[Surfer Joe]

So my wife and I decided that we would upgrade our bathroom and remove the cheap cabinets the builder put in and replace our tub with a free standing tub. While removing the old cabinets and bath we noticed that the drain for the vanity protrudes slightly through the wall into the floor and the vent for the bathtub drain protrudes even worse. I've never seen anything like this but maybe its common place. Anyway our intention is to install the freestanding tub and vanity but don't want these unsightly pipes showing. If anyone can share the best way to fix this we sure would appreciate it. FYI it appears that the builder was avoiding the beam running through the outside wall. The beam appears to be about 15.5" x 3.25" so I don't know if it can be notched or not. Any help would be super appreciated!


Thanks,
Joe

[ballengerb1]

It is a fairly common practice, if you have a valence above your kitchen cabinets you will find many more. Is this an exterior wall? Is there floor below this level with a wall directly below this wall?

[Surfer Joe]

It is a fairly common practice, if you have a valence above your kitchen cabinets you will find many more. Is this an exterior wall? Is there floor below this level with a wall directly below this wall?

Thanks for your help, and yes to all of your questions.
Exterior wall: Yes
Floor below this level with a wall directly below this wall: Yes

[ballengerb1]

Did you pull a permit for this remodel which would trigger an inspection?

[Surfer Joe]

Did you pull a permit for this remodel which would trigger an inspection?

No permit pulled

[ballengerb1]

OK because the fix will not be code. Use a recip saw and enlarge the notch to make room for your drain and vent. The other option, not so good, is to build out the thickness of the wall to cover the pipe or you could even build a small bench or knee cabinet to hide the issue

[Surfer Joe]

OK because the fix will not be code. Use a recip saw and enlarge the notch to make room for your drain and vent. The other option, not so good, is to build out the thickness of the wall to cover the pipe or you could even build a small bench or knee cabinet to hide the issue

Just so I'm clear notching the beam really doesn't pass muster. Could this cause me any trouble when trying to sell my home in the future. Is notching the beam a bad idea I will regret? Building out the wall or creating some sort of cover will not work for us but I don't want to notch the beam if it will be a problem down the road.

[ballengerb1]

It will not show after you drywall but you will know it was not to code. If/when you sell there may be a question if anything was done to the home without a permit or not to code. Code allows some hole drilling for pipes and conduit but not notching. You could ask a plumber to give you an estimate to reroute the pipes and see if he has any ideas.

[Surfer Joe]

It will not show after you drywall but you will know it was not to code. If/when you sell there may be a question if anything was done to the home without a permit or not to code. Code allows some hole drilling for pipes and conduit but not notching. You could ask a plumber to give you an estimate to reroute the pipes and see if he has any ideas.

Would it be better to just notch a bit out of the vent pipe and wrap it with fiberglass or something?

[massplumber2008]

I don't see any code violations by notching the plate or the beam in this case... just don't go crazy and destroy the beam! I'd open the floor up, cut pipe and notch the beam as needed to bring a new pipe up and into the wall. In remodeling work, this has to be done all the time. I have never had an inspector object to notching a beam that size... we have to get pipes upstairs (or in wall) somehow for Christ's sake!

Good luck!

Mark

[Mike45plus]

Joe,
There are several reasons to always apply for a building permit, or, at least consult with your building code official. They are there to help, and, will advise you on how to proceed within the minimum standards ( especially important when drilling & notching structural members ) required by the building code - they can save you money. They will insure that all subcontractors are competent & insured, and most importantly, they will provide documentation for any future real estate transactions, or for your insurance company in the event of a property damage, liability, compensation, or injury claim.

We discover horizontal plumbing vents below the flood level of bathtub drains often during the demolition stage of a bathroom remodel; it appears that you may have one in your bathroom. Correcting this will guarantee proper drainage for your new tub...

[hkstroud]

What does this sill (beam) rest on?
Is it on a block or concrete foundation or is it on piers?

Is this a vent or drain? If vent can it be rerouted to an interior wall some where?

How large is the bath? Can this wall be built out 1 1/2 inches?

[massplumber2008]

Good question... I meant to ask that, so it would appear that I assumed beam was on a foundation of some kind and in that case, can be notched no problem! However, if a supporting beam, yeah, no notching, for sure!

[Surfer Joe]

I don't see any code violations by notching the plate or the beam in this case... just don't go crazy and destroy the beam! I'd open the floor up, cut pipe and notch the beam as needed to bring a new pipe up and into the wall. In remodeling work, this has to be done all the time. I have never had an inspector object to notching a beam that size... we have to get pipes upstairs (or in wall) somehow for Christ's sake!

Good luck!

Mark

I talked to the building department today and they said that it wasn't a problem as well.

[ballengerb1]

Upon closer looking at the picture on the right the builder already notched the plate. Are you in the USA? I am perplexed that you could ask a building department this question without them requiring you to pull a permit.