Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 7/24/2009

Question
QUESTION: Bruce,

Hello. I am remodeling our 2nd floor master bath and I'm looking for some advice. We are planning to put in a new window and there is a 2" vent that runs vertically in the 2x4 wall that is in the way. The vent serves fixtures on the 1st floor so I can run it horizontally, but it's too big to let me drill through the 2x4 studs so I can run it horizontally.

So far, I have thought of the following options:

1. Find another way to route the vent pipe eliminating the need for the horizontal run.
2. Convert the wall from a 2x4 to a 2x6 wall, allowing me to drill the studs and run the vent pipe.

Option 1 is not viable b/c I do not have access to moving the vent pipe. Option 2 is not desirable b/c the room is already long and narrow, and this would make the room narrower.

Are there any other options you can recommend?

Thank you!


ANSWER: Hi David, you have a couple of options.  First of all you can run 2" pipe through 2x4 studs it is done all the time.  Basically you notch the inside of the stud to the proper depth, run your pipe, and then install a metal protective plate over the pipe.  This plate (I recommend the screw on plumbers plate instead of a drive on Electricians plate) reinforces the stud and also protects the pipe from being screwed or nailed into during the drywall phase.
Your second option is what is called a Studor vent.  A Studor vent is a vent that can be installed inside the wall or room on top of your vent.  It allows air to flow in when someone uses the fixture attached to the vent line but it stops sewer gases from coming up.  When installing a studor vent in a wall cavity however you need to provid it with a way to breathe.  This is done by putting a simple wall grill in that area.  So a Studor vent may not be esthetically possible in the area you are talking about.  Most Home Depot's or Lowes stock these vents.  Or you can research their application online at:http://www.ipscorp.com/studor .  I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Bruce,

Thank you for your reply. I wanted to follow up and ask about code considerations with regard to notching the 2x4's. Here in GA we're under the IRC and I've read that you are not allowed to remove more than 60% of the depth of the stud, even if you double up the studs. The 2" vent pipe is actually closer to 2 3/8", which requires me to remove over 2/3's of the stud depth.

I am having the work inspected so I just wanted to double check to make sure you think it would still be ok to notch the 2x4's.

Thank you!

Answer
Hi again David, have you looked at rerouting the vent in the floor joists below? It will involve a little drywall work on the first floor ceilin.  Make a neat cut and remove enough drywall to do the work and then replace the panel upon completion of the plumbing.  As far as your local code regarding notched studs?  Make a call and talk to a building official, I believe they allow you to reinforce the stud with a metal strap to compensate for the wood loss.  I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..