Recessing 3" drain into ceiling w/o a soffit.

9 years ago

I'm trying to open up a load bearing wall between my kitchen and dining room. My major issue is being able to recess this 3" drain flush to the ceiling. Can a structural chase/channel be created to allow this? Again it needs to be flush - no soffits. I saw a link where someone bored thru the joist and sistered them but I don't know if this would ever pass inspection where I am.

Here is a link that might be useful: Link to photo where someone bored thru the joist for a 3

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Comments (4)

bus_driver
9 years ago
If I see the photo correctly, the joist to the left is already compromised and improperly sistered for the smaller drain pipe.
If this was my premises, the first priority would be structural integrity with appearance being several steps lower in priority. The soffit would not be a problem for me.
Hire a structural engineer, PE, to design the joist system for that area.
I have seen way too many messes caused by well meaning but unknowing workmen.

This post was edited by bus_driver on Wed, Aug 27, 14 at 9:32
Bruce in Northern Virginia
9 years ago
I don't think that joist on the left is sistered. Its just the two joists coming from front and back, and they are sitting on the load bearing wall. That means this wall is probably running right down the middle of a large span. It also seems like you have a lot more than plumbing that needs to be moved out of the way before you remove that wall.

Once you remove the load bearing wall its is common to replace it with a LVL manufactured beam (or similar product), which is probably going to extend 10" or 12" down under the floor joists. I know you said you did not want a soffit, but the plumbing would be hidden by that LVL beam once you box it in with drywall. Recessing the plumbing is a lot of extra work, and once you get done the new beam will mean you cannot make it a completely flush ceiling anyway.

Bruce
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aehmann
Original Author
9 years ago
I am having an engineer come out today. I do see what you're referring to as far as the structural issues. What do you think about the link where the 3" pipe is going through the joists? Is it ludicrous?
Bruce in Northern Virginia
9 years ago
The link that shows the 3" pipe through the joists seems reasonable, considering all the reinforcement they did around the area where the hole was bored. However, you also have to convince the building inspector that its okay.

My contractor removed a load bearing wall and replaced it with an LVL beam, and the specs for span length and LVL beam size were very easy to understand. Based on the manufacturer's specs I had no doubt the beam was sufficient to hold the span. However, the city "engineer" told me I could either show him the calculations that proved the beam was the right, size or I could hire a PE who would certify and stamp the plans. I ended up paying for the engineer's certification.

Bruce