the structural wall framing stud width.

[@oddopops1327]

👍👍😊

[@jt5747]

How does the use of stud shoes affect all of this?

[@gregvancom]

You would need to contact the product manufacturer for more information about their products. Keep in mind that some building departments allow them as problem-solving products, while others might not. I've never use them personally.

[@brandongreen1177]

What about the bottom lateral single stud of a wall going down?

[@gregvancom]

You can drill larger holes or cut larger notches in bottom framing plates.

[@troyjoachim1746]

What if I use a stud shoe, does this still apply?

[@gregvancom]

I can't answer your question, but can tell you to check with your local building department. Some building departments might not allow them.

[@jonathanbrazeau970]

so is a 2" shower drain pipe ok through a 2x4? do I have that correct?

[@gregvancom]

I would love to provide you with a yes or no answer, but the video examples only represent information I found in one of the more popular building code books. To find out for sure, you would need to contact your local building and safety department if you have one and these are usually located in the city or county government run offices.

[@jonathanbrazeau970]

@@gregvancom ok. It's so difficult to find resources for this. I think I'm just going to use best judgement and common sense in my design and deal with the changes after.

[@DH-ik1vf]

Where would these rules be found in the IRC?

[@gregvancom]

We got it from the 2012 International Residential Code book on pages 159 and 160. Remember to check with your local building authorities or structural engineers before using the information in this video, because even though it came from some of the more popular building code books, doesn't mean that it will always be applicable to your construction project.

[@sevendust07660]

So less than 40%, no need to double up regardless of how many I drill?

[@gregvancom]

That's my understanding, even though I've never seen it done.

[@andrewmcintosh8677]

I know this doesn’t matter cause it’s not the point of the video but that vent is too low. It needs to be above flood level

[@gregvancom]

Good point and I should have put a window in there to make a little more sense.

[@dylanbauer9663]

what about a fire place

[@gregvancom]

Feel free to provide more details.

[@lavandiallc197]

Thickness vs width vs depth - I wish the speaker kept the terminology straight. He keeps mistaking one for the other.