The I joists are 11 7/8″ but a 3.5 or 4″ toilet drain line seems like a large hole to be cutting even if it’s in the middle of the joist’s depth. Yes, Engineered I-Joists. Looks like the TJI joists allow a 4″ hole as long as it’s at least 2′ from the end. Totally common.

Can I run pipe through joists?

Can a waste pipe go through a joist? Running waste pipes through joists should be avoided where possible, as any drilling of joists (also known as notching joists) may weaken them and compromise the structural integrity.

Is it OK to drill through joists?





You can safely drill joists for electrical and plumbing runs without weakening the joists, if you follow the rules. By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine. Where and how to drill joists for electrical cables or plumbing runs depends on what type of floor framing you have. Keep the hole at least 2 in.

How do you run a drain through a floor joist?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: The joist bays. And you're going to need a coupling. And if you're going to do this you're going to go farther you're going to need more couplings to get the job done and even for a job like.

How big of a hole can you put in a floor joist?

from the top and the bottom if it’s a dimensional lumber joist. The hole cannot be larger than one-third the depth of the joist, so the maximum hole size for a 2×12 joist (actual size 1-1/2 x 11-1/4 in.) is 3-3/4 in. diameter—plenty big enough for running cable!

Does screwing into a joist weaken it?

When weight is applied to a joist, the top edge goes into compression while the bottom edge goes into tension. Improperly sized or placed holes and notches weaken the joist, make it bouncy and saggy, and provide an easy place for it to crack and fail.

Can you notch floor joists for plumbing?





You can cut a notch at the end of the joist to 1/4 of the joist’s depth (maximum). Along the outer third of a joist, you can cut a notch a maximum of 1/6 the joist depth and 1/3 the joist length without compromising its strength.

What is not allowed when cutting holes in joists?

8.2 Engineered wood products. Cuts, notches and holes bored in trusses, laminated veneer lumber, glue- laminated members or I-joists are not permitted unless the effects of such penetrations are specifically considered in the design of the member.

Can you cut holes in I-joists?

According to WIJMA, Holes not exceeding 1/3 of the depth of the web in any dimension are acceptable in most I-joists, and they may be round, square, or rectangular. Holes must be placed in the center third of the vertical depth of the web.

What is code for drilling holes in floor joists?

Holes bored in joists shall not be within 2 inches (51 mm) of the top or bottom of the joist, and the diameter of any such hole shall not exceed one-third the depth of the joist. Notches in the top or bottom of joists shall not exceed one-sixth the depth and shall not be located in the middle third of the span.

How thick is an I joist?



Common Depths



9-1/2″, 11-7/8″, 14″, 16″. Flange widths vary from 1-1/2″ to 3-1/2″; long lengths are readily available.

Can you drill holes in beams?

1. NEVER drill a hole within 1′ of the end of any beam or a floor joist. You should also avoid drilling within 1′ of where a beam sits on top of a support column or post.

What are the requirements for holes and notches in joists?

Joists and rafters



The maximum allowable depth of notches is one fifth of the joist or rafter depth or 32 mm, whichever is less. Holes may only be located within a length measured from the face of a support that is no more than three times the depth of the joist or rafter.

Are floor joists structural?



Floor joists are horizontal structural members that span an open space, often between beams, which subsequently transfer the load to vertical structural members. These joists, part of the floor system, carry the weight of everything inside a room, including walls, furniture, appliances, and even people.

How do you reinforce joists with holes?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: By adding a joist reinforce or you can double the size of the hole to a six inch diameter on either a two by ten or two by twelve. And according to testing this will actually make the joist. Stronger.

Where do you drill pipe joists?

Please follow these rules for making holes in joists:

  • Holes should only be drilled on the centre line of the joist. …
  • Holes should have a diameter of no greater than 0.25 times the depth of the joist.
  • Holes should be no closer together than 3 times the largest diameter permitted.

Can I drill a hole through a floor joist?

Although notches aren’t allowed in the center third of a joist’s length, you can drill holes anywhere along the length of the floor joist in that 5 1⁄4-in. area provided there are no other holes in the joist or notches along its top or bottom. If there are other holes or notches, keep at least 2 in.

How far from end of joist can you drill?



No holes closer than 2 inches to the top or bottom edge. No holes closer than 2 inches to any other hole or notch. No notches in the middle 1/3 of the joist, but holes are permitted here.